As Latvia celebrates its centennial anniversary, UNL welcomed H.E. The Ambassador of Latvia Mr. Andris Teikmanis as he opened “Kārlis Ulmanis: People that have shaped Latvia’s Centennial.”
On September 14, 2018, UNL offered a chance for the community to celebrate Lincoln graduate, founding father, Prime Minister and President of Latvia, Kārlis Ulmanis. The event, sponsored by the Embassy of Latvia and the American Latvian Association, included a lecture series and special archives exhibition at Love Library.
One of the most prominent Latvian politicians during the interwar period of independence from November 1918 to June 1940, Ulmanis studied at UNL and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1909. UNL has also honored Ulmanis with a bust and plaque in his memory, which was on display at the collection.
H.E. The Ambassador of Latvia Mr. Andris Teikmanis began the reception at Howard Hawks Hall with opening remarks. Dr. Jānis Šiliņš (University of Latvia) and Dr. Juris Plēsums (Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies) followed, speaking about Ulmanis’ role in Latvian history and his American experience.
After the lecture series, guests were invited to view the Ulmanis archival material, “Treasures of Latvia,” at the Archives and Special Collections in Love Library.
In honor of its Centennial in 2018, Latvia is highlighting what it has always considered to be its greatest asset: the people. As part of the Centennial Public Diplomacy Program, the Ulmanis lecture series and exhibition showcased one of its most important politicians and a historical citizen.
Kārlis Augusts Vilhelms Ulmanis, born on September 4, 1877 in the Dobele region in Latvia, was one of the most prominent Latvian politicians during the interwar period of independence from November 1918 to June 1940. Ulmanis studied at UNL and earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1909. After working briefly as a lecturer and for Roberts Dairy in Lincoln, Ulmanis moved to Houston, Texas to oversee a dairy business. Ulmanis later returned to Latvia and became president, sharing his enthusiasm for Nebraska traditions with his country.