Today, the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) family gathered in the Björn von Sydow Hall for the final Staff Meeting of the Academic Year 2024/2025.

During the event, BALTDEFCOL Commandant, Brigadier General Alvydas Šiuparis, expressed his sincere appreciation to the staff for their dedication and outstanding support throughout the year. He also presented awards to staff members and other individuals in recognition of their contributions.

This year, Staff Sergeant Taavi Lindmäe, Logistics Assistant, was honoured with the Best Staff Member award for exemplifying BALTDEFCOL’s core values of Respect, Openness, Responsibility, and Social conduct, as outlined in the College’s Code of Conduct.

The meeting also served as a farewell to departing colleagues. Among them was Colonel (ret) Dr (hab) Zdzisław Śliwa, who concluded his distinguished service as the Dean of the BALTDEFCOL. In his farewell address, he shared heartfelt reflections on his time at BALTDEFCOL, praising the institution’s academic excellence, collegial atmosphere, and unwavering commitment to professional military education. His leadership and scholarly contributions have left a lasting legacy on the College’s development and international standing.

As a token of appreciation, all departing staff members received a special BALTDEFCOL farewell gift to commemorate their service in Tartu, Estonia.