The Traditional Annual Celebration of the University
The 93rd anniversary of the University of Turku was marked on Kalevala´s Day, Finnish Culture Day 28th February.
The University of Turku is the first Finnish-speaking University. It was founded in the year 1920 by the Turun Suomalainen Yliopistoseura association. The celebration of the anniversary is one of the yearly academic traditions of the university.
The Annual Celebration was held in the ceremonial hall of the Old Academy Building.
The programme included speeches from Rector Kalervo Väänänen and president of the Academy of Finland Heikki Mannila. Also, the alumna of the year was announced and commemorative medals given. Collegium Musicum Turku Ensemble performed classical music.
Versatile Know-how Is an Asset
In his welcoming words, Rector Väänänen emphasised the freedom of education, research and publication. The goal of the university is to be a critical and independent producer of information.
– We are a truly multidisciplinary and plural research community. Every one of our seven faculties is needed and every one of them is an equally important part of the community of information and education, Väänänen told.
The keynote speaker of the Annual Celebration, President Mannila spoke about the meaning of research, education and learning in the operations of the universities.
– The tight connection of the research and education improves the quality of both functions. When a researcher has to teach and tell others about the research, it also clarifies the researcher´s own thinking, Mannila stated.
According to him, the most significant offering of the universities and at the same time the most influential channel towards the society is the accomplished people.
Advancement of Internationalisation Was Rewarded
Congress Manager Sari Ruusumo was recognised as the Alumni of the Year. Ruusumo works in the congress unit of Turku Touring, which belongs to the tourist office of the city of Turku. She has successfully contributed to the internationalisation of the university by supporting researchers in planning and marketing congresses.
Commemorative medals were given to the following Emerita and Emeritus Professors of the University of Turku: Harri Andersson, Lars Björne, Peter Dean, Irmeli Helin, Antti Jokela, Jyrki Kauppinen, Pekka Niemi, Hannu Nurmi, Seppo Pyrhönen, Raimo Salokangas, Olli Simell, Marketta Sundman, Jorma Tenovuo and Keijo Virtanen.
Rector Kalervo Väänänen
President of the Academy of Finland Heikki Mannila
Rector Väänänen and Chancellor Pekka Puska congratulated the Alumi of the Year Sari Ruusumo.
Emerita and Emeritus Professors received commemorative medals.
Many staff members, students and friends of the university participated to the celebration.
Text: Tuomas Koivula and Henna Borisoff
Translation: Henna Borisoff
Photographs: Hanna Oksanen