(Friends of the University of Latvia in Philadelphia, Photo: P.Alunans) During the week of February 14, Professor Marcis Auzins, Rector of the University of Latvia, and Laila Kundzina, Director of the University of Latvia Fund, visited Washington and Philadelphia. They met with Ambassador Andrejs Pildegovics, officials from Georgetown University and SAIS/Johns Hopkins, and members of the Latvian community in Rockville, MD. The focus of these meetings was to discuss the feasibility of establishing student exchange programs at an undergraduate level, as well as to secure funding for such programs. In Philadelphia, Rector Auzins, together with Honorary Consul John Medveckis, laid the groundwork for the Friends of the University of Latvia. A meeting was held with the future trustees and voting members, the head of the non-profit organization was designated, and guidelines for its establishment were discussed. Members of the Friends of the University of Latvia include: Andris Ramans (Los Altos, CA), Martins Andersons-chair(San Francisco, CA), Janis Plostnieks (Blue Bell, PA), Roberts Blumbergs, (Chicago, IL), Guna Mundheim (New York, NY), Vaira Christopher (Edmunds, WA). Two scholarships for the support of the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE) of the University of Latvia were presented. The Friends of the University of Latvia will provide a tax-exempt vehicle for donations to support scholarships for the University of Latvia. Contact: Laila Kundzina, CEO and Board member, University of Latvia Foundation laila.kundzina@fonds.lv www.fonds.lv