There were a number of Latvian speaking students in the 1970's at Kent State University. Professor John Cadzow, director of ethnic heritage programs at the university, organized regular meetings for those students. Starting in 1977, they offered Latvian language courses. In May 1980, Professor Cadzow proposed the formal establishment of the Latvian and Lithuanian Study Programs at Kent State University. The programs consisted of a scholarship fund, literacy material collection at the library, and language studies by tutoring. Today, the first two - Latvian Scholarship Fund and Collection of Latvian literary materials - still exist, including their Lithuanian counterparts.

Professor Cadzow soon retired because of illness, and Professor Herbert Hochhauser was appointed to take over all ethnic programs, including Jewish Studies. He successfully administered the programs for some 15 years. Upon his retirement in 1999, Professor David Brenner succeeded him as the director. Under his guidance, a Latvian brochure of the program was renewed. and still in use today. After some changes in the program administration, in 2003 he was replaced by Associate Dean E. Timothy Moore.

Since the program's inception, Kent State University alumnus Vilmars Kukainis, M.P.A. '77, has served as program coordinator on the behalf of the Latvian community. He has been assisted by Dr. Arturs Grava and Dr. Kornelijs Dinbergs. After the passing away of Dr. Dinbergs, he was replaced by Mr. Karlis Daukss, M.S.M.E. '77. With the help of the Latvian-American students in the program, so far 19 in number, Kent State University has hosted a number of Latvian communal events - commemorations, dance performances, folklore demonstrations, piano recitals, organ concerts and several exhibits, including an exhibit of paintings by noted Latvian artist Rudolfs Vitols. A Latvian web site in English has been established at the College of Arts and Sciences - http://as.kent.edu/latvian. The collection of Latvian literary materials can be accessed through the Kent State University library, as well as OhioLink and the interlibrary loan system.

Currently two Latvian-American students, Kristaps Daukss and Edvards Lauge, are receiving $1,000 a semester from the Latvian Scholarship Fund. Originally, the amount was $500, but it has been doubled and will continue to be awarded as long as funds suffice. Some of the requirements for the scholarship to be awarded include being a full-time undergraduate student at Kent State University, and having at least a basic level of competence in the Latvian Language. A student must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.8 and is expected to participate in an annual project related to Latvian studies.

Annual meetings are held in the spring semester, supplemented by working level meetings when necessary. Information is exchanged and donations graciously accepted. The 25th Anniversary meeting for the Latvian and Lithuanian Scholarship Programs will be held Monday night, May 2, 2005, in Room 102 of Bowman Hall. All interested are invited to attend, including present and past scholarship recipients and their parents. Coffee and ethnic refreshments will be served. Admission is free, and parking tickets will be validated.

Ingrida Apsalone (from Latvia)
Martins Barkans (from Latvia)
Benita Bross-Titus (deceased)
Kristaps Daukss (current)
Karlis Dinbergs
Greta Deszo-Weeks
Diana Ickes
Edvards Lauge (current)
Marcis Liepins
Arnis Pakalnins (from Latvia)
Kristine Resnis-Aschenbrener
Larisa Resnis-Leikala
Silvija Resnis
Tamara Ristl-Wornak
Diana Robeznieks-Verhas
Sandra Robeznieks-Hazners
Andra Rozukalns-Pelds
Andra Spalvins-Moysaenko
Andra Zarins