Academic CentreThe patron Dr. ing. Alfrēds Raisters (1921–2012) was born in Riga and studied at the University of Latvia Faculty of Mechanics, which until founding of the Republic of Latvia was a part of the Riga Polytechnic Institute (today – Riga Technical University). He left Latvia during the World War II and received a degree in electrical engineering from the Technical University of Stuttgart. In 1948, he joined the student corporation Lettonia and became its active participant – initially in Germany, then in the United States, both the State of Washington and Southern California.
Alfrēds Raisters began his professional career in 1955, after he received the citizenship of the USA and commenced working as an engineer at Boeing, testing aircraft aerodynamics in a wind tunnel. In 1960, he was employed by Martin Marietta company, Southern California, where he worked at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Titan I and Titan II rocket flight control inspection team. Subsequently, he was employed by Hughes Aircraft Company for 25 years, testing satellites and the utility of various vehicles in a simulation laboratory and leading projects in the laser department. In addition to his work, in 1973 Alfrēds Raisters acquired a master's degree in business administration (MBA) from the Pepperdine University, California, and in 1988 – a doctorate in engineering from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. He spoke about project management at international conferences and universities around the world.
Alfrēds Raisters was an ardent athlete – he fenced, sailed, rowed, played volleyball and basketball, and also trained American athletes in these sports disciplines. Later, he began to play tennis, which he continued to do for a lifetime, actively involved in the Southern California Tennis Judges Association and attending the Montreal, Lillehammer and Atlanta Olympics.
After retiring from the Hughes Aircraft Company at the age of 76, A. Raisters continued to work as a consultant, gave lectures, and devoted his time to the California Science Center in developing pupils’ curricula. In 1992, A. Raisters became the Honorary Consul of Latvia in Southern California and held this position until 2011.
Dr. ing. Alfrēds Raisters passed away at the age of 91 in 2012, donating the funds saved throughout his lifetime to five universities of the world that played a significant role in his life and career, including the University of Latvia and Riga Technical University.
Support
In 2016, according to Alfrēds Raisters’ will, the University of Latvia received USD 223 000 for the creation of the memorial grant of the donor.
In the 2018/2019 academic year, the scholarships were awarded to Elviss Dvinskis, Anna Kiršteina, Līga Paparde, Elīna Pavlovska, Krišjānis Rudus, Marija Samoviča, Māris Seņkovs, Kristīne Soboļevska, Monta Ustinova, Nineļa Miriama Vainšelbauma, Viesturs Zandersons, Dāvis Zavickis and Rimants Žogota.
The scholars of the 2017/2018 academic year were Kristīne Soboļevska, Jēkabs Fridmanis, Antons Pribitoks, Dita Pelnēna, Jānis Leitāns, Jurijs Ješkins, Viesturs Zandersons, Andris Dekants, Jānis Ivanovs, Alise Ella Pretkalniņa, Haralds Baunis, Andris Potrebko, Mihails Šišovs and Anna Kiršteina.
In the 2016/2017 academic year, the scholarships were awarded to Aigars Langins, Emils Sjundjukovs, Jānis Leitāns, Svjatoslavs Kistkins, Anna Kiršteina, Ilze Elbere, Marta Priedīte, Antons Pribitons, Inga Jonāne and Mārcis Sējējs.
We greatly appreciate the generous support to education and development!