RSU Academic Ball 2023 is a great success

The Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Academic Ball took place on Saturday, 9 September at the Riga Latvian Society House. Staff, students, and specially invited guests attended the ball to honour academic tradition at RSU and celebrate the University’s achievements. The RSU Annual Awards and the Alumni Association Award were presented during the official part of the event.

RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons opened the ball by saying that RSU is an open and modern European university. He emphasised that the University’s main value is people, their excellence, and work capacity, but that

‘after a job well done, there is time for respite and a celebration of our accomplishments'.

Hosts Maija Doveika and Edgars Ošleja, with RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons

Addressing the guests, the Minister of Health of the Republic of Latvia Līga Meņģelsone praised the University’s ability to preserve and keep the traditions alive, as well as to combine them with progress and innovation:

‘You are our, the health sector's, greatest place for nurturing professionals’.

Chairman of the RSU Council Reinis Bērziņš spoke after the Minister. In his address, Bērziņš highlighted at least five good things that distinguish RSU from other universities, one of the most important being its ability to successfully export higher education. This is reflected in the fact that this year, the number of international students at RSU reached an all-time high. 

After the official part, the Annual Awards in nine categories to honour the best students, staff, alumni, researchers, and university departments were presented, including the Lifetime Achievement Award. After these were handed out, the RSU Alumni Association presented a special award.

Participants enjoyed musical performances by bass-baritone Edgars Ošleja, violinist Daniils Bulajevs, pianist Agnese Egliņa, and cellist Guna Šnē.

Traditionally, the ball began with a polonaise, after which participants watched a performance by the dance club Evita. Participants spent the rest of the evening socialising, dancing, and engaging in various exciting activities.

This year, performers included Bigband Jelgava led by Raitis Ašmanis, soloists Rūta Dūduma-Ķirse and Daumants Kalniņš, the band Dziļi Violets, and DJ Kārlis Ķilkuts. The musical performances took place in the Big Hall and the Golden Hall of the Riga Latvian Society House. Simultaneously, there were different creative activities and masterclasses happening in the White Hall.

Everyone had the opportunity to have their photo taken in the photo corner that had been set up in the Presidential Salon.

Actress Maija Doveika and bass-baritone Edgars Ošleja were the evening’s hosts.

Photographs from the event

Photographs from the RSU SP photo wall

Dance classes

RSU staff and students are invited to prepare for the next ball and attend dance classes throughout the academic year. Classes take place every Wednesday from 20.00 to 21.15 at 9a Kuldīgas iela in Riga. Participants will have the opportunity to learn polonaise, slow waltz, Viennese waltz, foxtrot, tango, cha-cha-cha, rumba, samba, and jive.

The dance class costs EUR 15 for couples and EUR 7.50 for one person. The payment must be made by transferring the amount to RSU Swedbank account LV02HABA0551000376050 and writing the following as the purpose of the payment: Payment for dance classes. The classes are conducted by Evita Pavasare, Sports Dance Coach at the RSU Sports Club (phone: +371 29455558, e-mail: dkevitainbox[pnkts]lv)