The University of Turku has selected author and teacher Tommi Kinnunen as its Alum of the Year. The Alum of the Year was announced at the University’s 106th Anniversary Celebration on 26 February 2026, and was selected by Rector of the University of Turku Marjo Kaartinen.
Master of Arts Tommi Kinnunen, who graduated from the University of Turku in 1998, is both a long-time teacher of Finnish language and literature and one of Finland's most widely read authors. He actively discusses the reality of teaching in schools and takes a bold stance on current issues related to education. He also highlights themes such as young people's well-being and stresses the importance of education and continuous learning.
Kinnunen works closely with the University of Turku and often brings forward his own educational background. He has also been a member of the Advisory Board of the Faculty of Education. Kinnunen works as a teacher of Finnish language and literature at the Luostarivuori upper secondary school in Turku and has over 20 years of teaching experience in lower and upper secondary schools.
“We wish to award Tommi Kinnunen with the Alum of the Year recognition for his work in highlighting the importance of academic education and strengthening the visibility and multidisciplinary profile of our University. My warmest congratulations on behalf of our entire University community,” says the Rector of the University of Turku Marjo Kaartinen.
“Without the University of Turku, I would have turned out very differently — I probably wouldn't be a teacher, let alone an author — and I would most likely be a completely different person. Being named Alum of the Year is a great honour for me personally, but I also think it's a great recognition of the humanities,” says Alum of the Year Tommi Kinnunen.
Kinnunen has so far written six novels, four of which have been nominated for the esteemed Finlandia literary prize. Kinnunen was last nominated for his novel Kaarna in 2024. Among other things, his novels emphasise Finnish history, a silenced past, intergenerational transmission, and acceptance of difference.
The University of Turku has been awarding the Alum of the Year recognition since 2004. The recipients have supported the University, Finnish society or their communities in different ways and have strengthened the societal interaction of the University of Turku.
The Alum of the Year recognition was announced at the 106th Anniversary Celebration of the University of Turku on 26 February 2026. The Anniversary Celebration of the University of Turku, i.e. its founding anniversary, is celebrated in February, typically on or around Kalevala Day (28 February). The celebration dates back to 1920, when the Turku Finnish University Society founded the University of Turku on Kalevala Day.
Phoenix Universitatis Turkuensis decoration awarded to Henrik Karlsson
The University of Turku and Turku Finnish University Society have awarded the Phoenix Universitatis Turkuensis decoration to Henrik Karlsson. The decoration is awarded for significant achievements in advancing the University’s intellectual goals. He served for many years as the CEO of the Stiftelsen Eschnerska Frilasarettet Foundation, during which time the foundation made significant donations to the University of Turku. The donations have been used, among other things, to establish a professorship in nursing science, support health sciences education and research, and launch bilingual medical training.
