Academic Centre
Representatives of the University of Latvia (UL) Foundation visited Canada this summer during a North America tour and concluded volunteer contract to represent the UL Foundation in Canada. The contracts were signed with Ina Ozoliņa. We invited Ms. Ozoliņa for a conversation. For the fifth time, she accompanies her husband, the current ambassador of Latvia in Canada, Kaspars Ozoliņš, on his diplomatic mission outside Latvia. She is an economist by profession and has worked in the Ministry of Defence, before her departure to Canada. Ina considers education as a key factor in the country’s growth.
Thank you for your support to the UL Foundation by signing a volunteer contract to represent the UL foundation in Canada. What motivated you to make this important decision?
Two reasons encouraged me. One is sentimentally emotional – the University of Latvia is the Alma Mater of our entire family: my husband, myself and both of our children. We represent a wide range of sciences, from humanities to natural sciences. The second reason is the desire to see Latvia as a land where technology develops, the economy and population become increasingly wealthy. As an economist, I am convinced that investment in education is a key prerequisite for national development. When the UL Foundation invited me, I agreed without hesitation.
How do you evaluate the work and initiatives of the UL Foundation? Which of the projects do you think is the most interesting?
The UL Foundation implements a versatile and important work – from student scholarships to involvement in the implementation of science projects. I am attracted to foundation's initiatives that are directly related to the development of Latvia. I am particularly moved by one of the UL Foundation's most ambitious projects – "Latvia's First Nobel Prize Winner by 2050". I believe that it is essential to set high targets and aim at achieving them. Gradually, this project will benefit the University of Latvia, scientists and the national economy as a whole.
How do you think that the UL Foundation can contribute to the development of the patron movement and cooperation with the Latvian Canadian community? What would be the most effective ways to inform and attract the Latvian diaspora in Canada to support the UL Foundation's initiatives?
In my opinion, four elements are important in promoting patronage: one is the institution itself, its visibility and people's understanding of what the institution is doing. Secondly, there are important legal aspects: clear conditions for cooperation and benefits for donors, such as tax rebates and others. Thirdly, it is important to note the positive examples of cooperation already in place which demonstrate the success of the UL Foundation and, fourthly, to provide feedback to donors, patrons on how projects are implemented and how they are developed. I think the UL Foundation currently successfully contributes to all these elements, but there can never be too much information. Canadian Latvians are very supportive and pragmatic – they want to know exactly what is happening and how. Therefore, greater dissemination of information and a more personal link with the diaspora would be very effective in attracting new patrons.
How do you evaluate the contract between UL and LRDF (Latvian Relief and Development Fund) in Canada, and how important is the fact that Canadian Latvians who donate to the UL Foundation will be able to receive tax relief in the future?
I believe that this is a very important step, because tax incentives, as in many other countries, are also in place in Latvia and Canada to promote the willingness of companies, as well as individuals to donate. However, this is not the only positive aspect of the contract between UL and LRDF. Essentially, such a contract increases the credibility and visibility of the UL Foundation in Canada, which makes it much easier for me to do my job in fundraising.
Are universities in Canada actively working with patrons? How does it differ from the practice in Latvia? Can you share some good examples that Latvia could adopt?
Given the start of my collaboration with the UL Foundation, I have studied how the cooperation with donors is taking place in Canada. Universities here attract the most donations compared to other organisations. If we analyse how donations are used, we see significant changes over the years. In the past, the donations of patrons were mainly invested in university buildings – the donor's name was placed on the facade and his or her involvement in the further activity was minimal. At the moment, the situation has changed – donations are directed to the study process and research, and patrons are actively involved in monitoring project implementation. Another innovation is the cooperation with patrons in the framework of joint projects. In the past, donors acted individually, whereas today they merge and pursue projects jointly, often at a transnational level, encompassing both Canada and the US, where education systems are closely inter-linked. It is also possible that the UL Foundation could adopt this experience by encouraging greater cooperation and involvement of patrons in long-term projects.
What is the difference between living in Canada and the other times you accompanied your husband on his diplomatic missions outside Latvia?
This is the first time we've been so far from home, as previous times have been in the Czech Republic, Sweden, Denmark and the US. In Europe we are used to having everything within arm's length, but here we have to reckon with long distances, travel is much more complicated. Canadians are big nature lovers, I too try to get to know Canadian nature. We have a small group of friends who regularly explore different nature trails, in wintertime, too. As much snow as in Ottawa, I have never seen before in my life.
What is your wish for the UL Foundation, our scholars, students and young researchers who, supported by the UL Foundation's patrons, are pursuing their plans in studies and research?
I wish students and scholars, young researchers and the UL Foundation to be free from fear of big and ambitious goals – with courage and determination, everything will come true!
