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The scholarships were awarded by the KFF representatives – John Algirdas Kazickas, the member of the KFF Board, son of the philanthropist Dr Joseph P. Kazickas, the founder of the Foundation, Vilnius Office Executive Director Agnė Vertelkaitė and Vilnius Office Program Coordinator Ieva Sriebaliūtė – who visited KTU earlier this month. During the academic year 2018/2019, 7,400 EUR in scholarship funds were provided by the Kazickas Family Foundation for the KTU students .

“I would like to thank you all. You are a great example showing that during the study years one can not only strive for knowledge but also to devote his or her precious time to philanthropy, volunteering and helping those who need your help, attention and care most. This is the aim of our Foundation”, said John Algirdas Kazickas addressing the recipients.

During the meeting, students shared their thoughts on the importance and benefits of volunteering, their studies and future plans. Mr. Kazickas was genuinely excited to meet active and socially responsible students who will be successfully creating the future of Lithuania.

The Kazickas Family Foundation scholarships were awarded to:

Dovydas Blaževičius is working on his Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering. Dovydas is actively doing the reseach, presenting his findings at the local and international scientific conferences, has published several articles in scientific journals. Dovydas is an active member of the faculty research group. For two years he's been teaching chemistry children at the local schools in a new and unique way, conducting laboratory classes for university students. He's also been organizing interactive activities during the science festivals "Spaceship Earth" and "Researchers’ Night".

Inga Stadalninkaitė just received her Master's Degree in Translation and Localisation of Technical Texts at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities. For several years, Inga has been volunteering with the Order of Malta in Lithuania, is a member of “Sustainable Gastro” community, helps to organize various events. Inga can efficiently manage studies and extracurricular activities – she is a copywriter and editor with several volunteering organizations. Inga is KTU Students’ Scientific Society member and participates in several programs for young entrepreneurs.

Lukas Gaidžiūnas is an IT student working on his Bachelor's Degree. Lukas is the elder of the academic group, a member of the dormitory council and is preparing to take over the position of the chairman of the dormitory. Lukas has been volunteering with the Youth Line for the last year, providing young people with emotional support. “I study hard and after the classes I participate in various community activities such as volunteering at the KTU events, help to organize various functions and assist creating a positive atmosphere for the volunteers and the guests”, says Lukas.

Klaudija Urbaitytė is working on her Master's Degree in Marketing Management at the School of Economics and Business. Klaudija participates in scientific conferences and actively publishes articles in scientific journals. She volunteers with the “Maisto bankas” (Eng. food bank) campaign, the social house of Vilijampolė and during the various sports events.

Aidas Ivanauskas is a Automation and Control Systems student at the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Faculty. Aidas has been volunteering with the Children and Youth Centre at the Kaunas Saint Vincent de Paul Parish for over 6 years now. It is a community that brings together individuals from different social classes and groups. Centre's goal is to raise young people based on Christian values, to integrate them into the society through the camps, training courses, trips and social campaigns. The Centre creates a safe space for the teenagers to discover their talents by working on different tasks. Aidas also volunteered during the Papal Visit to Lithuania last year.

Simona Kiškytė is working toward her Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Technology and Engineering at the Faculty of Chemical Technology. Simona has been volunteering with the Lithuanian Youth Society “Žingsnis” (Eng. step) for almost a year now. “Žingsnis” is a NGO working on alcohol, tobacco and drug prevention among the young people. Simona also trains at the organic synthesis lab and participates in various international study projects and in Erasmus+ exchange program. “I believe that creating a conscious, sober community is the first step toward a conscious and sober society. I am proud to contribute to this. The Kazickas Family Foundation scholarship is a great encouragement to keep creating better and more beautiful Lithuania!”, says Simona.

Dr. Joseph P. Kazickas was awarded the KTU Honorary Doctor title in 1998. The same year dr. J. P. Kazickas (later the Kazickas Family Foundation) awarded numerous students with grants for education.

Text and Photos: KTU