Graduates of the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Technology join the ranks of LBTU alumni
On June 18, the graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Technology (FAFT) at the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) was held in the University Aula. A total of 131 graduates received their higher education diplomas, including 14 international students. Six graduates were awarded LBTU Excellence Diplomas in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements.
All photos from the event can be viewed and downloaded via this link.
Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Technology, Dace Siliņa, addressed the graduates: "Dear graduates, your time at the university was about much more than just the degree you are receiving today. It was about learning to live far away from home, building resilience, and forming strong bonds within these walls. This is proof that you are truly ready for whatever comes next. Congratulations!"
During the ceremony, diplomas were awarded to 37 graduates of the professional bachelor's study programme "Agriculture", who obtained a Professional Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture and one of the following professional qualifications: Agronomist specialising in Field Crop Production, Agronomist specialising in Horticulture, Zootechnician, or Agricultural Production Manager.
Additionally, 18 graduates of the professional bachelor's study programme "Food Product Technology" received a Professional Bachelor's Degree in Food Science and Technology and the professional qualification of Food Engineer-Technologist.
Seventeen graduates were honoured in the academic bachelor's study programme "Food Quality and Innovation". They received a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Sciences in Food Production Technologies. One of the graduates in this programme was an international student.
Among the graduates were 24 students of the professional bachelor’s study program "Catering and Hotel Management", who received a professional bachelor’s degree in hospitality business management and the qualification of tourism service manager. Excellence diplomas were also awarded to Kitija Bartonika, whose thesis was titled "Challenges of allergens and dietary restrictions in restaurants with tasting menus in Latvia" and Sita Rastegajeva, who developed a bachelor’s thesis on "Well-being assessment of waiters in restaurants in Riga".
Seven graduates of the academic master’s study program "Agriculture" received a master’s degree in agriculture.
Meanwhile, 23 graduates of the academic master’s study program "Food Science" received a master’s degree in engineering sciences in food production technologies; 14 of them were international students. Excellence diplomas were also awarded to four graduates: Krista Juliāna Cīrule-Imbovica, whose thesis was "The potential of inulin addition for improving the nutritional value and quality of non-alcoholic beer", Laura Elīza Freimane "The impact of sourdough on the functional properties of fermented milk products", Ieva Miķelsone "Antioxidants in cucurbit fruits: evaluation of tocopherols and carotenoids" and Elise Sipeniece "Investigation of biologically active compounds in microgreens".
Five graduates of the academic master’s study program "Nutrition Science", who are health specialists, had already received their diplomas earlier. They obtained a master’s degree in nutrition science.
A ceremonial address was delivered by LBTU Rector Irina Arhipova: "Dear graduates, respected lecturers, parents, friends, and guests! Today we are here to celebrate a very important moment – the graduation of students from the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Technology at the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies. This is a day we have all looked forward to with pride, joy, and emotion. In this academic year, more than 800 students will graduate at the university. These students come from five university faculties, including 86 international graduates. A special congratulation goes to 56 graduates who will receive the diploma of excellence for their great academic result and hard work. The six graduates from the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Technology also received diploma of academic excellence. Dear graduates, in your next step – to work, more studies, on your own business – remember: you represent Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies. We are proud of you. Congratulation of your graduation. May every step you take lead to growth, happiness, and progress. Thank you and good luck!"
As graduation ceremonies continue, on June 18 at 15.00, graduates of the Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences will be honored. On June 19 at 11.00, diplomas will be awarded to graduates of the Faculty of Economics and Social Development, and at 15.00 to new specialists of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Higher education diplomas have already been awarded to graduates of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies.
