Estonian University of Life Sciences names Kaie Laaneväli Alumna of the Year

Kaie Laaneväli and Jaanus Männik have demonstrated, in very different ways, just how significant the impact of a single alumnus can be. In her daily work, Kaie brings together the needs of Estonian agricultural producers, the knowledge she gained at the Estonian University of Life Sciences and European Union policymaking. Jaanus, meanwhile, has spent a quarter of a century helping to maintain and strengthen the University’s alumni community and has been a dedicated contributor to the University’s development,” said Argo Normak, Chairman of the Board of the Estonian University of Life Sciences Alumni Association.

Kaie Laaneväli graduated from the Estonian University of Life Sciences in 2012 with a Master’s degree in Economics and Entrepreneurship. She has maintained long-term and substantive cooperation with the University, promoting agricultural cooperation and helping to bring the University’s research-based knowledge to entrepreneurs and policymakers.

Laaneväli has contributed to the preparation of publications, training courses and information days on agricultural cooperation at the Estonian University of Life Sciences, as well as to the organisation of the annual conference on agricultural cooperation. At the same time, she has brought practical experience and research needs from the agricultural sector back to the University. In her work at the Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce, she helps connect the needs of Estonian agricultural producers, the University’s expertise and European Union agricultural policy.

“Kaie Laaneväli is an excellent example of an alumna who applies the knowledge gained at the University for the benefit of society as a whole. Her ability to combine knowledge, practical experience and an international perspective contributes to the sustainable development of Estonian agriculture,” said Ülle Jaakma, Rector of the Estonian University of Life Sciences.

Kaie Laaneväli said that agriculture, food production and forestry need the scientific support that the Estonian University of Life Sciences provides to both the sector and policymakers. “Working in Brussels on a daily basis, I see how important this is at the European Union level. Our task is to explain the specific characteristics of Estonia’s food production, agriculture and forestry in a way that ensures this understanding reaches policymakers both in Brussels and elsewhere, and the Estonian University of Life Sciences has a very important role to play in this. I hope that our good cooperation will continue in the future and become even stronger. I am very grateful for this recognition. Defending the interests of the sector is a team effort that we carry out together with the team at the Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce, our members and our valued partners. This honour and recognition belongs to all of us,” Laaneväli said.

Jaanus Männik was awarded the title of Honorary Alumnus in connection with the 25th anniversary of the Estonian University of Life Sciences Alumni Association, which is celebrated on 21 September. As a founding member of the Alumni Association, he has been an active leader of the alumni movement and a consistent supporter of the University.

From 2001 to 2008, Jaanus Männik chaired the Board of the Alumni Association and helped strengthen alumni activities and cooperation with the University. During the same period, he served on the University’s Board of Governors, where his independent perspective and experience supported the University’s long-term development and helped increase its impact on society. He has also been an active contributor to discussions concerning the future of the Estonian University of Life Sciences and rural life in Estonia.

Jaanus Männik was moved by the unexpected recognition and expressed his deep gratitude. After the formal recognition ceremony, he recalled that the Alumni Association was established in 2001 on exactly the same date, 21 September, when Arnold Rüütel, former Rector of the Estonian Agricultural Academy, was elected President of Estonia. For the past 25 years, the Alumni Association and the Estonian University of Life Sciences have worked together towards shared goals.

The awards were presented by Ülle Jaakma, Rector of the Estonian University of Life Sciences, and Argo Normak, Chairman of the Board of the Alumni Association. The Alumna of the Year and the Honorary Alumnus each received a ceramic work by Piret Veski.

The Estonian University of Life Sciences Alumni Association selects the Alumna or Alumnus of the Year from among the University’s alumni to recognise an individual whose professional or public activities contribute to the development of rural life or the rural economy and who cooperates with the Estonian University of Life Sciences. The Alumnus of the Year title has been awarded since 2009.