At the end of graduation week, graduates of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine join the LBTU alumni community

Congratulatory remarks at the graduation ceremony were delivered by LBTU rector Irina Arhipova: "Dear graduates, respected lecturers, parents, friends, and distinguished guests, Ttoday, we are gathered to celebrate a very important milestone – the graduation of students from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies. In this academic year, more than 800 students will graduate from the University's five faculties, including 86 international graduates. Today, we are especially proud to honor those who have chosen one of the most demanding and meaningful professions – veterinary medicine. This is a moment to look back with pride. The years spent studying have not been easy. They have been filled with lectures, textbooks, practical training, long hours in laboratories, and, above all, a genuine dedication to animal health and welfare. Being a veterinarian is more than just a profession – it is a vocation. It requires knowledge, compassion, commitment, and the ability to take responsibility for those who cannot speak for themselves. A special thank you also goes to your families and friends, who have supported you throughout your studies with patience, encouragement, and unwavering belief in your abilities. Most importantly, be proud of yourselves. You have invested your time, effort, and passion to reach this day, and your achievement deserves recognition. As you take your next steps – whether in clinical practice, agriculture, laboratories, research, public service, or entrepreneurship – always remember that you are ambassadors of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies. We are proud of your accomplishments and confident in your future success. Congratulations on your graduation, and best wishes for the journey ahead."

The qualification of a veterinarian enables young professionals to work not only in veterinary clinics, but also in institutions of the Food and Veterinary Service, laboratories, scientific and educational institutions, veterinary wholesale companies, and pharmacies. In addition, a veterinary diploma provides employment opportunities in any European Union member state.

The LBTU study programme "Veterinary Medicine" includes three main areas: the structure and functions of a healthy animal organism; animal hygiene and welfare (anatomy, histology, physiology, chemistry, animal hygiene, etc.); diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of animal diseases (clinical and visual diagnostics, pathology, internal diseases, surgery, obstetrics, infectious and parasitic diseases, etc.); and food and environmental hygiene (food hygiene and inspection, food infections, food toxicology, etc.).

Graduates were also congratulated by the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (VMF) Kaspars Kovaļenko: "Dear graduates, families, colleagues, and guests, This is the 102nd graduation of veterinary medicine students in Latvia, while the Faculty itself is 107 years old. We can truly say that this faculty has deep historical roots, spanning more than a century. I still remember the first day you entered the Faculty - full of excitement, uncertainty, and the unknown ahead. You have dedicated six years - which is about 180 million seconds - to studying veterinary medicine, while also managing everything else that comes with life: sleep, meals, and everything in between. I understand that this journey has been demanding and, at times, stressful and challenging. Yet, at the same time, it has also been joyful and meaningful, guided by a higher purpose. As veterinarians, you are not only doctors of animals - you are guardians of One Health, ethics, and life in all its interconnected forms. Please do not forget that. At the same time, you have studied during a new era. And what is an era? An era is a distinct and memorable period of time defined by prominent developments, significant events, and shared characteristics. You have lived through the rise of artificial intelligence, the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing geopolitical tensions. In addition, you have faced long-standing global challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and the impact of climate change on both animal and human health. Each of these alone is significant - but together, they define a particularly complex moment in time. Therefore, I encourage you to keep your curiosity, responsibility, and adaptability alive. These six years are only the beginning of your learning curve. No one reaches this point alone - stay connected. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has supported, guided, taught, challenged, and believed in you throughout this journey: your families, friends, teachers, mentors, and peers. And finally - you are now our colleagues. Trust yourselves, continue learning, and never forget the importance of the path you have chosen. You are always welcome at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, as you are now part of its long and continuing history."

It should be added European Veterinary Education Committee has made a decision to grant LBTU for implementing higher education in veterinary medicine, as well as being in compliance with the European Veterinary Education Evaluation System and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Jelgava and one of the leading countries.

The 2026 summer graduation period at LBTU has now concluded. In June, diplomas confirming the completion of higher education were awarded to students from the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies, the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Technology, the Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences, the Faculty of Economics and Social Development (ESAF), and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.  The next graduation ceremony is scheduled for early 2027.