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Congratulations to the Recipients of the KFF STEM Scholarship

Congratulations to the recipients of the KFF STEM Scholarship

Kazickas Family Foundation is proud to announce the first recipients of the STEM Scholarship, a program designed to empower talented Lithuanian students to pursue advanced studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) at top academic institutions abroad.

The winners of the scholarship have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements, a passion for their chosen fields, and a strong commitment to using their knowledge and skills to benefit Lithuania. Their journey will take them to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, where they will be exposed to the latest advancements in science and technology, collaborate with leading experts, and participate in cutting-edge research. Here are the winners and their thoughts on what motivated them to choose such studies:

Milda Tulabaite, Bachelor in Physics and Data Science, Constructor University, Germany:

“My decision to pursue this degree was driven by my passion for physics and its wide applications across all aspects of modern life.”

Martyna Petrulyte, Master in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Clemson University, USA:

“My aspiration is fueled by my desire to become a biology teacher in Lithuania. Through this program, I aim to gain comprehensive knowledge and practical skills that will not only enrich my teaching capabilities but also enable me to instill a sense of curiosity and appreciation for biology among my students.”

Agne Ramanaviciute, Master in Scientific Computing, University of Cambridge, UK:

“This master’s course will allow me to delve further into material science and develop a new research skill, computational material modelling, which will unlock many new frontiers for my research.”

Paulius Kalinauskas, Master of Physics, University of Oxford, UK:

“The physics program will be ideal for my career, as it is highly structured and intensive, encourages creative thinking, and prepares students to tackle the latest scientific challenges. Hence, it fits perfectly with my learning style, discipline, and desire to explore this fascinating field of science.”

Ieva Bagdonaviciute, Bachelor in Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA:

“My academic and professional passions include astrophysics, quantum science, and electrical engineering. Over the past two years, I have immersed myself in research, participating in the Undergraduate Research Symposium and working in various laboratories. My ultimate ambition is to pioneer the first Quantum Computing Laboratory in Lithuania.”

Marta Marciulionyte, Master in Analytical Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Denmark:

“The study program offers a broad spectrum of academic mastery in analytical chemistry. Laboratories there are equipped with the latest technologies that are relevant today. These two years will provide me with enough expertise to become a better teacher for Lithuanian students.”

“Our decision to support students’ STEM studies abroad is driven by the recognition that the global experience and cutting-edge knowledge they gain will be invaluable. By studying in some of the world’s top institutions, these young minds will not only bring back advanced expertise but also new perspectives that can contribute to our nation’s progress. At the same time, they spread awareness of the cultural and technological richness of Lithuania,” says our president, Jurate Kazickas.

Congratulations to the Recipients of the KFF STEM Scholarship Read More »

The 25th Anniversary Celebration Evening of the Kazickas Family Foundation

The 25th anniversary celebration evening of the Kazickas Family Foundation

On October 19th, the Kazickas Family Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary with a gala in Vilnius Town Hall. The goal of the event was to recognize the Foundation and its partners’ mutual accomplishments and to honor a few special organizations and people.

During the event, a few special partners were honored: Blue/Yello (for rapid response to crises), the Center for Combating Human Trafficking and Exploitation (for creating social welfare), the Vilnius Archdiocese’s “Caritas” Alternative Education Center (for empowering young people), the series of concerts “Sacred Music Hours” (for long-term partnership) and Albinas Kentra (for lifetime achievements).

Over 25 years, the Foundation allocated about 15 million. dollars. Every year, KFF supports about 100 organizations in the USA, Lithuania and Zimbabwe.

“We support not only organizations, but also programs initiated by the family members. For example, “Youth Can” – the development of life skills through sports for young people in the regions, “Bring Together Lithuania” – an internship program for diaspora youth, “Uncommon” – a program operating in Zimbabwe and Lithuania where young people can learn IT and life skills”, – Michael Kazickas.

According to John Kazickas, guided by the tradition of philanthropy in the family and love for Lithuania, the Foundation annually supports about 30 Lithuanian organizations. About 50 percent of all support goes to organizations related to Lithuania.

KFF has been operating since 1998 in New York, and since 1999 – in Vilnius. It was founded by Dr. Joseph P. Kazickas together with his wife Alexandra. After regaining independence, they contributed to the restoration of The Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, monuments, churches, book publishing, and the establishment of the President V. Adamkus Library-Museum. Later, the Foundation turned its attention to young people, whose education and empowerment became one of the priority areas of the Kazickas family.

Jurate Kazickaite, the daughter of Joseph and Alexandra Kazickas, has been the president of the Foundation since its establishement. Over time, the number of members of the Kazickas family has increased in the Foundation – there are currently three generations in it.

“All family members are involved in philanthropic activities and support the areas of their choice. Since there are a lot of us in the family and we operate in more than one country, we can react flexibly to what is happening in the world. In fact, one of the priority areas at the moment is responding to crisis, such as the refugee crisis, the pandemic, the war in Ukraine,” said Katarina Kazickas.

On this occasion, a total of 10 family members came to Lithuania to visit and participate in the event: the children of J. P. and A. Kazickas with their spouses and two granddaughters.