The Winter Graduation Series Concludes with Graduates of the Faculty of Economics and Social Development
On January 29, 68 young specialists from the Faculty of Economics and Social Development (ESAF) of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) celebrated their winter graduation. Of these, 34 graduated from bachelor’s study programmes and 34 from master’s study programmes. The group of graduates also included international students.
All graduation photos can be viewed and downloaded using this link.
Photos of Excellence Diploma recipients can be viewed and downloaded using this link.
At the faculty’s graduation ceremony, six graduates were awarded diplomas of excellence: Elvijs Višņevskis from the professional master’s study programme "Business Administration"; Vilma Alberinga, Sāra Meirēna, Marta Puriņa and Anna Margreta Vērdiņa from the professional master’s study programme "Project Management"; as well as Edgars Mizniks from the academic bachelor’s study programme "Sociology of Organization and Public Administration".
At the graduation ceremony, congratulatory addresses were delivered by the Dean of the Faculty, Dina Popluga: "Dear graduates and guests! Today, we aren't just celebrating your degrees; we are celebrating your hard work and your drive to succeed. As a memory from the faculty, today you will receive a special symbol - a pen in a wooden stand in the form of a feather. There is a deep meaning hidden in this gift that resonates with your future path. The tree symbolizes stability and roots. At the faculty we have tried to give you these roots - strong knowledge, critical thinking and a value system. The tree grows slowly but thoroughly, and that's exactly how your growth is. Remember that the strongest tree is the one that is able to adapt to the wind, but does not lose touch with the ground. In contrast, the shape of the feather and the pen symbolize lightness, creativity and action. The feather is created for flight. It reminds us that with your knowledge, you can now write your own story and influence the development of society. Dear graduates, be as strong as a tree in your values, but as free as a feather in your dreams. Congratulations!"
At the undergraduate level, diplomas were awarded to 12 young specialists from the academic bachelor’s study programme "Economics", who obtained a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree in Economics. Studies in economics help to understand and influence economic processes – from everyday financial decisions to sustainable development. During their studies, students develop analytical and strategic thinking, acquire skills in forecasting economic processes, learn the principles of digital and circular economy, as well as smart business solutions. Graduates become competitive specialists capable of balancing growth with sustainability, adapting to a changing economy, and driving change in the public, business and international environments, thus building a strong foundation for a successful career.
Higher education diplomas were also awarded to 13 graduates of the professional bachelor’s study programme "Business Administration and Company Management", who were granted a Professional Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Company Management, as well as a manager’s qualification. This study programme provides a solid foundation for a career in entrepreneurship and organizational management. During their studies, students develop strategic and analytical thinking and acquire skills in management, finance, marketing, risk management, innovation and digital entrepreneurship, as well as decision-making in a dynamic and competitive business environment. Graduates are prepared to lead teams, develop businesses, implement sustainable and innovative solutions, and successfully adapt to labour market changes in Latvia and internationally, using both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
At the undergraduate level, diplomas were also awarded to nine graduates of the academic bachelor’s study programme "Sociology of Organization and Public Administration" who obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology of Organization and Public Administration. Sociology studies develop critical thinking and the ability to analyse societal processes and social issues from multiple perspectives. Students acquire sociological research methods, gain an understanding of public administration and policy-making processes, and develop communication and argumentation skills. The acquired knowledge is widely applicable in market and consumer behaviour analysis, assessment of public opinion and policy outcomes, and work in public administration, municipalities, media and business sectors, as well as fostering an understanding of cultural diversity and global change.
The group of graduates was also joined by 22 graduates of the professional master’s study programme "Business Administration", including international graduates. They obtained a Professional Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) and a qualification as an organization manager. During their studies, they acquired skills and knowledge to become high-level interdisciplinary (agriculture, regional development, governance systems, production and processing) business and management specialists in national economic sectors, with top-level managerial qualifications.
Diplomas were also awarded to 10 graduates of the professional master’s study programme "Project Management", who obtained a Professional Master’s degree in Project Management or a Professional Master’s degree in Project Management along with a project manager qualification. During their studies, they gained an understanding and knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects of project development, management and evaluation, the use of information technologies in project management, and project financial management. They also acquired knowledge in human resource management, quality management systems and programmes, as well as regulatory requirements in the field of project management.
In addition, diplomas were awarded to two graduates of the academic master’s study programme "Sociology of Organization and Public Administration", who obtained a Master of Social Sciences degree in Sociology of Organization and Public Administration. During their studies, they developed skills and competencies to assess societal processes and analyse and solve problems in organizations and public administration. Graduates have in-depth knowledge of the functioning and development trends of state and municipal institutions, as well as trends in sociology and related scientific disciplines. They are able to apply scientific research methods by independently conducting sociological research and use core social science knowledge in planning, decision-making and implementation processes.
The winter graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Economics and Social Development (ESAF) was the final graduation event in January 2026. Earlier, higher education diplomas were also awarded to graduates of the Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences (MVZF) and the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies (IITF). Graduation ceremonies will continue in June 2026, when diplomas will be awarded to graduates of all study programmes implemented at LBTU.
