During the years from 1896 to 1916 the number of Lithuanians studying at the RPI was about 19. In 1902 they founded the illegal student association “Viltis”, which in Lithuanian means “hope” - hope that some day Lithuania would be free from Russian or Polish dominance. Only in 1909 the Lithuanian Student Association “Viltis” became legal and was registered. The association united the Lithuanian students and called for the preservation of culture of the Lithuanian People, organized theatre performances and provided financial support for those in need. During World War I, when the RPI was evacuated to Moscow, the activities of the association were interrupted. In 1926 the association continued its activities at the University of Latvia and did so until 1938. The following two years it worked within the Association of the Lithuanians in Latvia and like all other associations was closed in 1940. This association has an important role in the 1000 year long existence of Lithuania to be celebrated in 2009.