The University community gathered together to kick off the academic year 2025–2026 at the Opening Carnival, which was this year organised by the Student Union of the University of Turku (TYY). The Teacher and Counsellor of the Year were announced at the Opening Carnival.
Rector of the University of Turku Marjo Kaartinen wished the entire University community a wonderful new academic year.
“It is great to see so many of you here celebrating our opening day! The fact that we are gathered here in such large numbers reminds us once again that a university is not just a place for studies and work – it is a community. Our community is built through interaction, discussion and shared activities, both in research and in learning,” said Kaartinen.
She pointed out that to be a thriving community, the University also needs to support well-being.
“We can find security and stability in each other; a community builds security when we can rely on our shared values. At the University of Turku, everyone is part of the community. We want to highlight diversity more strongly and to develop the University so that it is more diverse.
Teacher of the Year is Minna-Kaarina Wuorela – Counsellors of the Year are Nora Fagerholm and Pekka Lintunen
The University of Turku has been awarding the Teacher of the Year recognition since 1994. The recognition aims to emphasise high-quality and research-based teaching and counselling that promote learning and build a community.
When selecting the Teacher of the Year, the focus is on innovative, interactive and inspiring teaching that supports a sense of community and promotes a good study environment. In the selection process of the Teacher of the Year, special attention was paid to counselling that supports the student's or doctoral researcher's well-being and has supported and promoted the motivation to study and the progress or continuation of studies after a break.
The University’s Teaching and Learning Council selects the teacher and counsellor of the year on the proposal of the Student Union. Nominees were requested from the University community.
The Teacher of the Year recognition was awarded to Teaching Nurse Minna-Kaarina Wuorela from the Faculty of Medicine. Wuorela is one of the key persons who develops and applies simulation teaching in the Faculty of Medicine. The justifications state that Wuorela's teaching is always learning-oriented and student-centred. Wuorela relies on positive pedagogy and psychological safety in her work.
Two Counsellor of the Year recognitions were awarded this year. Associate Professor Nora Fagerholm of the Department of Geography and Geology is praised for her respectful counselling, which openly gives space to the other person's thoughts, wishes and individual life situation. As a counsellor, Fagerholm asks relevant questions that support the development of thinking, the discovery of new perspectives, and the identification of the student's own resources. Fagerholm works in an inclusive way by taking into account, for example, the specific challenges of international students and the occupational well-being and sense of belonging of gender minorities.
Professor Pekka Lintunen from the Department of English is recognised for his outstanding counselling, which supports students with their studies, theses and career paths. Lintunen's counselling highlights the development of professional identity. In the justifications, he is praised for creating a genuine connection with his students – Lintunen sees them as individuals and supports their motivation, well-being and resilience. Lintunen is an excellent counsellor and a valued mentor.
