MEMBER LETTER 2019 THE UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CONTENTS

3 Greeting from the Association's chair NINA KAVERINEN 4 Greeting from the University 5 Academic community 6 Alumnus of the Year 12 Helping students find work The University of Helsinki 16 Academic volunteer work Alumni Association was 18 Information about the members founded in December 1990. 23 Members of the board and the advisory board It is now one of the largest Alumni Associations in Europe. 26 New application processes at HU 28 Research- and business collaboration 32 Among the top 100 33 Member survey results 36 Local Alumni Clubs outside Finland 38 Alumni events 2019 48 Alumni groups UNIVERSITAS, UNITY IN SCIENCE 55 Member benefits 62 Communication and membership forms raduation disrupts well-begun studies,” climate change or in any of the other global challeng- 64 Membership fees ” we joked at Meilahti in the spring of 1984. es. Sustainable development is based on researched The rush was on toward the real world: to knowledge. 66 Registering for events G work, to get a paycheck, to specialize, and to become In 2019 the Alumni Association will turn 29 and 67 Contact independent adults. Buying the first home, the car, we have come a long way. Already, together, there and the paying off of the student loan took time and are nearly 7,500 of us. Soon we will vote for a new energy. However, since that time began the chance parliament in our country and the funding for meetings with former teachers, old friends from science, research, and education is an important courses, and familiar faces from the student nation electoral topic. Our dear alma mater has trained and student groups. The university did not let go. us to serve our country and society. The University As a young medical student, I was deeply interest- of Helsinki needs its alumni. It is our turn to Cover: Professor Henrik Meinander ed in my own discipline. With age and experience “pay it forward” and take care of the future of the at the Suursitsit in the Senate Square in life, my perspective evolved and I regretted that university. in 2012. In 2018 the Student Union of I didn’t make better use of the university’s broad Like at major universities worldwide, at the Uni- University of Helsinki celebrated their The Alumni Association is a academic community. Through the Alumni Associ- versity of Helsinki, the alumni community are an 150th anniversary and the Student strong community whose alumni ation activities, I have been connected with not only essential part of the University’s brand, operations, Nations their 375th at the Suursitsit. are an important part of the my own faculty, but also others. It’s remarkable how society, and fundraising. The education we received much science has advanced and the university has at the university, the networks we created during The celebration included a number University family. As a member, of Alumni Association members. changed since my graduation! our studies, our diploma showing the seal of the first you will regain contact with old As a doctor, I am more and more concerned by university in Finland; all bonds us all as alumni. friends and forge new bonds with the alternative “truths”, false news, superstition, and We welcome you to participate in association other alumni and the University. straight up humbug that flourishes, even though the activities this year and bring two friends to learn The Association provides a education level of the public is higher than ever be- something new! multitude of events, membership fore. Medicine is science and not opinion! Knowled­ EDITING: PIA ÖSTERMAN, geable experts are certainly needed, and no single Kati Myllymäki benefits and services. Take part, ANTTI KIVIMÄKI, KELSI VAAHTOJÄRVI, social media commotion can replace that informa- Executive Director, Finnish Medical Association JENNY ÖSTERMAN AND VOLUNTARY network, support the community EDITORS OF THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION tion. The world needs more information, facts, and Speaker of the Alumni Association’s delegation COVER: ARI AALTO and save money! research. Without it, we will not succeed in addressing Alumni Medical science

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 3 THE UNIVERSITY GREETING IS PRESENTED

THIS YEAR BY THE STUDENT UNION HEIKKI TUULI HEIKKI

HELP US STUDENTS DURING ACADEMIC COMMUNITY THE SPRING ELECTIONS! he Alumni Association is a significant Finnish management, we have agreed on focus areas for the and international force in terms of its size and academic volunteer work of alumni. T activity. Its membership exceeds the number This is not the first time that inter-university co- ear alumni! cation rather than continuing the policy of cuts. of residents in most Finnish municipalities – more operation has proved its value. It goes to show that We in the Student Union have been Education and science are key to combating cli- than 7,000. We would need a facility the size of 60 there is no need to reinvent the wheel in alumni ac- Dpleased to see how much the value of edu- mate change. metro cars or eleven University of tivities. At our events you will also cation has been included in public discussion as of Student income levels are at an unsustainable Helsinki Great Halls to fit all our find alumni from other universities late and the extent to which parties have seen that level. Study aid has become more loan-centered, members in one place at the same ”We are a as well as other #smartpeople. the education cuts have to be reversed and that while the length of study periods have risen. time.¹ Together we are an academ- community that I hope that everyone feels wel- there is a need to shift funding for education. Today, studying is not as free as before. Employ- ic community that highlights the come to attend the Association’s Restoring the appreciation in the value of ed- ment while studying is almost a necessity and the significance of research and academ- highlights the events. You are welcome to bring ucation is an important task we can undertake increase in load has manifested as, among other ic education throughout Finnish significance along friends who are not members. together. For this reason, we are delighted by the things, a worrying increase in student mental society. According to the feedback we have active approach of the University of Helsinki with health problems. When reading this newsletter, you of research received, you will enjoy yourselves. the #siksitiedan campaign (#becausescience) in Study aid must therefore be raised during the will soon discover that the Alumni and education Drop by at least once – curiosity is a rela­tion to the upcoming parliamentary elections. next parliamentary session. In the longer term, we Association’s persistent efforts for the key virtue of alumni! In the student movement, aiming to raise fund- believe that Finland needs to introduce a basic in- benefit of students and the University throughout In conclusion, I would like to ing for higher education – at least to the return come that is free of charge and sufficient for living are paying off. Every single member thank the hundreds of alumni who the university to its former budget – is also one of in response to the changing workplace and a fair can feel proud of having supported Finnish society.” have participated in our academic the most important topics is this year’s election. policy for all generations. students and the University through volunteer work this year or the pre- However, we also want to talk more about inter- But, first and foremost, we must fight against his or her membership fee. The Association engag- vious year by, for example, holding lectures, par- generational justice. We are the first generation to climate change. If we fail at that, nothing else es members in projects that support the Universi- ticipating in work groups, helping with mail-outs not reach our parents income levels. In addition, matters. ty’s strategic objectives. Through cooperation with and bringing together alumni from various fields. climate change threatens our very existence. faculties, strategic sectors and the University’s senior Thank you on behalf of all us members! We hope you will help us speak about these is- Lauri Linna sues during the parliamentary election period in Chairman of the Board 2018 ¹ There are 717 seats in the Great Hall and 124 seats Pia Österman order change the course of policy and fund edu­ Student Union of the University of Helsinki in the newest Helsinki city metro car model M200. Executive Director of the Alumni Association

4 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 5 sparked in him, inspired him to choose political histo- ry as his field of study. “To me, history was a chain of truthful stories of real life. Of course, their truth was a matter of inter- pretation. Of course I didn’t fully understand this as a child and uncritically believed everything I read.” During the spring when he was pre- Inspired by his history paring for his matriculation examina- teacher’s stories at tion, Aittokoski also fantasised about a career in journalism. He decided to go Viherlaakso high school he to Akateeminen Kirjakaup­pa and pur- chose political history as chased the entrance exam textbooks for the Tampere University journal- his field of study. ism program. He sat down at a café beside Esplanadi and began browsing through the material. “The text was bafflingly theoretical. I thought, I don’t want to read this, and instead began consider- ing the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Helsinki.”­ Eventually, in the advanced studies stage, even political history rose to a theoretical level that proved too detached from living history for Aittokoski’s taste, and he never completed his studies. Instead, he opted to focus on working at the Helsingin Sanomat news­ paper, where no one particularly cared whether or not he had a degree. “Studying political history at the Faculty of Social Sciences and then going to work at Helsingin Sanomat without ever graduating is practically an established joke.” Among others, Aittokoski’s best friend Marko Junkkari, the head of the paper’s editorial section and long-time head of the politics desk, did just that. As did others from the same bunch of friends studying hen Heikki Aittokoski was reading for political history, including the paper’s current the entrance examination for political editor-in-chief Kaius Niemi and the former head of Whistory in the spring of 1990, socialism the Helsingin Sanomat’s culture desk Jaakko Lyytinen. had just collapsed in Eastern Europe. A BRIGHT OPTIMIST During the autumn of 1991, when he began his AITTOKOSKI’S student life mostly revolved around studies after finishing a year of military service, the Poleemi, a journal published by the Student Association. Foreign Correspondent Heikki Aittokoski has been entire Soviet Union fell apart bit by bit. “There was a lot of puerile humour stemming from chosen as the Alumni Association’s Alumnus of the “I’m not sure whether the spirit of our student as- a student mentality and fuelled by booze and Year. In his opinion, the world and its future should not sociation at the time could be called right-wing, but sexual innuendo, which, in hindsight, we could’ve it definitely wasn’t leftist. Political empowerment and done without.” only be considered from a threat-oriented perspective, reckoning with Finlandisation were in full swing,” For example, an article on the history of masturba- but also with a more positive outlook. says Aittokoski. tion was written for a thematic issue focused on the Growing up in Espoo’s Viherlaakso district, Aitto­ history of sexuality. For a sidebar, Junkkari inter- koski loved listening to “stories told by excellent viewed a student named ‘Heka A.’ on his personal history teachers.” The interests these teacher’s stories masturbation experiences. A black bar to block Heka

6 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 7 A.’s eyes and prevent identification had been, how­ background, the best thing about the university was ideologies from fascism to liberalism. Later on, in ever, intentionally positioned below the eyes. its stimulating atmosphere and the number of great the spring of 1994, he took part in a special degree At the same time, Aittokoski and his friends were minds. program in the Faculty of Social Sciences with small writing very ambitious and serious articles for Polee­mi Aittokoski recalls student life in the early 1990s in groups of students and intensive study. One seminar covering subjects such as the Finnish Civil War and Polho, the Political History Students Association, as in this program was lead by economist Pekka Sutela Finlandisation. relaxed and informal. When he attended Polho’s an- and focused on developments in Russia after the fall The group got the opportunity to interview some niversary party as a guest in early 2010s, he found the of the Soviet Union. As part of another course, Aitto- prominent figures over the years, including historian organization quite changed. koski created a website for himself, something at the Heikki Ylikangas, author Antti Tuuri and, in the “The celebrations were conducted in due form, and very forefront of technology at the time. resplendent setting of the Bank of Finland, Sirkka adherence to etiquette was strict. They had reverted “I drew up my website entirely as a joke. I wrote Hämäläinen, the Governor of the bank. Hämäläi­nen’s to very conservative customs. The contrast with my that I was into stamp collecting, even though that interview touched on issuesregarding her becoming the personal recollections was quite remarkable.” was not true,” Aittokoski says.“At the time, I didn’t HEIKKI AITTOKOSKI chairperson of the Risto Ryti Society, which they final- realise that once you put something online, it may ly dared to establish after the fall of the Soviet Union. AITTOKOSKI considers the educational foundation stay there forever. Luckily, that site really seems to • Heikki Aittokoski was born in Jyväskylä “They must be credited for treating us with all due he received during his time at the university to be of have disappeared for good.”At the same time, the in 1970 seriousness and giving us their opinions regardless of huge benefit to his work as a journalist. He took a study modules at that stage began diverging from • He is a foreign correspondent with the the fact that we were twenty-something punks.” course on ‘isms’ early in his studies that delved into practical, lived history. Thanks to his portfolio of Helsingin Sanomat and a non-fiction In accordance with the group’s spirit, articles were Poleemi articles, Aittokoski was hired as a reporter author written with a tongue-in-cheek tone, yet still had an for the Ylioppilaslehti magazine during the 1994–1995 • He studied political history at the ambitious mindset. Their debates were both relaxed academic year. This then launched him into a sum- University of Helsinki in the 1990s but and uncompromisingly intellectual. ”Studying political history mer job at the culture desk of the Helsingin Sanomat. did not graduate. ”Coming from the forests of Espoo and from a at the Faculty of Social His employer offered to extend the contract for his middle-class family that didn’t have an academic summer job until Christmas, and Aittokoski agreed. • He has worked as a journalist at the Hel- Sciences and then going Over the following years, he still returned to study at singin Sanomat since 1995, first with the the University in between his temp jobs at Helsingin culture desk, later with the international to work at Helsingin Sanomat, but only half-heartedly. Journalism proved desk. He served as the Berlin correspond- Aittokoski travelled to Helmand Sanomat without ever more attractive than his advanced studies. ent from 1998 to 2001, Brussels corre- Province in Afghanistan 2010 “I guess it was partly down to a youthful world

spondent in 2006, and as the future stud- KERO / HS SAMI while working as the Editor of the graduating is practically view; if Helsingin Sanomat is offering me a job, I ies correspondent in 2018. Deputy-editor HS foreign correspondents desk. an established joke.” couldn’t refuse.” Aittokoski explained. “The worst of the international desk from 2002 to years of the recession were only a couple of years ear- 2007 and editor from 2007–2012 lier with, the devaluation of the Finnish mark and • Author of four non-fiction books: grim unemployment figures. During that time we – Lihavan kotkan maa – Reportaasi had extended lunches in the Porthania café and seri- Berliinin tasavallasta (WSOY, 1999) ously contemplated whether any of us would ever get – Eurooppaan raiteelta 4 – Junamatka a job, at least in our own field.” entisen rautaesiripun halki (WSOY, 2004) – Narrien laiva – Matka pieleen menneessä AT THE HELSINGIN SANOMAT, Aittokoski soon trans­ maailmassa (HS Kirjat, 2013) fer­red to the international desk. In 1998, at only 27, – Kuolemantanssi – Askeleita nationa­ he was given the correspondent position in Berlin lismin Euroopassa. (HS Kirjat 2016) where he stayed for three years. In 2002, he was pro- • He has received several awards, the most moted to the position of deputy editor of the interna- prestigious being the 2014 journalism tional desk at the Helsingin Sanomat home office and prize from Suomen Kuvalehti and the in 2007 to the editor of the department. State Award for Public Information in He seemed to be progressing in his career at a 2017 quick pace, but in 2012 Aittokoski decided to contin- ue his work as a journalist. Why? • Three children, born in 1998, 2003 “Ten years of supervisory duties taught me a lot and 2005 about other people and myself, but it was mental- • His hobbies include swimming, jogging, ly taxing, since I used to have 25 individuals to lead reading and gardening at the foreign desk. As the boss, I didn’t really have

8 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 9 ALUMNI OF THE YEAR time to write, even though writing was what pulled Aittokoski has been irked in recent years with ALUMNUS OR ALUMNA HEIKKI AITTOKOSKI me to this business.” the interviews of many influential Finnish cultural OF THE YEAR Aittokoski’s style of writing is defined by its insight- figures postulating how the Finnish welfare state is THE NEW WORLD ORDER fulness. Even the style of his basic news pieces often corroding. 2019 Foreign Correspondent, Pol. Sc. Stud. Heikki Aittokoski AND THE PLIGHT OF resemble columns or analytical articles. “Those are sloppy throwaways, uttered without “It feels like a natural way of writing to me, and it has grounding them with substantial facts. Those kinds 2018 Founder of Gold&Green Foods, Chief LIBERAL DEMOCRACY only increased as I’ve grown older. By the time I was in of casual remarks are really disturbing.” Technology Officer LVD Reetta Kivelä my forties, I already had some experience under my belt, In 2018, Aittokoski was Helsingin Sanomat’s Futures­ 2017 Judge of the European Court of Human Why did the 90s end as they did? as well as quite a lot of knowledge. It benefits readers Studies correspondent, which meant a post in the pa- Rights, LL.D h.c. Pauliine Koskelo Who will stop the dictators too, if you’re not merely reporting on the world but at- per’s home office but travelling extensively around the and populists? tempting to make some sense of it through analysis.” globe, familiarising himself with the challenges and 2016 Rock musician, LL.B. Hannu Nurmio Does Europe have a future? Aittokoski receives plenty of feedback from readers, opportunities of mankind’s future. 2015 YLE Correspondent. M.Sc. and in the current era of disinformation, many are “I’ve generally been slow to adapt to new technolo- Marja Manninen THURSDAY 14.3.2019 looking for analytical and in-depth journalism. gy, but this assignment forced me to immerse myself 2014 Head of VATT Institute for Economic 4:30–6 PM This has not escaped the attention of the editori- in it. It’s a fascinating world. I have genuine respect Research, D.Sc. Juhana Vartiainen al office. Helsingin Sanomat is an unusual academic for the field of engineering and I believe it will be 2013 Professor, Ph.D. Laura Kolbe workplace as many section editors choose to return to able to improve the lives of all inhabitants of this their previous position as journalists at some point, a planet in the future.” 2012 Secretary-general of the World move often considered estimable. Still, there is a morsel of the diehard social scientist Meteorological Organization, Ph.D “Personally, I seem to be blind to its exceptionality, hidden underneath Aittokoski's surface: when writing Petteri Taalas since I haven’t really been employed anywhere else.” about technology, he cannot refrain from mulling 2011 Commissioner, M.Soc.Sc Olli Rehn over the moral implications and connecting to the 2010 Professor, Ph.D. Bengt Holmström INSIGHTFULNESS has been the trademark of Aittokos- theoretical dimensions of the issues. A quote that has 2009 Writer, Psychologist, Lic. Med. ki’s four non-fiction books, aimed at understanding particularly fascinated him came from the American Claes Andersson Melvin Kranzberg current developments in Europe and the rest of the Technology historian : “Techno­ 2007 Philosopher, Professor Pekka Himanen world, as well. From 2014 to 2017 his literary and jour- logy is neither good nor bad, nor is it neutral.” 2005 Licentiate of Laws, LL.D. h.c. nalistic work received much professional recognition, Jacob Söderman the most important being Suomen Kuvalehti’s journa- AITTOKOSKI was honored when the board of the lism prize and the State Award for Public Information. Alumni Association asked him to be the Alumnus 2004 Forensic Dentist, professor Helena Ranta China’s sphere of influence is expanding. Still, Aittokoski’s most prized award was the one he of the Year, while at the same time acknowledging 2003 Bishop, TD, Eero Huovinen Donald Trump causes a commotion on received in a children’s writing competition in 1979. clearly that he never graduated. The invitation was 2002 Writer, BA Kaari Utrio Twitter. Vladimir Putin’s Russia has returned The topic of his submission was Pedro, an Indian worded with a careful politeness that would allow ei- 2001 Archiatre Risto Pelkonen to a policy of political warfare. In Europe, street kid whose positive attitude and resourcefulness ther side to back out of the relationship easily, should 2000 President of the Republic, LL.M., FT h.c., populists have dominated the conversation. helped him overcome many difficult obstacles. they so choose. LL.D. h.c. Tarja Halonen Liberal democracy - the traditional interna- “Pedro is not actually an Indian name, but that was However, non-graduation is a non-issue to the tional framework - is under threat from the overlooked in the case of a 9-year-old.” association. Ten years ago, the association put into 1999 Commissioner, M.Pol.Sc inside and out. How did I this happen? And Optimism is something that has also sustained writing that anyone who has studied, researched, or Erkki Liikanen where do we go from here? Aittokoski’s own career. In contrast with journalism’s worked at the University of Helsinki is an alumnus 1998 CEO, MSc., M.Pol.Sc Jorma Ollila current general mentality, he is confident about the or alumna. The motivation for the decision was mul- 1997 CEO, Ph.D, doc. Jorma Kaimio Foreign corespondent and non-fiction author future. tifaceted but rooted in wanting to include those who 1996 MA Eeva Ahtisaari Heikki Aittokoski has been analyzing the “We shouldn’t approach the world from a threat had not completed their studies because of family ob- 1995 Speaker of the Parliament, Ph.L. Riitta world as a part of his work since the 1990s. perspective, but with a more positive light, without of ligations or having found permanent employment. Uosukainen In his lecture he will give his assessment of course letting ourselves be gullible. It bothers me how “Such open mindedness really makes me happy,” the current state of the world. typical it is these days to look at the present and the says Aittokoski. “There are quite a few of us who 1994 President of the Supreme Administrative future through a dystopic lens rather than in the light didn’t graduate.” Court, LL.D. Pekka Hallberg Great Hall, of more encouraging possibilities.” “It’s nice to return to the University hallways as an 1993 Chairman of the Board, Dr Aleksanterinkatu 5 “Regarding the world with cynicism and pesimism alumnus, but at the same time a thought is gnawing Liisa Joronen, SOL is considered a token of intellectuality. In my expe- at the back of my mind: should I have finished my 1992 Professor, D.Sc. Yrjö Pessi Register for the event at: rience, that has nothing to do with intellect. Today master's thesis after all?” 1991 Minister of Justice, LL.D. Hannele Pokka helsinki.fi/en/alumniassociation/program most people in the world live in far better conditions Or call +358 (0)29 412 4494 than their grandparents did.” Antti Kivimäki

10 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 11 “There is strength in cooperation, and there are smart people in the student associations,” Pia JOIN THE INTERNATIONAL Österman, CEO of the Alumni Association, states. ALUMNI NETWORK IN “Student organisations know best what kinds of HELSINKI events should be organised for their students and when. If we at the Alumni Association were to try to organise career-related panel discussions, they could ne of the hottest topics in Finland OPEN POSITION: easily end up being poorly timed or miscommunicat- Ocurrently concerns internationalization. ed, only attracting very small audiences,” Sipponen Attracting international talents and integrat- Welcome to our workplace, notes. Therefore, the student organizations prefer to ing them into the labour market and society­ you 21 year old doctor, who has expertise in the organize and arrange events while the alumni associ- at large is a key issue and the focus of many field as well as at least 10 years work experience! ation solicits speakers for the chosen topic. This prac- strategies. The University of Helsinki (UH) has tice has proved to be extremely effective. offered Master’s Degree Programs in English Must be skilled at learning, curious, committed Relaxed conversations suit some organisations best, for a decade already, so we are very aware of while others wish for more formal events, such as panel the great potential of our international­ talent. and flexible in everything. discussions, and others still prefer to take their student Similarly, the Career Services at UH have groups on excursions to the workplaces of alumni. offered support with employability issues We offer to you a possibility to… At career events, students are most interested in the throughout the years. You can read more factors related to studying that have helped propel about this on the Career Services’ website: alumni to their current positions. blogs.helsinki.fi/urapalvelut/page/2/ SHUTTERSTOCK “Alumni rarely point to a single crucial course. But what more can UH do to support inter- What they consider important are the networks national students and alumni in building a ca- established at university, as well as learning to ap- reer in Finland? This is a question which the ply critical thinking and quickly mastering large Career Services and the Alumni Association amounts of information. This is a relief for many stu- have been busying themselves with recently. EMPLOYMENT ANXIETY dents,” Sipponen explains. We know that one major factor that hinders The relationship between alumni mentors and the the job search is the lack of relevant net- students has the difficulty that it is easy for alumni works in the local society. Information shared TROUBLES STUDENTS to recall what it was like to be a student themselves, through professional networks is essential for while it is much more difficult for the students to integrating into the labour market. Young people find it easier to identify with alumni imagine themselves settled into successful careers in With this in mind, the Alumni Association if they know that student life with parties and some undefined future period. and the Career Services have established the courses were much the same then as they are now. Sipponen believes this emotional gap usually nar- University of Helsinki International Alumni rows when alumni meet students face-to-face in a Network. The aim of the network is to pro- relaxed atmosphere. vide opportunities for students and alumni to any students dread the thought of leaving the Most of all, Sipponen thinks the problem stems “Students realise that alumni used to have the meet, to share information and experiences University. What if they are unable to find from students only starting to consider their career same sorts of parties or that the same difficult and as well as to take part in different activities. Mpassion in professional life? What if they end at the final stages of their studies. Instead of asking annoying course was also required back then.” The Career Services will offer some work- up working as a cashier even after all this education? alumni well in advance which courses might be val- The Alumni Association offers those in charge of shops for international students co­vering Such concerns have been expressed to Sonja ued by employers, they only retrospectively consid- career and alumni affairs at student organisations themes such as job hunting, information Sipponen when she talks with students at career er the appearance of completed courses on their CV help in organising their own events. The association about local working culture and the rights events organised by student organisations and at and how to supplement their skills to optimize their is a seasoned event organiser, whereas those active in and duties of employees in Finland. Alumni conventions. Sipponen is herself a sixth-year history post-graduation employability. student organisations often begin their work without will be invited to talk to students about their student and the project coordinator of the Alumni needed networks. experiences and to share ideas. Ambassador programme of the Alumni Association. ACTIVITIES organised by the Alumni Association to The Alumni Association also organises evening “Fear of professional life is a chronic problem among support students’ career skills include mentoring, sessions during term where the new and the old career Anna Storgårds students of the humanities at the City Centre Campus, LinkedIn training and, with special emphasis, the and alumni coordinators of student organisations have University of Helsinki Career Services but I also observed similar anxieties, for example, at Alumni Ambassador programme. These programs pro- the opportunity to get together and share experiences. Viikki. Students easily feel at a loss if they haven’t spe- vide alumni with a direct and simple way of helping “This way, information is disseminated and those Read more about the International cialised in a certain field and are unable to explain to students. Part of the help offered to students by the as- new to these positions don’t have to start from Alumni Network’s activities at businesses the benefits of being multidisciplinary.” sociation is channelled through student organisations. scratch.” helsinki.fi/en/alumniassociation/

12 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 13 linkedin.com/groups/8431519 Home My Network Jobs Messaging Me

their skills to recruiters. Lectures and student life provides a versatile skill set that cannot WANT TO JOIN THE be understood simply from the name of the PROGRAM? course. Ambassadors can, therefore, be help- ful in many ways. The Ambassador program aims especially ALUMNI: Fill out the application to help young students who have not yet built form on the association’s work-life networks. Online communications website. After enrolling, you means that the threshold for participation is will receive instructions on how quite low. Usually, work related discussions to join a closed LinkedIn group are only had between friends, however, alumni (which can be done already at: can provide useful information and help from linkedin. com/groups/8431519). outside of the students own social networks. You will also get instructions Alumni and students do not know each on how to participate. Students other, and they don’t need to; alumni are will contact you via the linked to one another. LinkedIn platform. Students have express a desire to get help from alumni, especially in their field, because alumni understand what can help them to prepare for work life. The Alumni Associa- tion encourages students to approach alumni from outside of their specific field as well, as STUDENTS: Sign up by filling out the there are may be job opportunities that will form on the Alumni Association present themselves through non-traditional website to join the closed LinkedIn career routes. On LinkedIn, it is easy to see group. Get instant networking what networks the alumni have built. connections with alumni by contacting The Alumni Ambassador Program is them with the password sent to you. AMBASSADOR easier and faster than traditional mentoring as alumni do not have to make a long-term Alumni Ambassadors support students finding commitment and are not required to undergo employment better, faster and more easily. training to become a mentor. Ambassadors must meet two requirements: they have to have a LinkedIn profile, and they must commit to responding to the messages lumni Association’s volunteer Alum- worth writing into a CV, where can one find they receive from students, even if it is to tell ni Ambassadors help students to pre- summer jobs in their own study or work field, them that they do not currently have the time A pare for work by sharing their own how does one write an application letter? to help them. Students who register with the experience. The Alumni Ambassador program Identifying one’s own skills is often chal- service are given a password the Ambassador enables busy alumni and busy students to con- lenging to those who are looking to move into will recognize to let them know that they are nect through the online platform LinkedIn. the working world. Students have already built with the program. Students will find Ambas- That way, both parties can be in contact any- up a wide range of skills, but not necessarily sadors from the Alumni Association website. where and anytime that works for them. the confidence to communicate them during At the start of summer many students find the job application process. Alumni are able Watch a video about the program: themselves in need of practical tips: what is to advise students on how to effectively convey youtu.be/A0AWw4osvio

14 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 15 VEIKKO SOMERPURO VEIKKO

ACADEMIC VOLUNTEER WORK

MEMBERS OF THE Alumni Association have a great deal of expertise to offer for the benefit of the University. The Association’s office has, as one of its responsibilities, to find suitable experts for various volunteer tasks. Each task is based on a commission, a descrip- tion, and an approach, be it teamwork, pair work, or independent undertaking. The volunteers commit to the task for one year, at the end of which they can request an volunteer work certificate. ALUMNI PARTICIPATE IN In 2018 the Association members completed a total of 800 hours of THE FRESHMAN ADVENTURE volunteer work in partnership pro- grams, working groups, faculties, and at events. The tasks included strate- brilliant combination of fun and information – LinkedIn in future job seeking and show students how groups visiting the alumni control point. gic planning, corporate cooperation, ” ALinkedIn benefits everyone!” to highlight their strengths to find their dream job. One of the stories heard at the control point during mentoring, commenting, lecturing, University alumni once again joined first-year stu- “It was a playful exercise, but provided students with the evening involved a bowling pin who wanted to recording information, proofreading, dents when 4,000 people participated in the Fresh- a fun introduction to LinkedIn,” said one of the volun- become a bowling ball. His motto was that though he and reviewing contact details. man Adventure on 28 September 2018. The Student teers manning the alumni control point. often falls down, he always gets back up again. In ot- Union of the University of Helsinki brought together The alumni control point featured two tasks in her words, the LinkedIn profile emphasised a spirit of IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, register and student organisations, University representatives and which freshman groups created the LinkedIn profile tenacity and gumption as important characteristics. tell us what kind of volunteer work partners at control points in various locations in Hel- of their dreams, either for one of the group mem- The alumni volunteers were Anna Autere, Minna you would like to do for the benefit of sinki where new students completed assignments. bers or for a fictitious character. The groups created Palander-Collin, Hilkka Karvinen, Sari Malka, current and former students and the At the action-packed Alumni Association’s LinkedIn the profiles under alumni supervision and presented Marja Pirttivaara, Saana Söderlund and Ville achievement of the University’s strate- Superheroes control point, alumni turned supermar- them with great confidence. The fictitious charac- Tolvanen. Thank you to all the volunteers who filled gic objectives. ket cashiers into successful sales reps and substitute ters even got to answer some tough questions from the control point with noise, laughter and learning! teachers into the rising stars of educational sciences. alumni about their skills. International students also “It was a fun event and a great chance to meet stu- Please register at: helsinki.fi/en/ The purpose was to demonstrate the important role of participated in the Freshman Adventure, with several dents from different fields!” alumniassociation/volunteering

16 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 17 7104

6511 OUR COMMUNITY 7 435 IS GROWING 5574 5544

5340 THIS CHART is an overview of the Alumni Association’s membership growth. The statistics from 1991–2007 are based on numbers from the annual reports. From 2008 4900 onward, the chart included only those members who have paid their membership fee for the specified year.

4400 Gender 1.1.2019 Members of local clubs 34 % male 66 % female China Alumni Club 210 0,01 % other EU Alumni Club 119 Sweden Alumni Club 78 3600 Age 1.1.2019 Total 407 ≤ 29 years: 563 30–45 years: 1 526 46–65 years: 2 525 ≥ 66 years: 2 821

2450 2334 2230 2235 2235 2250 2245 4.12.1990 2198 2228 2200 2100

171 1900 1800

OUR GOAL 1112 1093 IN 2019 IS TO 1024 REACH 8000 849 MEMBERS 728 775

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 I joined last spring when I was still WHY AM I A MEMBER? finishing ” my master’s thesis in ear- ly childhood education. I graduated in the summer, and in the autumn, I decided to attend some alumni events. I volunteered and managed an alumni I eagerly participated in establishing the control-point during the Freshman Alumni ” Association at the end of the 350th Adventure where freshmen had to anniversary of the University of Helsinki. At come up with a superhero-like Linke- the time, I worked as a PR and press officer dIn profile. I also attended an event at the University, but soon after trans- organised by the Alumni Association ferred to a communications position in the about embarking on a career after uni- private sector. For six years, I served as the versity, which focused on professional communications coordinator of the asso- During my time as a student, I was life, career paths, and career-related ciation’s board, since it was a natural way ” active in the Student Union, and tips. I also went to an alumni after- of keeping a link with the University. Later, served for three years as its secre- party organised after a Think Corner I arrived at the University of Helsinki as an my contact with the University has mostly tary general. This is why it’s im- event themed ‘This wasn’t taught in exchange ” student during the academic year been through meeting old acquaintances portant to me to maintain contact school.’ Through the Alumni Ambassa- 1989–1990, at the end of the Soviet era. After at anniversary parties, as well as occasion- with the University and the younger dor service, I have received advice, for completing my master’s degree at the Universi- ally attending book club meetings. generations even now. During the example, on looking for jobs. ty of Tartu, I came back to Helsinki to write my Some years ago, I visited a career ori- early stages of the Alumni Associ- I work in early childhood education, doctoral dissertation, working as a researcher. entation course for students of media and ation, I was a member of its board. in addition to which I write about I lived in Helsinki for nine years altogether, and communications, talking about my career. At that time, the operations were events and people for the Karjala the University still feels like home to me. Studies at the University are based on very small-scale, but fortunately, weekly. However, my goal for the Nowadays I am the head of the Institute of theory (as they should be), which makes the association has since grown to a future is to work in a position more Computer Science at the University of Tartu, but practical experience helpful for students’ substantial size. closely connected to my master’s membership of the Alumni Association of the career planning. I have decades of experience degree. In the Alumni Association, University of Helsinki helps me preserve a feel- Being an alumni of the University of Hel- in communications. I have gotten I want to network and gain tips on ing of having a connection to my alma mater. sinki is also a sort of tradition in my family. to know students through alumni what others have done in a similar The distance prevents me from attending My father studied to be a forester, my moth- evenings organised by KTTO, the situation.” Alumni Association events, but I have been to er was a teacher of biology and geography, association for students of econom- the biggest parties in the Department of Com- and my daughter graduated with her JD a ics at the University of Helsinki. This Saana Söderlund puter Science, such as professors’ retirement few years ago. Also, my grandfather studied has been an important recruitment Faculty of Educational Sciences parties and the Department’s 50th anniver- farming and economics at the Imperial Al- channel for me. sary celebration. A couple of years ago, I also exander University (the former name of the Together with my wife, we have attended the conferment ceremony for doctoral University of Helsinki) during the 1910s.” travelled around Europe on alumni graduates from the Faculty of Science – 15 years trips. Nothing can beat sailing up the after I received my degree. That was one of the Katriina Palmroth-Ramm-Schmidt Danube in a riverboat, while listen- grandest events I have ever been to. Faculty of Social Sciences ing to lectures on the Habsburg era By reading the Alumni Association emails, I by Laura Kolbe. Trips organised for am able to compare alumni activities in Helsinki alumni are more refined than regular and Tartu. It seems that discipline-specific, Finnish package tours, as the fellow small-scale alumni activities in Estonia are more travellers comprise a select group, regular than in Helsinki, but in terms of Universi- including social scientists, physicians ty-wide activities, we still have some way to go.” and judges, not heavy drinkers.”

Jaak Vilo Matti Saarinen Faculty of Science Faculty of Social Sciences

20 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 21 BOARD OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI ALUMNI ASSSOCIATION 2019

• COO Antti Huhtamäki, Farmers' Social Insurance Institute (Chair) • Head Director Antti Arjava, Finnish Culture Trust NEW • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, DVM, PhD Tuula Honkanen-Buzalski • Chancellor Kaarle Hämeri, University of Helsinki • PhD Tarja Kohila NEW • Licentiate of Odontology, Master of Music, opera singer Laura Leisma • Attorney, LL.M., M.A. Jukka Lång, Dittmar & Indrenius • Chairman of the Board Susanna Miekk-oja, Tracefi Oy • PhD Sole Molander, The JuicePLUS + Company ApS • Science journalist Marjo T. Nurminen • SVP Communications and Corporate Responsibility Arja Suominen, Finnair • Managing Director Reidar Wasenius, Finnish Business Angels Network – FiBAN

ADVISORY BOARD OF THE UNIVERSITY LITERATURE CIRCLE OF HELSINKI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 2019

• Managing Director Kati Myllymäki, The Finnish Medical Association M.Sc (chair) Mon 11.2. 5–6 pm LITERATURE CIRCLE • M.Sc Christina Gestrin (1st deputy chair) Finlandia prize winner Olli Jalonen will speak MODERATORS AND PROGRAM • Executive Director Juha Jolkkonen, Social Services and Health Care about Taivaanpalo and it’s background and the wri- PLANNER: Sector, City of Helsinki (2nd deputy chair) ting process. Moderator: Hannu Harju. Register on • Deputy Director General Taina Aaltonen, Ministry of Agriculture and the associations website or contact the office by Anna-Riikka Carlson is the head of Forestry phone or email. Porthania, Hall PI, Yliopistonkatu 3 WSOY’s fiction division and supports • Freelance writer Heidi Andersson, Board of Directors WWF Finland publishers and writers as a part of • Professor Seppo Honkapohja Aalto University Mon 11.3. 5–6 pm her role at WSOY. In addition to the • Attorney-at-law, licensed lawyer Taisto Hujala, Entrepreneur The role of literature and what it means to be books, her favorite things include • Director and Senior advisor Carmela Kantor-Aaltonen, Finnish Bio in- an author as a profession. Speakers will be Antti national parks, writing letters, and dustries and and Chemical Industry Federation of Finland Nylén and Saara Turunen. Moderator: Mikko debating those with opposing views • Managing Partner Juha Pekka Katainen, Krogerus Attorneys Ltd Aarne. Register on the associations website or to find constructive ideas. • Board Professional LL.M, Kirsi Komi contact the office by phone or email. • Board Professional, Attorney-at-law Ritva-Liisa Luomaranta, Borenius Porthania, Hall PII, Yliopistonkatu 3 Hannu Harju is Tammi’s head of Attorneys Ltd Finnish literature. He believes that • Research Director Mika Maliranta, The Research Institute of the Finnish Mon 8.4. 5–6 pm literature stimulates, inspires, challen- Economy (ETLA) Cultural ownership in fiction. Speakers will be ges – and can help save the world. • Education Director Heljä Misukka, OAJ NEW Elina Hirvonen and Jani Saxell. Moderators: • Chairman of the board Leena Niemistö, The Finnish National Opera and Anna-­Riikka Carlson and Hannu Harju. Register on Ballet sr and the Opera and Ballet support foundation the associations website or contact the office by • Director Mari Pantsar, Carbon-neutral circular economy, Sitra phone or email. Porthania, Hall PII, Yliopistonkatu 3 • Senior Advisor Jari Pitkälä, Bravedo Oy • Undersecretary Sami Sarvilinna, City of Helsinki Mon 13.5. 5–6 pm • Director Anna-Maria Soininvaara, Helsinki Central Library Addressing climate change in fiction. Speakers • Former Secretary of State Peter Stenlund, Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be Emma Puikkonen, Leo Stranius, and of Finland Ina Westman. Moderator: Anna-Riikka Carlson. • Sales and Customer Director Mikko Surakka, Pharmia Oy Register on the associations website or contact • Executive Director Tuija Talvitie, Crisis Management Initiative CMI the office by phone or email. • Ambassador Teemu Tanner, Embassy of Finland in Paris Porthania, Hall PII, Yliopistonkatu 3 • Director of Nature Services Timo Tanninen, Metsähallitus

22 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 23 current open positions at Barona (a member of the Bravedo group). In recent years they have recruited VEIKKO SOMERPURO VEIKKO hundreds of doctoral graduates for permanent po- ”Alumni mentors would sitions to meet both its own needs and those of its clients. Peter Stenlund, a board member and former help doctoral students state secretary at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of establish contacts Finland, considered the idea interesting, as long as it is done with sensitivity toward the autonomy of the with employers and University, as there are often extremely powerful or- might themselves, find ganisations behind alumni. Previously, the Advisory Board has convened at the new potential future home office of one of the members, with a business -in employees among them.” troduction at the beginning or end of the meeting. In the autumn of this year, this procedure was changed moving meetings instead to one of the University’s campuses, providing different disciplines and faculties physician costs approximately €1.5–2 million. an opportunity to give updates on their activities and This year, the Advisory Board first convenes in express their wishes to the Alumni Association. Viikki, hearing from representatives of the bioscienc- The first of such meetings was held in September es, and later in Kumpula at the invitation of the Fac- 2018 at the Meilahti Campus. During the discussion, ulty of Science. Vice-Dean Kari Reijula from the Faculty of Medi- After these meetings, the board will return to the cine stated that the added-value of being an alumnus City Centre Campus, which has to many depart- or alumna remains largely untested at the Faculty of ments to allow all of them the opportunity to present Medicine, as well as in the wider society. Reijula not- their wishes at a single meeting. This year, the Fac- ed that the Faculty needs confidential contact with ulties of Law, Social Sciences and Theology, among alumni working in business to receive direct feed- others, will present their perspectives. Back row: Mari Pantsar, Taisto Hujala, Seppo Honkapohja, Juha Jolkkonen, Sami Sarvilinna. back on its operations and advice on how to increase Opportunities for organizing similar discipline in- Front row: Kirsi Komi, Christina Gestrin, Leena Niemistö, Kati Myllymäki, Ritva-Liisa Luomaranta,­ their effectiveness. troductions on different campuses for the entire mem- Carmela Kantor-Aaltonen Member of the advisory board, Kirsi Komi, who bership of the Alumni Association are also currently is also a member of several other boards, expressed a being investigated. This would give interested members desire for students be made aware of the cost of edu- the chance to find out how teaching and research are cation. For example, the six-year training of a single advancing in their own field, or any field of interest.

here are plenty of opinion pieces published in THE ADVISORY the newspapers – often signed with a pseudo- Tnym – discussing how a doctoral degree is no BOARD VISITS guarantee of a job within the degree field. Paavo Pylkkänen, vice-dean of the Faculty of DIFFERENT Arts, introduced an idea for addressing this issue at the meeting of the Advisory Board of the University CAMPUSES of Helsinki Alumni Association held in November THE UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI ALUMNI 2018. In addition to supervisors, doctoral students of ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING the Faculty of Arts will, in the future, receive sup- port from an advisory committee, which could also Thursday November 28th 2019 5–7 pm include an alumni mentor. Alumni mentors would Porthania, hall PII, Yliopistokatu 3 help doctoral students establish contacts with em- ployers and be introduced to students who could be The material for the annual meeting is available on potential future employees. the Alumni Association’s website and at the office. The Advisory Board found the idea attractive. Jari Pitkälä, a board member working as a senior advi- sor at Bravedo, noted that there are more than 2,000

24 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 25 they might see more and more mas- ing skills is systematically under- YOUNG IN, YOUNG OUT ter’s degree holders as young as 22 lined in career monitoring surveys,” recruited to their workplaces. observes Niinistö-Sivuranta. To ensure that these graduates It is impossible to directly demon- ALUMNI AS WORK he government wants to see It is too early to estimate how will not be too green in their pro- strate the effectiveness of the meas- TRAINING MENTORS Tyoung people enter university young the university students of fessions, the University increased ures taken by the University, but straight out of school, and this is the future will be, but the trend is the number of credits required for evidently something has been done Small and medium sized businesses can reflected in the reform of entrance inevitable. career education to 10 credits in right and the trend is promising. play an important role in employing examinations at the University of “The funding model 2021 for connection with a recent education This autumn, good news about uni- recent graduates from the University Helsinki. universities clearly spells out that reform. versity rankings showed the Univer- of Helsinki. That is why the Career Last spring, the University lim- students completing their first de- The career education module var- sity of Helsinki rising from 82nd po- Services at University of Helsinki is ited the time available for prepar- gree, and completing it in the tar- ies from faculty to faculty. Modules sition to 48th in a university ranking planning to forge closer ties with small ing for entrance examinations by get duration for degrees, will bring can include activities such as lectures comparing the employability of grad- and medium sized businesses in 2019. releasing the examination material more money to universities than on careers or guidance in how to uates on the global labour market. only a month before the examina- students completing their second write a CV. Some faculties have stu- At the top of the list were Har- n 2012 17% of graduates from the University of tion date. The material was also of a or third degrees. This will steer dents participate in research projects vard, Caltech and MIT from the IHelsinki worked at small or medium sized busi­ narrower scope than previously. The universities, in one way or anoth- and projects involving real-life case United States and Cambridge from nesses five years after completing their degree. aim was to improve the prospects er, to admit young and first-time studies from businesses, which gives the UK. Aalto University ranked According to a university career survey, small and of applicants who completed their applicants.” them the opportunity to combine 140th. medium enterprises (SMEs) were the second school-leaving examination, known By mid-December, the funding theoretical knowledge with practical In this ranking commissioned by largest employers after the public sector in 2017. in Finland as the matriculation model had not yet been approved, problem-solving. For example, stu- Times Higher Education, two juries For this reason, the university’s Career Services examination, earlier in the spring, but Niinistö-Sivuranta expects dents consider issues of occupational consisting of some 7,000 experts will be forging closer ties and working in co­ so that they would first have the changes to occur. wellbeing in companies, provide the assessed which universities, in their operation with SMEs in order to help students opportunity to concentrate on the “However, universities wish to perspective of the younger genera- view, produced the most employa- become familiar with them and their potential matriculation examination and even retain several routes for admis- tion at the launch stage of a project, ble graduates. as employers while they are still studying. At the take a small break before tackling sion, which means that entrance or generate ideas for a new game for Alumni can offer bachelor’s same time, this will help SMEs to understand the the entrance examination. examinations will not be abolished the games industry. students project placements in versatility of university students. “Limiting the scope of the materi- entirely.” “The importance of generic inter- their companies either directly or In the spring of 2019 the Think Career intern- al for preparation was only the first For alumni this will mean that action skills as well as problem-solv- through Career Services. ship program will launch with the aim of finding step; radical changes still lie ahead,” new internship opportunities for University of says Susanna Niinistö-Sivuranta, Helsinki students at SMEs. Internships are of director of development from Teach- great importance to help students build work-life ing and Learning Services. skills and the develop their of career plans. These ARI AALTO “In future, in 2020 to be precise, internships sometimes even lead to permanent the primary admission channel employment. For employers, the students at the will be what is known as certifi- University of Helsinki offer a new perspective cate-based admission. We will also from outside the company’s internal culture and develop an entrance examination the latest information from the university. for which the material will only be The Think Career internship program currently accessible to the applicants in the includes 12 employers and 14 internship places. examination room,” predicts Ni- Because a majority of the businesses are recruit- inistö-Sivuranta, and continues: ing interns for the first time, Career Services is “Then about half of the applicants supporting the companies in the recruitment and will be admitted on the basis of their instruction of interns. grades in the matriculation exami- nation and about half on the basis of Read more about cooperation opportunities on the entrance examination alone.” our website: helsinki.fi/tyonantajapalvelut In addition, admission to the And get in touch with the University’s Career University may be possible by ob- Services at: [email protected]. taining top scores in an Open Uni- versity online course.

26 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 27 A pilot project with the Faculty ing and how to identify aspects of researchers with whom they can of Veterinary Medicine is currently research that might be of commer- cooperate. investigating how business collab- cial interest to companies. “Other faculties have also ex- oration can support research and Researchers can also participate pressed an interest in increasing strengthen existing relationships, in cross-disciplinary meetings on their cooperation with the busi- as well as how new collaborative specific themes, such as the mi- ness sector. After this year’s pilot partners can be found. crobiome, to get an idea of who is program with the Faculty of Vet- The Faculty’s potential for busi- studying similar themes or topics erinary Medicine, we will know ness collaboration has been an- at the University from other per- a lot more about what works and alysed together with the Faculty spectives. This can help research what doesn’t. We can then tailor a leadership and researchers, and groups present their expertise in business collaboration program for successful collaboration projects a way that companies can easily each faculty,” Haataja explains. have been featured in blogs from grasp. the perspective of both companies A session will be held this spring The Business Collaboration and researchers. in which the Faculty of Veterinary team’s blog: blogs.helsinki.fi/ Since last spring, researchers Medicine’s researchers will pres- andaction/ have been offered training on how ent the current state of veterinary to cooperate with companies in research to relevant companies Contact the team: matters such as contracts and pric- which can then identify potential [email protected]

Viikki Campus

THE FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE PILOTS A BUSINESS COLLABORATION INITIATIVE

ith the reduction of Finnish research for corporate product The nine-person team, headed ” Wstate funding for corporate development. This is beneficial to by Haataja, brings together re- NORDIC BUSINESS FORUM 2019 research and product development companies due to the University’s searchers and the corporate world. projects in recent years, many com- extensive experience of EU projects. “The most active companies THIS YEAR the business and leadership Wed–Thu 9–10.10.2019 panies have begun looking to the As for Finland, it has been contact us directly, asking us what seminar’s theme is Growth. At the Alumni Tiedekulma, Yliopistonkatu 4 EU,” says Maarit Haataja, Head suggested that Business Finland theUniversity can offer them in Association’s independently organized Places are limited, register on of University Services and leader of - created through the merger of terms of useful research,” Haataja livestream event in Tiedekulma you can the Alumni Association’s website. the Business Collaboration team at Finpro, the Finnish trade promo- states. follow the event with other alumni and the University of Helsinki. tion organisation, and Tekes, the When common ground is students and see world class speakers and In her meetings with business Finnish Funding Agency for In- found, Haataja’s team visits the presentations by successful influencers. Permanent members of the representatives, she has taken note novation - could provide research companies with researchers they Speakers this year include Apple founder Alumni Association will of increasing interest in apply- funding to collaborative projects are interested in partnering with Steve Wozniak as well as Oscar winning have a networking event ing for EU funding for projects with an emphasis on project devel- to provide information about the actor, director, businessman, and UN organized in conjunction that utilize the University’s basic opment. University’s research. Ambassador for Peace George Clooney. with the NBF event. A LWAYS

28 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 29 ART HOUSE Tietoa. Tiedettä. Ilmiöitä. Tarinoita. Ajatuksia.

Art House -ryhmän monipuolinen kirjavalikoima nyt jäsenetuna alumneille. Saat edun kaikista kirjoista Art Housen verkkokaupassa käyttämällä kampanjakoodia 20%ALUMNI2019 ALUMNI2019 sekä kirjakaupassamme Bulevardilla näyttämällä alumniyhdistyksen jäsenkorttia. Tarjoamme verkkokauppaostoksiin myös postikulut.

BOARD POSITIONS OFFERED AT STARTUPS

he University of Helsinki’s Helsinki Innova- GlucoModicum, allows for the measuring of blood tion Services (HIS) helps researchers set up glucose levels without needing to break the skin with T startup companies to commercialize their needles. research findings. Solubility Company, founded on Viikki campus, “Experienced alumni are welcome to serve on the developed technology for pharmaceutical companies boards of the newly founded startups or as entrepre- to measure drug solubility at an early point in drug neurs or business team members,” says Managing development. Early information brings major savings Director Jari Strandman. for companies as it allows them to make changes in Currently, HIS has more than 20 commercializa- the further stages of development if the solubility is tion projects in the works. If they are successfully found to be poor, or to even drop development al­ transitioned into businesses, each will need at least together if the results call for it. three board members. The boards usually have one In addition, at Viikki, a company is in the process member who is a research representative, a second of being founded which will produce a bee-vaccine for represents the interests of the University of Helsinki foulbrood. This will be the world’s first insect vaccine. trust, but the third, as well as any additional mem- According to Strandman, the world’s top universi- bers, will be experienced and motivated persons from ties foster an average of five to ten such spin-off com- outside the university. panies each year. “The number is small, but the value-growth poten- ART HOUSE jalava tietosanoma LAST YEAR HIS HELPED TO FOUND THREE BUSINESSES tial of these companies is really high, because their Nanojet was established at Kumpula campus has de- competitiveness comes from top-research and new Bulevardi 19 C, 00120 Helsinki | www.arthouse.fi | [email protected] veloped technology “with built-in stair structure that innovations. For example, Valo Therapeutics is de- make standard 2D microscopes make 3D pictures.” veloping a new type of cancer vaccine that is poten- This provides significant savings to laboratories, as tially valued at billions of euros,” Strandman says. 3D microscopes cost hundreds of thousands of euros @ArtHouseKustantamo @AH_Kustantamo @arthousekustannus while 2D microscopes cost only a tenth of that. Contact information: Developments made on Kumpula campus by [email protected] or +358 40 7006968

30 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 31 and commerce. In this area, alum- global top 100. Of these, the MEMBER SURVEY ni can definitely help! University of Copenhagen and the Stockholm-based Karolinska In- RESULTS

LINDA TAMMISTO LINDA ONE OF THE BEST stitutet surpassed the University of IN THE NORDICS Helsinki. Compared to previous he Alumni Association regularly conducts surveys in From year to year, North Ameri- years, the University of Helsinki Torder to better understand the views and opinions of can universities remain at the top has risen above both Uppsala Uni- alumni through questions related to the University of Hel- of the rankings. The 2018 Shang- versity and the University of Oslo. sinki, membership in the Association, and current events, as hai ranking are the same as last well as to identify trends in attitudes. The most recent exten- year with Harvard University and HIGH RANKING IN GRADUATE sive member survey, an internationally comparable survey Stanford University at ranks one EMPLOYABILITY conducted at five-year intervals, was carried out in 2016, run- and two and the University of In The Employability rankings pub- ning from June to September. Cambridge tied for third position lished by Times Higher Education, Altogether 2,653 alumni (43% of all members) responded to with the Massachusetts Institute of the University of Helsinki's place- the survey. Since 2015, the Association has applied the Net Pro- Technology (MIT) and University ment was 48th, an improvement moter Score (NPS) method to all of its surveys. Results show of California, Berkeley. of 35 positions compared to last that, among alumni, the University’s NPS score is +64, while There were only a handful of year. Ranking reflects the view of the corresponding score for the Alumni Association is +47, Nordic universities among the employers in different countries re- wich is a good result. The NPS scale ranges from -100 to +100. garding the skills and competence of graduates for the labor market. AMONG THE TOP 100 The University of Helsinki has im- • 88% of the alumni are proud of their degree proved its placement in the rank- completed at the University ings almost every year since 2012. f the approximately 20,000 THE 2017–2018 PLACEMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI Among the Nordic countries, the • 4% saw relations with the University as positive IN THE LARGEST INTERNATIONAL RANKINGS O universities around the rank of the University of Helsinki or very positive world, the University of Hel- was the second, last year Fifth. SHANGHAI QS TIMES TAIWAN US NEWS FIVE-YEAR sinki ranks among the top 100 (ARWU) (THE) (NTU) GLOBAL AVERAGE • The Association is perceived to have committed (top 0.5%) in almost all rank- RANKING WHAT ARE THE RANKINGS well or very well to its strategic values for 2017– 2018 57 110 99 79 92 87.4 ings. Alumni are encouraged BASED ON? 2020 (visionary, useful, inspiring and educational). 2017 56 102 90 81 81 82.0 to mention their studies at the 2016 56 91 91 71 91 80.0 International university rankings University in their CV, as well as 2015 67 96 76 69 100 81.8 measure several factors, such as the • The Association is considered very active, diverse, in other contexts. The Universi- 2014 73 67 103 68 101 82.2 extent and impact of research, the and interesting, and its communications are seen ty of Helsinki publishes topical level of teaching, as well as the rep- as efficient. The brand of the Association is strong. information on ongoing top-level utation and international outlook research on its website helsinki.fi/ of universities. For instance, the • Regardless of age, all respondents are interested THE UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI'S PLACEMENT IN KEY RANKINGS en/research. BY GEOGRAPHICAL AREA IN 2018. 2017 results appear in brackets. ARWU ranking takes the Nobel in research and science outside their own field. In 2018, the University of Hel- Prize and the Fields Medal, a pres- SHANGHAI QS TIMES TAIWAN US NEWS FIVE-YEAR sinki maintained its rank of 57 (ARWU) (THE) (NTU) GLOBAL AVERAGE tigious award in mathematics, and • For the alumni, the three most important sources in the internationally prestigious RANKING their numbers awarded to alumni of information related to the University are the Shanghai Academic Ranking of WORLD 57 (56) 110 (102) 99 (90) 79 (81) 92 (81) 87.4 (82.0) of an institution into account in Yliopisto magazine, newspapers, and the Alumni EUROPE 18 (16) 38 (35) 33 (31) 23 (25) 31 (24) 28.6 (26.2) World Universities (ARWU). In addition to scientific publications Association. For younger alumni, social media is NORDIC 3 (3) 4 (4) 4 (3) 3 (3) 4 (3) 3.6 (3.2) another internationally respect- and citations. The Times ranking, also important. FINLAND 1 (1) 1 (1) 1 (1) 1 (1) 1 (1) 1 (1) ed ranking, the Times High- on the other hand, is focused on er Education World University the reputation of teaching, on the • We also asked which focus areas should be the Rankings (THE), the University number of doctoral degrees and on focus of the rector of the University. In open UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI'S RANKINGS IN THE'S EMPLOYABILITY RANKINGS was ranked 99th, largely due to which represents employers' views on the labor market qualifications research from a wider perspective. comments, the following topics were mentioned scientific citations. Based on the of graduates from a given university. The Nobel Prize awarded to Bengt frequently: internationalization, appreciation of ranking, primary development CHANGE Holmström, the Alumnus of the research quality and teaching, wellbeing of the challenges for the University of 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2017–2018 Year 2016, will gain additional academic community, and actions in advocating THE EMPLOYABILITY 103 99 91 72 70 83 48 35 Helsinki are relations with busi- RANKING points for the University of Helsin- for the significance of science. nesses and the world of industry ki in future rankings.

32 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 33 while still in familiar circum- and continuous manner. The en- university has just set up the UH stances. The language instruction rollment of international students Talent Hub to bring together those is in English, and students from cannot be justified purely on the interested in employing interna- different countries bring new per- grounds that they will potentially tional students. The university also spectives with their international stay after graduation and use their works closely with the City of Hel- backgrounds. educational expertise in projects sinki. The Alumni Association and For young Finns, this is a here.” Career Services have also set up a low-threshold way of internation- According to Koponen, the network for international students alizing, especially as only part of majority of international students and alumni who want to be em- the masters program is done in would like to remain and work ployed or have already gotten jobs English. Lessons are taught in in Finland after graduation. The in Finland. Networking and com- English, but exams and gradu- problem is that the public sector munication are important sup- ation tests, for example, can be and companies do not hire young ports for achieving employment. done in Finnish or Swedish. persons who do not know Finnish Koponen urges alumni to contact International students also chal- for jobs or training programs. the University of Helsinki’s inter- lenge the curriculum simply by “Employers might consider that national programs and let them being there. it could be worthwhile to hire an know what skills they want from “Some students pay for their expert who, in addition to their international students and what studies, and, in practice have to trained skills, could forge relation- sorts of project work they could of- graduate on time,” Koponen says. ships with their country of ori- fer to graduates of the programs. “It can sharpen the education and gin,” Koponen hopes. “On the one hand, as far as the rally the Finnish students as well. “Of course, I understand the re- circulation of knowledge, it's not The presence of international luctance of small to medium sized a bad thing, for master’s program

VEIKKO SOMERPURO VEIKKO students also forces teachers to businesses in particular. Each hire students to return to their home reconsider their teaching methods is not only an opportunity, but country or even move to a third and content. They cannot assume also a risk and a cost. It is harder country, much the same as many that all students have attended the to judge the added value of an in- Finns do,” Koponen says. “It is same courses during their previous ternational masters graduate than valuable for Finland to educate INTERNATIONAL studies.” a native Finn, as to whether or international students especially if Kopponen likes to highlight the not they will provide the adequate they take on significant position SPARRING PARTNERS indirect benefit brought by inter- ‘added value’ in the field. in a nation’s economy or society national students. One possibility is for employers as have Nickey Iyambo, Nami­ The biggest benefit from foreign students is that they “The university must justify its to work together in their attempts bia’s first Minister of Health who encourage improvement of the university and its teaching. decisions to society in a sustainable to recruit international talent. The also ascended to the office of Vice President, and Albert Rivera, the speaker of the Ciudadanos party in even percent of master’s culture in addition to education sity first in a three-year bachelors Spain. Iyambo began his studies in students at the University in specifically defined professions program and then continue with a the Political Science faculty at the S of Helsinki are foreigners. such as teaching and dentistry. two-year masters program. Thirty-­ University of Helsinki, but later “The figure is small when you “Still, seven percent is a bit less four of the masters programs are switched to the medical science consider the positive reputation of when compared to most foreign international, or just over half, and department and graduated as a the University abroad and its universities and even some Finn- in these international programs, medical doctor. Rivera studied ranking among the top 100 uni- ish universities. Beginning to 30% of students are from interna- at the University of Helsinki in the versities in international rankings,” charge tuition for students from tional backgrounds. Most programs early 2000s in the Erasmus says Esko Koponen, an expert non-EU and non-EEA countries, are in the natural and life sciences, exchange program. with Strategic Services at the as expected, reduced the number centered in the Kumpula and Viik- Antti Kivimäki University of Helsinki. of international students from ki Campuses, with fewer located on Part of this can be explained by autumn 2017 on.” the City Center Campus. Find more information about the the fact that a nation’s top univer- In terms of degree programs, the For Finnish student, the pro- international masters programs: sity has a lot of subjects in one’s situation is looking brighter. Cur- grams are beneficial as they provide www.helsinki.fi/fi/opiskelijaksi own language and about one’s own rently one can enroll at the univer- an easy way to “internationalize” www.helsinki.fi/en/admissions

34 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 35 The EU Alumni Club offers alumni meaningful opportunities in: • Creating networks and strengthening connec- tions between present, former and future students at the University of Helsinki, as well as in building an internal sense of community through various EU Alumni activities. • Promoting and supporting research excellence and the standard of education at the University of Helsinki; attracting the best students, researchers one’s expertise to the University of Helsinki and and employees to the university. Reinforcing the other alumni. positive image of the University of Helsinki as an • Close communication and dialogue between the international actor. University of Helsinki and the Alumni communities • Developing lifelong learning in the University of on current affairs, especially regarding scientific Helsinki and using its possibilities for self-develop- studies, topical EU matters, and news concerning ment and to gain new professional skills. Providing the University of Helsinki.

CHINA ALUMNI CLUB

THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION’S biggest local club is the ALUMNI CLUBS OUTSIDE Beijing-based China Alumni Club. Up to 150 alumni have participated in its events, and the club has 230 followers OF FINLAND in the Chinese WeChat social media service. Still, there is room for growth since there are more than 1,800 Uni- ENGAGE LOCALLY REGARDLESS OF YOUR LOCATION versity of Helsinki alumni currently living in China. The University also hopes to see an increase in the number of students attending the University of Helsinki and re- he University of Helsinki’s alumni are every- EU ALUMNI CLUB SWEDEN ALUMNI CLUB search done in cooperation with Chinese universities. Twhere, but how do they find each other? The ESTABLISHED in September 2017, the Brussels-based SWEDEN AND FINLAND are linked together The University has a good reputation among Chinese answer are the local clubs of the Alumni Associa- EU Alumni Club aims to promote the University’s not just by history, but also by the Baltic researchers, but few students know about it. tion. They bring alumni living in different countries image as a strong international player and to offer Sea. Yet, for some reason the Baltic Sea “Alumni and exchange students can promote the Uni- and cities together and back to the University of the expertise of its members to the University and seems easier to cross when travelling west versity of Helsinki by sharing their stories,” says Li Ying, Helsinki.The members are the ideal ambassadors to other alumni.Many Finns living in Brussels work for rather than east. This is reflected in the general-secretary of the China Alumni Club. spread information about the University of Helsinki the EU, and can thus offer a great deal not only to mobility of both students and researchers: Ying, a former student of the University of Helsinki, through their local networks to students, compa- the University but to each other. Sweden is more attractive to Finns than now teaches Finnish language and culture and heads nies, and researchers at other universities. “Networks are an integral part of the job de- vice versa. The Sweden Alumni Club was the centers of Finnish and Nordic studies at Beijing The local clubs currently have a total of more scription, particularly when working for the EU. established in Stockholm in 2017 to address Foreign Studies University. than 400 members, and the number continues to Networking with members of the academic com- this imbalance “The University of Helsinki is a top university, but its grow. The clubs operate independently, but with the munity provides significant benefits and added “Having lived in Sweden for close to 30 location in Finland is also significant. Finnish culture is solid backing of the Alumni Association. The Asso- value, which is reason enough to get involved in years, I have noticed that many sectors important for students and researchers who wish to ciation and the University have supported the clubs the club operations,” says its chair Saara Harjula. need more information about Finland. The study at the University, because the Chinese value it's in organising their first events, finding local alumni “I find it personally important to promote and local club has its work cut out for it,” says emphasis on freedom of research, equality, respect for and creating club rules. strengthen the brand of the University of Helsinki Kate Sevón, the club chair. privacy, safety and security.” The local clubs are highly important to the Uni- in Brussels, and to attract top students, research- “Our goal is to act as the local ambassa- versity and the clubs are primarily intended for ers and other staff to the University.” dors for the University of Helsinki in Swe- alumni networking. Alumni can use the clubs to The mission of the EU Alumni Club is to create den and spread information about Finnish make new friends or to reconnect with old ones, to a lifelong and worldwide community of alum- academia, the University of Helsinki and maintain their Finnish skills or to create new busi- ni through increasing opportunities for mutual study opportunities in Helsinki – studies ness opportunities. engagement: Stay Connected, Continue Learning can also be completed in Swedish, which and Support the University of Helsinki. comes as a surprise to many.”

36 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 37 ALUMNI TRAVEL – ADVENTURES WITH A PURPOSE

Memorable experiences with alumni and academic experts.

EGYPT AND THE NILE OF THE PHARAOHS

SEE THE NILES most important sites on a cruise and admire the Egyptian museum collections. from Cairo to Luxor and Assuan 14–22.2.2020. Outside of Cairo, in the Egyptian countryside, we Experience the stream of life of Egypt, which the will visit Sakkara and Dashur’s fascinating burial pharaohs first sailed thousands of years ago. grounds and the temples at Luxor and Karnak. Professor Jaakko Frösen will serve as our expert After that we will go on the five star Nile river guide and lecturer. Our journey begins in Cairo cruise, during which we will see famous sites such and it’s surroundings, we will visit the pyramids as the Edfun Horace Temple and the Assuan dam.

IRAN – HIGH CULTURE AND PILGRIMS

FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS of the pilgrims and get to know all the Persian history and the new spirit of modern Iran 29.10–6.11.2019. Our trip will include Inka Nokso-Koivisto, philosophy PhD, as PARIS – UNIVERSITY CITY an expert guide. On our trip through this ancient country, we see magnificent mosques, small moun- THE VERY FRENCH capital city is a global meeting will participate as an expert guide. On this trip we tain villages, and wonderful gardens. Our trip place for students and teachers from around the will experience the intellectual atmosphere of the left will include an expert guide. We will visit Isfahan, world. Along with history, art, literature, fashion, bank, and get to know different institutes of higher Safavid’s mythical city, the gardens and the city of and gastronomy, numerous colleges and universities education (Sorbonne, Collège de France, École Normale poets in Shiraz, and the university in Tehran. The have always played a significant role in the Parisian Supérieure, École Nationale d'Administration and École history of the University stretches back over 2000 way of life. Paris has also been an important edu- de Guerre). We will visit the traditional Sorbonne years. In addition to religion, the university taught cational destination for Finns throughout the ages. University and take several walks throughout the city. mathematics, astro­nomy, medicine, literature, The Alumni Association is leading a unique trip We will meet several Finnish and French students, biology, physics, and chemistry. to Paris from the 11–15.9.2019 and again from the professors as well as other university figures. The trip 18–22.9.2019. The trip has been designed in collabo- includes group dinners at classic restaurants as well as Registeration and inquiries should be directed to the Axtours travel agency: [email protected]. ration with Kristina Ranki, a philosophy PhD, who opportunities to enjoy the city’s rich cultural life. For additional information, please call Axtours at +358 (0)40 483 4950

38 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 39 Sun 14.4.2019, 4 pm Saint Matthew Passion, BWV 244 Helsinki Music Center, Concert Hall, LARS BORGES Mannerheimintie 13 A CULTURAL EVENTS THE HELSINKI BAROQUE-ORCHESTRA’S spring performance will be the Saint Matthew Pas- sion. Johann Sebastian Bach’s passion works have been an Easter tradition since 1921. Sat 23.3.2019, 6 pm Wed 27.3.2019, 7 pm The performances are almost always done St. Petersburg – Paris, Medusa’s Room in churches – as done by Bach in Leipzig’s Composer performances across borders, Q-teatteri, Tunturikatu 16 church. However, the Saint Matthew Passion in Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra Helsinki will be played by the Helsinki Ba- Great Hall, Aleksanterinkatu 5 MEDUSA’S ROOM is a fragmentary theatrical performance roque-Orchestra in the Helsinki Music Center inspired by the Medusa myth. According to Greek mytho­ concert hall. With the religious symbols hid- THE HELSINKI PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA logy, Medusa was a beautiful young girl Poseidon seduced Tue 2.4.2019, 7 pm den from view, there are new opportunities to will hold a chamber music concert at and raped which transformed her into a terrible creature Japanese Philharmonic Orchestra reflect on the music’s place as a masterwork the University of Helsinki’s Great Hall on with hair made of snakes. The performance is a subtle and Helsinki Music Center, Concert Hall, of western music culture. two Saturdays in spring 2019. The con- dream-like portrayal of gendered power and the culture of Mannerheimintie 13 A Prior to the performance, Márta Schmidt certs theme is Saint Petersburg – Paris, silence. The program examines the topics with the help of will talk about the orchestra and afterwards, composers across borders. The music music and visual narratives. The performance is a continua- THE JAPANESE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Aapo Häkkinen will talk about the musical at the concert will include pieces from tion from director and writer Saara Turunen’s earlier theatri- makes its first visit to Finland on April 2nd, piece. The pre-event program for members of Debussy, Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky, and cal work Tavallisuuden aave with its familiar stage language 2019 to celebrate 100 years of diplomatic the Alumni Association will take place on the Saint-Saëns. The University’s Great Hall and theatrical style. Performers: Elina Knihtilä, Tommi relations between Finland and Japan. Helsinki Music Center’s terrace lobby at 3 pm. was the home of the Helsinki Philhar- Korpela, Katja Küttner, Aksinja Lommi and Ylermi Rajamaa. The concert will be lead by Head Con- 80 tickets have been reserved for alumni monic Orchestra from 1882 to 1971. Prior to the performance, at 6 pm, Saara Turunen will ductor Pietari Inkinen, and the soloist will and can be purchased through 8.3.2019 on 100 tickets have been reserved for discuss the work at a pre-event organized for members of be cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, BBC’s the Ticketmaster website, which can be found alumni, seats are not numbered. Alumni the Alumni Association. young soloist of the year and two time on the Alumni Association website (helsinki. tickets are 12€ (norm. 15€). Alumni 100 tickets have been reserved for alumni. Tickets are winner of the Classic BRIT-Award. He won fi/en/alumniassociation). Tickets are 37€ and priced tickets can be redeemed using 35€ and include the pre-event program. Tickets can be the public’s hearts over with his perfor- include the pre- and post-performance events. the code ALUMNI at Ticketmaster sales purchased through 5.3.2019 from the Q-teatteri box office mance at the most recent royal wedding. points through 11.3.2019. Service charges at Tunturikatu 16 C, (if you have questions for them you Before the concert, a pre-event program will be added to the ticket price. Tickets can call +358 (0)9-4542 1333, between 11–15). Use the has been organized for alumni about the can also be purchased by phone at reservation number 6068922628. It is also possible to get performers and the program.

+358 (0)600 10 800 (1.98€ per minute your tickets by calling the Q-teatteri ticket office and ask- 100 tickets have been reserved for MICHAEL ZAPF plus local network charges). Further ing to be billed by invoice. Their billing fee for this service alumni. Tickets cost 65€ when purchased inquiries can be directed to: helsinki.phil- is 5€ for each order. Tickets can also be bought at Tiketti from the box office at Musiikkitalo and [email protected] or +358 (0)9 3102 2710. service points (37,50€ per ticket). include the pre-event program. Tickets purchased through Ticketmaster will include a service charge. Alumni tickets can be purchased through 6.3.2019. Use the reservation code 14377633. Tickets cannot be purchased online.

To participate, you must also register on the Alumni Association’s website or by contacting the office. Having this information allows us to contact participants in the event of possible program changes. See the full list of programs on our website.

40 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 41 ALUMNI- KAUPPA.FI ALUMNIGOLF The Alumni Association has its own A MEETING PLACE FOR SCIENCE AND PRACTICE online store. There are alumni products on sale, such as event tickets, books, alumni pins, alumni bags, wine glasses and addresses. lumni Golf V was played at Hirsala golf Heikki Hervonen played the best game with A course in Kirkkonummi on May 31st, 93 hits. The best players were awarded and the Electronic products, such as event 2018. A good choice in the weather (sunshine) rest of the prizes were raffled among the parti- tickets, will be sent to your email after ensured an excellent day of golf. Alumni Golf cipants. ordering. Other products you have to V, with 48 participants, was our biggest event pick-up at the Alumni office. MAPS IN POST- yet. Pairing up caused a bit of a fuss in the AFTER THE COMPETITION, Nils-Henrik caddie-master’s office, but eventually everyone ”Nisse” Wasenius expressed his hope that in See pick-up times in the TRUTH TIMES ended up with a partner. The main competition the future there might be an additional compe- alumni online store. was a personal point-bogey with full handicap. tition for those who are 70 and older during the s long as people have been documenting their We also played a best-ball competition with two competition year. This additional competition Asurrounding world with maps, maps have also person teams. A special competition rewarded to the main competition would be a shorter one, been used as a tool for influencing information and the ball that landed closest to the flag and the held on with a leveling handicap and played on exercising power. Maps have been used to create ALUMNI-­ straightest drive. a shorter course. The tee points are set toget- and strengthen national identities, mark spheres of PIN Different from our tradition, the event took her with the game rules on the course when it is influences, and demonize enemies. 10€ place at the same venue as 2017, the Hirsala golf chosen. After the discussion Wasenius promised State media and social media are big utilizers of course. Several golf courses are located in a rea- to gift a tour prize for this competition. visual media. Maps have become a key messag- sonable distance, so we will see where we have ing-tool in the media, and are used as if they are the Alumni Golf 2019. After the competition, Jaakko Suomela scientific documents, though the reality is, they we enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch with wine Golf Manager of the Association often only tell the story as seen by their creator. or beer, catered by the club’s restaurant. After Alumni in Computer Sciences SAT SAPIENTI Additionally, with global, easy to use, free meth- the game, everyone left with positive feelings CHAMPAGNE ods of distribution, the democratization of knowl- and happy memories of the buzz of the compe- Both Alumni and University staff GLASSES (6) edge production has irreversibly changed the way tition. The handicaps seemed to be in line with participated in the Alumni Golf 69€ the power is used. In the post-truth period, the skill the scores. of making maps, and especially reading them, has taken on a value that we could not have predicted a TIMO KAUPPINEN was the fourth ever winner of decade ago. the competition, with 34 points. The competi- The event about this currently relevant theme tion was close, and Ira Leväaho, Arto Ojala, will be led by the Director of the Department of LYYRA Joanna Kuusela and Paavo Pitkänen were clo- Land Surveying and Cartography, Professor Juha ALUMNIGOLF VI BOOK OF se in points. In this game, the winners of fourth Oksanen, as well as Senior Researcher, Pyry TUE 28.5.2019 CONDOLENCES and fifth place were only determined on the last Kettunen­ . Oksanen is the Chairman of the Finn- 30€ hole. In the special competitions, Anu Kekki We will eat lunch together ish Cartographic Society, and Kettunen is a mem- was the closest to the flag, at only 9.23 meters after the game. ber of their Board. away. Markku Lahtinen won the straightest Register to play and drive, with a distance to the center-line of only buy your spot: Thursday 4.4.2019 Kirsti Varis Pekka Vähätalo alumnikauppa.fi 5–7 pm 71 cm. and won ALUMNI-­ Metsätalo, hall 1, the team-based best ball competition with 38 SHOPPINGBAG Unioninkatu 40 points. Without handicapping or scratch-results, 5€

Register on the Alumni Association’s website.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 43 The procession of Harvard alumni in September 1836. The picture was drawn by Eliza Susan Quincy, daughter of Josiah Qincy, who served as Harvard Rector between 1829 and 1845.

200 YEARS OF ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

The research of Pia Österman examines the engagement of alumni in the life of seven universities. The goal is to collect best practices from the old and new world and implement them in Finland.

ia Österman, the Executive The universities chosen for the re- tors, and university representatives Director of the Alumni Asso- search are: Harvard and Penn State from both the administration and Pciation, is a morning person in the US, University of Toronto the schools. The archives of the by nature, but for the past few years in Canada, University of Vienna in universities and associations have has been especially so. On week- Austria, Uppsala University in Swe- also become familiar resources. It days she waks up a bit before 5 a.m. den, and, of course, the Universi- is important to use archive mate- and works on her doctoral thesis on ty of Helsinki. They have much in rial to confirm the recollection of alumni engagement. The area of re- common, all are at least 100 years interviewed individuals. Minutes search is relevant to her daily work, old, ranked among the world’s top of meetings preserve the in-the- so much so, that at times observa- universities, have more than 10,000 moment differences of opinion and tions from her morning research can students, and are scientific mul- the votes on a specific decision. be applied later the same day. ti-disciplinary research universities. “Its not always a question of peo- The doctoral disertation focus- ple trying to sweep the conflicts es on comparing almost 180 years HISTORY IS EASILY FORGOTTEN under the rug,” Österman clarifies. of alumni participation at seven Six universities have already been “Often people responsible for activ- universities with a special focus on visited – all but Toronto. Interview ies now just don’t know that much active alumni involvement in the subjects include alumni, employees about activities that were done 10 development and promotion of the of the alumni offices from the past or 100 years ago. Alumni engage- universities. and present, alumni activity direc- ment and its history have had sur-

44 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 45 prisingly little study dedicated to ship and several of its professors THE SHORT-TERM AND PERPETUAL cessful results for the university. as something separate from the and harkening back to that emo- it, given its impact.” decided to move and found a new PERSPECTIVE – Österman is likely the first to university. The alumni lead the tional bond. In Finland, alumni Every generation thinks they are university in a more metropolitan The US is a treasure trove on this use this information to make this university and are involved in most benefit the university by working the first to do something, like en- location, believing that there were subject. Alumni activities has such type of doctoral thesis utilizing aspects of the university’s func- as mentors and career field experts. gaging alumni in the development not enough students in the region a long history there, that its pos- the Bertelsmann Foundation’s tions. The alumni even help in “All these tens of thousands of of curriculum and university fund- for the arts university. sible to look back over a long time IOOI (input-output-outcome-im- interviewing prospective students. brilliant alumni live in the pres- raising. However, many of these Upon hearing this, a group of period and identify what kind of pact) methodology. It is often as- With over 36,000 applicants for ent and look to the future in their activities have a long history. For ex- former students published an an- activities have been productive. sumed that alumni activity which only 16,000 open places in a typical worklife.” Österman emphasizes. ample, at Harvard University in the noucement in the local paper sum- Many benefits are demonstra- happens on opposite sides of the year, the help is needed. “They can see coming trends faster 1840s and the 1860s, when the state moning all the alumni to discuss ble and verifiable only in the long Atlantic, or even just in differ- Philip Lovejoy, the head of the than the university can. For exam- of Massachusetts began to reduce its the future of the insititution: The term. The timespan is usually so ent countries, is too difficult, if Harvard Alumni Association, says ple, they have long recognized the funding, alumni formed a politi- meeting is notified at the request of long that that the benefits are not not impossible to compare due to that they rely heavily on work done need for life-long learning, mod- cal lobby on behalf of the Univer- a number of gentlemen, educated at yet demonstrable in the Nordic differences in the institutions and by alumni volunteers. He sees the ern electronic communications sity and fundraised to pay for new the institution, who are desirous that region where the history of alumni their culture and context. How- alumni activity as democratic at its methods, and online learning.” buildings and professors. In 1840 the true state of the college be known engagement is relatively short. ever, the research has found many core, as people participate and give they founded the Harvard Alum- to the alumni. At the meeting it For example, Penn State Alumni comparable similarities in the their time and expertise as suits EFFECTIVE ALTRUISM ni Association, which now has over was decided to take action to save Association’s permanent member- alumni engagement at the univer- them. “The alumni have made Har- According to Österman, alumni 300,000 members and is one of the the university by targeting politi- ship campaign, begun in the 1940s, sities chosen for the thesis. vard a better place”, he asserts. often take into account the effecti- worlds largest alumni associations. cians to get financial support, in has now, more than 70 years later “The effectiveness of any effort Finn and Harvard alumni Kalle veness when considering measures addition to raising funds them- proved to be a winning strategy depends on many facors and the im- Heikkinen, who is also a former that might be taken. It is impor- EVEN IN THE TIME OF PLATO selves, as well as working to devel- that has provided stable funding pact of a single factor can be diffi- member of the Executive Board of tant to them that their volun- Even Plato had what he called op the educational programs of the for the association for more than cult to determin specifically,” Öster- Harvard, organized meetings for teer work gives the most benefit alumnus disciplinae meae, and past university. half a century and substantial cap- man explains. “On the other hand, Österman with high level execu- possible. Österman compares the students have always spent time A side effect of the campaign ital to support the development the broad historical time frame of tives at Harvard to help interpret alumni attitude of seeking to have among current students in the cor- was that the alumni realized that upto this point in time and long my research has allowed me to bet- the alumni activities and their his- the greatest impact to effective alt- ridors of the universities. The use it was stimulating and pleasant to into the future. ter identify cause and effect chains. tory at the university. ruism, a term created by philoso- of the word alumni in its modern get together, and decided the only In alumni activities, the time It is quite clear that if the alumni Harvard is crucial to understand pher Peter Singer. Using evidence sense, began at the start of the 19th sensible course of action was to or- span is often both short and per- work consistently and tenaciously for any research in alumni engage- and information we seek the best century in the United States. ganize a formal association. petual at the same time. towards a goal for their alma mater, ment. Only by knowing Harvard and most effective ways to impro- The world’s first alumni associ- The university was saved through The thesis also examines the basic the results are inevitably great. one can have a conversation about ve the world. This philosophy is ation sprang up around a crisis at the engagement of the alumni, concepts of alumni engagement and whether it is possible for alumni to utilized by, among others, the Bill Williams College. In 1821, the uni- though it lost some of the leader- builds a historically based model for READY MADE PRODUCTS TO ALL be too involved. Without knowing and Melinda Gates Foundation. versity, located in the small village ship and the professors who left to tracing the impact of various types SET FOR UTILIZATION Harvard it is useless as no other “Alumni activity should be able of Williamstown Massachusetts, found what is now known as of alumni activities to compare The alumni activities studied in university has reached the same to verify effectiveness and com- threated to close when the leader- Amherst College. their effectiveness in creating suc- this research are organized in very level of engagement. pare the effect of different inputs. different ways. “The research resultswill bring This allows organizations to ex- At Cambridge University alumni tested methods to the drawing amine what are the most effective activities are deeply linked to the board, from institutions such as ways to achieve certain outcomes colleges of the university, which the Cambridge and Harvard, which for the university,” says Österman. alumni retain links to even long have provided verifyable results,” What activities are most effec- after graduation. At Uppsala the Österman reveals. “We should in tive may not be as obvious as one alumni activities are strongly asso- the Nordics make great leaps for- might think. Harvard’s homecom- ciatied with the Student Nations ward in alumni engagement. The ing tradition may be over 170 years while at Penn State, the alumni alumni business is booming right old, but even today it is considered have organized an alumni associa- now in Europe and Asia.” one of the most effective and en- tion with more than 200,000 mem- In her view, a key feature of gaging forms of alumni activity. bers to support the university. alumni activity in Finland is that In alumni activities, individual At Harvard University, the alum- alumni are related to as mature performance matters. Alumni are ni have been so deeply involved over individuals in their current field of #smartpeople. such a long period of time, that it is work, rather than just through the difficult to speak of alumni activity prism of their student experience Antti Kivimäki

46 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 47 ALUMNI GROUPS

he University’s former students have estab- FRIENDS OF THE T lished discipline- and field-specific alumni HELSINKI UNIVERSITY groups, which operate independently or as part of MUSEUM (HYMY) the University’s Alumni Association. The groups can consist of students who have studied a parti­ HELSINGIN yliopistomuseon ystävät cular discipline (e.g., economics or theology), (HYMY) is a group of alumni students who studied in a particular period or who are interested in and wish to alumni interested in a specific topic (e.g., women’s support the University of Helsinki studies, conferment ceremonies or the Helsinki Museum. All alumni are welcome Alumni sitsit University Museum). The groups may be regis- to join the group. The group has in Helsinki. tered or unregistered communities. Members of approximately 120 members. the Alumni Association can join the groups when paying their membership fee. HOW TO JOIN? The group is part of the Alumni Association and ECONOMICS ALUMNI helsinki.fi/en/alumniassociation/alumni-groups operates with its support. No membership fee. THE UNIVERSITY’S economics graduates have established the Kansantaloustieteen alumnit Helsingin yliopistossa ry associa- tion to maintain interaction between the alumni and the discipline of economics and develop practices that promote such HISTORY ALUMNI efforts. The purpose of the association is BIOTECHNOLOGY ALUMNI FRIENDS OF to strengthen and monitor the devel- CHRISTINA THE Historia-alumnit/Historia-­ opment of the discipline of economics. THE PURPOSE of the Biotekniikan alumnit alumner association was established The association develops approaches that group is to enable communications among THE Kristiinan ystävät group is in 2015 to promote communication support the general objectives of the biotechnology alumni as well as between named after the University of and networking among those who University’s economics discipline as an alumni and current students, and to sup- Helsinki’s first women’s studies have studied history disciplines at academic unit of teaching, research and port contacts between employers, alumni unit, the Christina Institute, and the University of Helsinki’s Faculty public engagement. The association has and current students. The group organises brings together former students of Arts. To this end, the association approximately 250 members. evening get-togethers to allow members to and teachers of women’s and gen- organises meetings for its members establish new contacts. The group has der studies as well as alumni who and coordinates cooperation between HOW TO JOIN? If you wish to become approximately 80 members. have influenced the development history disciplines and student or- a member of both the association of of the field or are interested in it. ganisations. economics alumni and the Alumni HOW TO JOIN? The group welcomes all The group has approximately 100 Association­ in 2019, you can pay a those who have studied biotechnology­ members. HOW TO JOIN? New members are double membership fee of 48€, which at the University of Helsinki or in the charged a fee of 5€ to join the includes the membership fees of both HEBIOT program. No membership fee. HOW TO JOIN? The group is part association.­ The payment associations, thus saving you 8€. of the Alumni Association and information will be sent once the operates with its support. No association’s board has approved membership fee. the prospective member.

48 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 49 SENIORS OF THE STUDENT UNION

THE PURPOSE of the HYY-Seniorit asso­ ciation is to bring together those who have served in the University of Helsinki Stu- SPOUSES OF UNIVERSITY JUUSO KOIVISTO JUUSO dent Union (HYY) or the HYY Group OF HELSINKI PROFESSORS as chairs, deputy chairs, board members and officials. Those who have served in THE Helsingin yliopiston professorien puolisot COMPUTER SCIENCE the above positions or have been otherwise ry asso­ciation for the spouses of University ALUMNI actively involved in the Student Union’s of Helsinki professors organises talks, ex- activities can join the association. The asso- cursions and visits, helps the spouses of pro- THE ALUMNI activities in computer ciation has approximately 100 members. fessors become acquainted with each other, science began at the University of Hel- and works for the benefit of the Uni­versity Commencement ball of the HOW TO JOIN? If you wish to become a sinki in autumn 2008 when a group of Faculty of Philosophy 2017. of Helsinki and related communities. former students established an alumni member of both the HYY-Seniorit associ- The association has established a fund at association at the TKO-äly student ation and the Alumni Association in 2019, the University of Helsinki to support disa- association’s 20th anniversary celebra- you can pay a double membership fee of bled students with annual grants. The asso- tion on 22 November 2008 at the Old 48€, which includes the membership­ fees ciation has approximately 130 members. The Student House. The purpose of the CONFERMENT FRIENDS of both associations, thus saving you 8€. members are welcome to attend the associa- TKT-alumni ry association is to bring tion’s events together with a companion. together the University of Helsinki’s THE Promootion ystävät group is open to all former computer science students, who have served as a conferment committee HOW TO JOIN? If you wish to become a enable them to network, and promote member, official or herald of the Universi- member of both the association for the cooperation between alumni, teachers, ty’s Faculty of Philosophy, Faculty of Social spouses of University of Helsinki profes- students and researchers. The alumni Sciences or Faculty of Theology. The group sors and the Alumni Association in 2019, activities benefit all parties as well as members regularly receive information on you can pay a double membership fee of the wider community. matters related to conferment ceremonies. 48€, which includes the membership fees The association organises monthly The group has approximately 140 members. of both associations, thus saving you 8€. alumni activities as well as activities An application drawn up within the Alum- aimed at a wider target audience, such ni Association led to the tradition of Master’s as public events and mentoring (the conferment ceremonies being added to the latter together with the University). Finnish list of intangible cultural heritage in recognition of the significance and unique HOW TO JOIN? The association is nature of the tradi­tion. The list is associated open to all who have studied com- with UNESCO’s Convention for the Safe- puter science at the University of guarding of the Intangible Cultural Herit- Helsinki and consider themselves age, and the Finnish Ministry of Education alumni. Staff are also welcome to and Culture can propose items added to the join the network. Membership is free list for inclusion on the UNESCO list of in­ of charge! The TKT-alumni associa- tangible cultural heritage. tion has agreed on cooperation­ with the Alumni Association. Membership HOW TO JOIN? The group is part of the is free of charge. TKT-alumni is a Alumni Association and operates with its The spring day trip of the cooperation partner with the Alumni support. No membership fee. Professor's Spouses group. Association.

50 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 51 GYMNASTICS FRIENDS OF THE SWEDISH GÖRAN SCHILDT DEPARTMENT GROUP SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE

THE Voimistelulaitosryhmä group is THE Soc&koms Vänner r.f. association acts as a open to all gymnastics teachers who link between current and former students and have studied in the University of Hel- staff of the University of Helsinki’s Swedish sinki’s gymnastics department. The School of Social Science as well as others in- purpose of the group is to enable for- volved in the field of the association. The mer students of the department to keep association organises several events each year. in contact with each other, highlight the significance of the department’s HOW TO JOIN? The membership fee is 20€. work for Finnish sports education and If you wish to become a member of both emphasise the role of sports and health the group and the Alumni Association in education in general wellbeing. The 2019, you can pay a double membership fee group has approximately 50 members. of 48€, which includes the membership fees of both associations, thus saving you 8€. LECTURE SERIES: HOW TO JOIN? The group is part of the Alumni Association MOBILITY ON THE MEDITERRANEAN and operates with its support. No DURING THE ANTIQUE PERIOD membership fee. SNÄF ALUMNI hroughout history the Mediterranean has been THE SNÄf alumner group is intended for T a vital connection for people, ideas, and goods, Wednesday 2.10 5 pm Professor those who have been actively involved in with the same phenomena, thoughts, and patterns emeritus Paavo Castrén, Den grekiska the delegation and/or board of Svenska appearing in different cultures as they are shared and och feniciska koloniseringen av Nationer och Ämnesföreningar (SNÄf). reborn. Medelhavsområdet

Wednesday 6.10 5 pm Professor THEOLOGY ALUMNI HOW TO JOIN? The group is part of the Once people spoke of our sea, Mare Nostrum. The sea Alumni Association and operates with was our uniting element. ‘We’ lived on the coast around Mika Kajava, Antiikin olympialaiset THE Teologian alumnit ry association its support. No membership fee other this sea, the ‘others’ around other seas. Now people speak liikkuvuuden moottorina brings together alumni who have com- than the regular Alumni Association of the Mediterranean sea which lies between many lands pleted a degree at the University of membership fee. and people -- the sea which separates. Freely translated Thursday 31.10 5 pm FD Kristian Helsinki’s Faculty of Theology. The from Göran Schildt's book Medelhav. (Wahlström & Göransson, Direktör för Svenska insti­ association promotes communication Widstrand 1955) tutet i Rom, Sicilien som grekisk koloni between alumni and faculty as well as between alumni and students. The With the theme of Mobility on the Mediterranean Thursday 21.11. 5 pm Professor Arja association has over 60 members. during the Antique Period, we will look at how ideas Karivieri, Direktör för Finlands Rom- and people moved along the coast and by sea. Through institut, Mobiliteten i hamnstäderna HOW TO JOIN? If you wish to become studying this, we want to increase our understanding Ostia och Portus a member of both the association of how, what we called today the European Cultural for theology alumni and the Alumni Tradition, arose thanks to the common and uniting The lectures will be given in swedish Association in 2019, you can pay a sea. This lecture series is a collaboration between The or finnish. We reserve the right to double membership fee of 41€, which Christine and Göran Schildt Foundation and the Uni- make changes. Register on the Alumni includes the membership fees of both versity of Helsinki’s Alumni Association. The program Association website or by contacting associations, thus saving you 10€. will extend over two semesters, during the autumn of the office by phone or email. 2019 and the spring of 2020.

52 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 53 Jäsenetuna -25 % kaikista SKS:n kirjoista MEMBER BENEFITS verkkokaupassa ja kirjakauppa Tiedekirjassa

Historiaa ja elämäkertoja

FRSO Concert Tickets – Save 10%

The Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra (FRSO) is the orchestra of the Finnish Broadcasting Corporation Yle, with the mission of producing and promoting Finnish musical culture. FRSO offers annual discounts to members of the Association. As a membership benefit, you get10% discount off normal prized con- Kansanperinnettä cert tickets. Single tickets cost 32€/27€/22€ (16.1 & 17.1 42€/37€/32€). The concert program is published on the FRSO website (yle.fi/aihe/rso-english) and the Alumni Association page. Tickets can be purchased ja mytologiaa from Ticketmaster outlets, which will include an additional service charge in its price. Tickets can also be purchased from Musiikkitalo’s ticket office, which does not add a service charge to the price. To receive the discount, please present your membership card at the register in electronic or paper form.

Kulttuuria, kieliä ja kirjallisuutta FLS publications Forum Business – save up to 10€ per book Magazine

The Finnish Literature Society (FLS) is Finland’s largest Forum is Finland’s only Swedish-language publisher of non-fiction and scientific literature in the field business magazine in Finland. As a member of humanities. The society publishes approximately 60 new of the alumni association, you are eligible for Alennuksen saat verkkokaupastamme sekä kirjakauppa Tiedekirjasta works each year on the Finnish language, literature, tradi- a 50% discount on an annual subscription. tions and history. As a membership benefit, you get a25% This special offer includes 11 issues for the Saat alennuksen SKS:n Kirjakauppa Tiedekirjassa saat alen- discount on all FLS books at the Tiedekirja bookstore (Snell- special price of 50€ (normal price 96€). The verkkokaupasta käyttämällä nuksen näyttämällä kassalla Alumni- maninkatu 13, Helsinki) and at the online bookstore (www. order must be submitted through the Alumni ostoskorissa koodin yhdistyksen jäsenkorttia. Palvelevasta finlit.fi/kirjat). To receive the discount, please present your Association website: helsinki.fi/en/alumni­ ALUMNIETU. Yli 60 euron pienestä kirjakaupasta löydät Helsin- membership card at the Tiedekirja bookstore in electronic association/membership-benefits. Apply the tilaukset ilman postikuluja. gin kiinnostavimman kirjavalikoiman. or paper form. In the online store, the discount can be ap- discount using the code “Alumnföreningen plied to your cart using the discount code ALUMNIETU. vid HU” at the bottom of the order form. www.finlit.fi/kirjat Snellmanin katu 13, Helsinki www.tiedekirja.fi 54 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 55 Yliopisto magazine – save 14€ Lunch at Unicafe – save over 3€ daily

The Yliopisto magazine is the science magazine for everyone from the University of Helsinki. As a The student owned UniCafé, has ensured that inexpensive and healthy food has been available to students membership benefit, you can access the digital version of all 10 issues of the Yliopisto magazine, as for decades. As a member, you get lunch at all UniCafé restaurants in Helsinki for the staff price, of5,70€ to well as receive the February issue in print by mail. Yliopisto magazine is also delivered abroad. To 7,20€ (normal price 8,80€ to 9,50€). In addition to a main course, the varied lunch includes a drink, bread receive all the issues in printed form by mail (value 50€), just add 4€ to your annual membership fee buffet, side salads and, either a coffee, tea or dessert. At UniCafé Ylioppilasaukio, you can also choose the (choose the 40€ membership option). The Yliopisto magazine familiarises readers with the latest Bistro option for 8,70€ (normal price 9,00€), including a starter soup, a main course and a substantial salad research and the latest analyses, as well as the most knowledgeable scholars and delightful phenom- buffet. Relive the nostalgia of your student years by eating a tasty and inexpensive lunch while mingling with ena. Membership in the Association is the most inexpensive way to obtain all of the annual issues. students and the University staff. To receive the discount, please show your paper or digital membership card at the register.

Art House group books – save up to 20€ per book A bottle of champagne at The Art House group includes book publishers Art Kämp bar – save 25€ House, Kustannus Jalava, and Tietosanama and focus- Sanoma Magazine – save up to 40% es on publishing versatile works on society, hobbies, science, history, and culture as well as professional Many of the professors, students and alumni of and academic works. As a member you will receive a the University of Helsinki spent their time at the Sanoma Media Finland has been a newspaper and magazine publisher since 1889, the year when 20% discount on all books in the publisher’s webshop legendary Hotel Kämp, including Eero Erkko, Päivälehti, the predecessor to the newspaper Helsingin Sanomat, was established in Helsinki. As a mem- (arthouse.fi) or their physical bookstore (Bulevardi 19 Akseli Gallen-Kallela, Jean Sibelius, Juhani Aho bership benefit, you can receive a discount of up to40% for 12-month subscriptions of Sanoma Media C, 00120 Helsinki). As an added benefit, the book- and Kaarlo Ståhlberg. As a partner of the Alumni Finland’s lifestyle magazines. In addition to printed magazines, you will also receive access to the online store covers shipping costs for online purchases. Association, hotel Kämp is offering the members edition of the magazines. Subscriptions must be purchased through the Alumni Association website Special events and offers for alumni are also available of the Alumni Association a bottle of house (helsinki.fi/en/alumniassociation/membership-benefits). Prices may change during the year but the dis- at various times throughout the year. More informa- champagne (Ruinart Champagne Brut) for 110€ count percentage will remain the same. tion on these will be available on the Alumni Asso- (norm.135€) or a glass (12cl) for 18€ (norm 22€). The offer is valid for the following magazines: Aku Ankka, Aku Ankka Juniori, ET –lehti, ET terveys, ET ciation website. The discount can be obtained in the The benefit is valid from 1.1.2019-31.12.2019. The Matkaopas, Gloria, Glorian Koti, Glorian ruoka&viini, Hyvä Terveys, Kodin Kuvalehti, Meidän Perhe, Me online store using the campaign code ALUMNI2019 benefit is can be used once per visit to the bar Naiset, Prinsessa, Rakennuslehti, SPORT, Suuri Käsityö, Tiede, and Vauva. Each lifestyle magazine subscrip- when checking out. At events and on location at their (1 bottle or glass per alumni each visit). To tion includes the digilehdet.fi service, where you can read all of the Sanoma magazines in one place. The bookstore, you can receive the discount by showing receive the discount, please show your Alumni service includes all magazines published from the beginning of 2015. The personal user identification for your paper or electronic membership card. Association membership card at the bar. Sanoma, created when ordering a subscription, can be used to log in to the digilehdet.fi service as well.

56 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 57

Ulkopolitiikka magazine – save over 6€

Ulkopolitiikka (“Foreign Policy”) is an award-winning magazine in Finnish that deepens the debate on international politics and the economy in Finland. As a membership benefit, you get 15% discount from gaudemus.pikakirjakauppa.fi a subscription. Annual subscription for members is 34.85€ (normal price 41€). The subscription includes one optional previous issue and access to the online edition. Subscriptions can be obtained by calling +358 9 432 7707 or by emailing [email protected]. Please refer to your Alumni Association membership when ordering the subscription. The magazine is published by the Finnish Institute of In- ternational Affairs, which organises discussion meetings and seminars focused on international relations and the European Union. To some of these events, there is a quota for members of the Association. Further information on current events is available on the Alumni Association website.

Gaudeamus publications – save up to 10€

The University of Helsinki’s publishing house, Gaudeamus, is Dynastia salon and one of the leading scientific publishers in Finland. It serves stylists – save 15% the scientific community and the broader scientifically -in terested community in Finland. Gaudeamus publishes works in the fields of social science, philosophy, the humanities, Dynastia is a seven person, full ser- environment, economics, and education. As a membership vice hair and make-up salon located benefit, you will receive a20% discount off books sold in on Fabiankatu in Helsinki. Dynastia the Gaudeamus online store (gaudeamus.pikakirjakauppa.fi). offers monthly benefits to members The discount can be applied to all books, including promo- of the Alumni Association. The first tional deals and already discounted books. During the year, offer is 15% discount of all services Gaudeamus sells books at various events organised at the booked for February. Check for University, and makes special offers to alumni. These special future monthly offers on the Associa- offers will be announced on the Association website, by email, tion's website. When booking, please and via the electronic membership card. Please present your let them know you are a member membership card at events. To obtain the discount in the of the Alumni. We value positivity, online bookstore, please enter the discount code ALUMNI continued learning, and passion for 2018 in the field “Lahjakortti/kampanjakoodi” (“Gift certificate/ work. Booking contact info: campaign code”). Free shipping on orders over 60€. Overseas +358 44 0404220, www.dynastia.fi. shipping is available.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 59 UniSport recommends for alumni

Pilates basics, begins Wed 6.3.2019 From walking to running, begins 4.4.2019 (UniSport Kluuvi) (UniSport Kumpula) The course is for those who want to learn The course is for those who are just beginning about the basics of pilates such as core sup- to take up jogging as a hobby. The course is port and the neutral back position. a great opportunity to start your training as a runner or jogger. Starting at the Gym, begins 3.25.2019 (UniSport Meilahti) Additional Information: I am at the gym but what should I do? A Fitness instructor Elina Kero professional trainer will work with you in small +358 50 318 2420 groups to guide you into beginning fitness [email protected] training. or unisport.fi UniSport season pass – save 120€

UniSport, a joint sports and wellbeing service run by the University of Helsinki, Aalto University, and Hanken, got its start in 1967. Today it is operating on six University Campuses and offers more than 40 Check out the sports facilities classes and activities, ranging from easy introductory courses to more challenging ones. Association – the first visit is free members can get a 12-month UniSport season pass for the special price of 479€. KLUUVI IS THE CITY CENTER’S LARGEST GYM

WITH THE SEASON PASS YOU GET ALL-DAY PASS FOR ALUMNI • UniSport Kluuvi (Yliopistonkatu 4): • UniSport Otaniemi (Otaranta 6): • Unlimited access to the gym and group 12 months 479€ (normal price 599€) group sports, indoor cycling, massage, gym on two floors, group exercise, plenty of training classes during opening hours print- 4 months 183€ (normal price 215€) personal training services ball and racket courts as well massage and ed on the season pass all sports sessions 1 month 50€ (normal price 59€) personal training services for casual and experienced players • UniSport Kumpula (Väinö Auerin katu 11): • The right to make bookings for services HALF-DAY PASS FOR ALUMNI in addition to the gym facilities, group • UniSport Töölö (Ilmarinkatu 1, 5/2019): covered by the season pass (please note 12 months 383€ (normal price 479€) exercise, ball sports, massage and personal gym, group exercise, ball sports, massage booking restrictions) 4 months 155€ (normal price 183€) training services and personal training services • One (1) month suspension of the season 1 month 43€ (normal price 50€) pass for no charge during a vacation for • UniSport Meilahti (Zaidankatu 9): • UniSport Viikki (Kevätkatu 2): group sports, purchasers of a 12-month season pass (not Court and gym booking costs are not in- naturally lit gym, group exercise and ball games and rackets in two different halls applicable to freshmen alumni) cluded in the benefit. Detailed terms and indoor cycling, massage and staff training • Free temporary pass suspension for rea- other service pricing is available on the services For more information, please visit: unisport.fi sons stated in the terms of service (e.g., online UniSport price list. Prices are valid

temporary change of domicile) from 1 January to 31 August 2019. • 7-day satisfaction guarantee

UniSport season pass for Freshmen Alumni – save 410€ Membership benefits offered Propose a membership benefit by partners of the Association Freshmen Alumni members of the Alumni Association receive a special benefit from UniSport. You get to the Alumni Association are updated throughout the 12-month season pass for the staff price of 189€ (normal price 599€) as well as discounts on courses, coaching, testing and massage services (court and gym bookings not included). If you have graduated less Are you interested in offering a new membership the year, which makes price than two years ago, you qualify as a freshman alumnus or alumna. The free one-month suspension of the benefit? Offering a benefit to members of the changes possible. Please pass during a vacation offered to purchasers of a 12-month season pass does not apply to Freshmen Alum- University of Helsinki Alumni Association is an ni. To receive the discount, please present your membership card and graduation excellent opportunity to reach more than 7,000 check current prices on the diploma at the register. Detailed terms and other service pricing are available in academically educated individuals. Association website. the UniSport price list. Prices are valid from 1 January to 31 August 2019. FRESHMEN

60 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 61 WEBSITE EMAIL HOW WE COMMUNICATE On the website of the Association Relevant Association events will be shared (helsinki.fi/en/alumni-association), you primarily through email. The concise mes- #fiksuaporukkaa #alumniyhdistys #smartpeople will find the program of events for the sages will help you get the gist in a single entire year with registration instructions, glance. In order to receive emails from the membership benefits and services, as Alumni Association which are relevant to well as advice, guidance and contact your interests, you should add your interests MEMBER NEWSLETTER UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE details for the office. to your personal register data under A printed newsletter will be Periodically the Alumni As a member, I am interested in: (see the mailed to all Alumni Associati- Association publishes an list below). JÄSENKIRJE 2019 on members at the beginning insert with the University CONVENTIONS, EVENTS A link to the form where you can upda- of the year. New members will magazine. The insert gives AND OTHER MEDIA te your interests can be found in an email receive the newsletter when information on our current The Alumni Association with the subject Membership Fee 2019 and they join. You will also receive events and member benefits. makes appearances at con- Contact Detail Update, or, if you are a new a physical membership card ferences for various fields, in member, with the subject Welcome to the that can be used to verify publications and mailings by Alumni Association. We tailor our communi- your membership to partners membership benefit partners, cation based on your interests. of the Association. The news- publications, and other me- letter will provide an overview dia, as well as at events and of the Association’s activities. collaboration projects organi- AS A MEMBER, I AM INTERESTED IN: sed by the University and its Academic volunteer work for the faculties. Do you know of an Association event we should attend? Scientific events, such as lectures and seminars Events networking opportunities, such ENGLISH COMMUNICATION as celebrations, seasonal activities and We will send you messages after work get-togethers and communicate in English Events and training for employment and career development whenever possible. Occasio- Like, follow, and join the discussion on the nally you will receive communi- Alumni Association Facebook page in the Cultural events, such as literary circle cation in Finnish due to limited company of more than 1,900 members. meetings and cultural evenings translation resources because facebook.com/Alumniyhdistys Society ELECTRONIC MEMBERSHIP CARD we don’t want you to miss out The electronic membership card will be available for do- on any of the Association’s Health and Medicine wnload for all alumni after your annual membership dues activities due to your langua- Climate and Sustainability have been paid. After payment through a personal register ge preference. You are always Economics and Business link, you will be automatically guided to download the welcome to contact us at Alumni travel opportunities membership card. The electronic card will be stored as an [email protected] The closed LinkedIn group of the Association icon on the screen of your mobile phone. The electronic if you need help with transla- is for work and career related discussions. Sports membership card is a handy way of verifying your mem- ting details of a message from Group members offer each other and stu- Alumni products and discounts bership and making use of membership benefits when ma- us or our partners. dents employment and traineeship opportuni- Academic volunteer work king purchases from UniCafé, UniSport, Gaudeamus and ties, as well as career mentoring. The Alumni other partners. The card always stays with you on your Ambassador program provides guidance and mobile phone, with content that is continuously updated. advice on job hunting. All members of the You can inform us of your interests It is advisable to check the membership card every now Alumni Association will be admitted to the also by contacting the office at and then, since it does not inform you automatically about group. At the moment, there are more than [email protected]. new updates (push notification). The Association website Follow the Alumni Association 950 professionals from various fields in the has further details on the card, instructions for downloa- On Twitter and Instagram group. linkedin.com/groups/8431519 ding it, as well as answers to frequently asked questions. @HelUniAlumni linkedin.com/groups/8431519

62 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 63 THE POPULAR Freshmen Alumni membership is designed for current students or recent graduates. The Association MEMBERSHIP TYPES offers services tailored to Freshmen Alumni to support them in finding employment and networking with potential em- AND FEES FRESHMEN ployers. Among these is the Alumni Ambassador program, described on page 14. Freshmen Alumni also receive an ad- ditional discount on the UniSport season pass. Your time as a student at the ONE YEAR, three year, and lifetime memberships ship Fee 2019 and Contact Detail Update. New Those who have graduated or completed their studies less are available for the Alumni Association. Further- members are sent the link in a message with the University of Helsinki have ended than two years ago, as well as all current students of the more, two alumni sharing the same household can subject Welcome to the Alumni Association. In the or is coming to an end but your University of Helsinki, qualify as Freshmen Alumni. All purchase a joint membership. Both alumni will event you cannot find the membership link email time as an alumnus or alumna have Freshmen Alumni have had to be attending students 2017 have a personal membership, but only one copy in your inbox, please send a request with the just begun and will continue for or less, the right to study is not enough. We confirm your of the Yliopisto magazine and the member news- subject “My personal membership link” to the rest of your life! status from the student register. The membership fee for letter will be sent to the household. When paying [email protected] and we will Freshmen Alumni is 20€/calendar year. the membership fee, you may choose to join one or resend the message. helsinki.fi/en/alumni-association/membership-categories more alumni group at the same time. Independent Those members without an email address or alumni groups represent various disciplines, for ex- members who don’t have Finnish based online ample Bioscience Alumni, Economics Alumni and banking should pay the membership fee through Theology Alumni; or interests, such as Promootion a bank transfer to the Association’s account. Use ystävät and Yliopiston museon ystävät. Selecting the personal reference number in the invoice (sent a group will automatically make you its member. to you by mail) or write your “First name Last There are groups which require a fee, such as Pro- name Birth date” in the message field. This fessorien Puolisot ry and HYY:n Seniorit ry. You ensures the correct allocation of the payment. can pay the membership fees for both the Associ- helsinki.fi/en/alumni-association/ ation and the group at the same time, this reduces membership-categories costs for you and the Association. helsinki.fi/en/alumni-association/alumni-groups THE PRINTED YLIOPISTO MAGAZINE WITH HOME DELIVERY THE MEMBERSHIP FEE can be paid online using The members who wish to receive the magazine A LWAYS the banking codes from any bank which operates in print with home delivery must pay an additio­ in Finland. Over 75% of all members already use nal 4€ to the regular membership fee 36€, in total THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION LIFETIME AS A LIFETIME MEMBER, you support the online payment. A personal membership link 40€. The Freshman membership does not include MEMBERSHIP is valid for the rest of your the solvency of the Association and is sent to all members with the subject Member- the printed magazine. life. A lifetime membership equals 13 the future of the alumni activities. To one-year memberships. By choosing to preserve the financial value of lifetime become a lifetime member you take care memberships, all lifetime membership of the membership fees once and for all fees have been set aside in a fund. The and get the following extras: fund’s proceeds will cover the annual MEMBERSHIP FEES expenses for lifetime member services, PRICES IN PARENTHESES INCLUDE AN ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION TO YLIOPISTO MAGAZINE, • Reserved seats on Tieteen Päivät including annual inflation. WITH HOME DELIVERY. 9–13.1.2019 • Printed invitation to the annual cele­ HOW? Pay the lifetime membership LIFETIME THREE YEARS ONE YEAR bration of the University of Helsinki fee of 500€ to the following account: MEMBERSHIP 2019–2021 2019 26.3.2019 Helsingin yliopiston alumni ry One Person 500€ 108€ (120€) 36€ (40€) • Invitation to the Association’s lifetime Nordea IBAN: FI31 1011 3000 2048 25 member event during Nordic Business BIC: NDEAFIHH Couple 500€/person 156€ (168€) 52€ (56€) Forum 9.-10.10.2019 Please enter your full name and date • Other special invitations during the year of birth in the message field. Freshman Alumni 20€

helsinki.fi/en/alumni-association/membership-categories

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 65 JOIN NOW

No matter where you are in life or what your connection is to the University, we

have all kinds of options for membership. LINDA TAMMISTO

Members of the Alumni Association are offered: • Unique cross-disciplinary programs which includes over 50 seminars, lectures, travel programs and celebrations every year • A subscription to Yliopisto magazine, discounts on concert tickets, Your years as a University of Helsinki magazines, books, courses and sports alumnus or alumna have just begun services – and have no deadline! • A chance to take advantage of and contribute to our community: you You can easily join the University of can network with over 7,000 alumni, Helsinki Alumni Association either online EVENT REGISTRATION PROCEDURES volunteer, act as a mentor and support at helsinki.fi/en/alumniassociation, students’ employment possibilities by sending an email to TOGETHER WITH VARIOUS PARTNERS, the Alumni required also for cultural events whose tickets are • An opportunity to influence the [email protected] Association organizes more than 50 events anually. claimed separately. Attendance will be confirmed university and its future or by calling +358 29 412 4494. Their scope varies, and for some events organized at the event using a QR code generated by the by partners, the quota reserved for Association Lyyti event management system. The code will be members is small. All events require registration, sent to you by email after registering. You can print unless otherwise indicated in the program. This the code or open it in your mobile phone under enables further marketing targeted at those who “Open all tickets”. Registration can also be done have not yet registered, while ensuring the partici­ at the door, but takes more time. All event partici­ THE OFFICE pation of as many alumni as possible. To ensure pants will be emailed a feedback survey after the that communications about the pre-event pro- event. The Association’s board, program group and Postal address gram and potential changes (including changes office all monitor participation numbers and feed- Alumni Association, PO Box 4, of facility) reach all participants, registration is back when developing alumni activities. 00014 University of Helsinki

Street address Porthania, Yliopistonkatu 3, 3rd floor

[email protected] WHO ARE ALUMNI? Tel. +358 29 412 4494 (weekdays from 9.00 to 15.00) Executive Director Pia, If you have been granted the Campaign Manager right to study at the University of helsinki.fi/fi/alumniyhdistys Joel and Johanna and Helsinki or if you have worked at helsinki.fi/sv/alumnforeningen Account Director Jenny the University, you qualify as an helsinki.fi/en/alumniassociation alumnus or alumna and may join the Alumni Association community facebook.com/alumniyhdistys of over 7,000 members. linkedin.com/groups/8431519 #fiksuaporukkaa

66 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | MEMBER LETTER 2019 For those who leave the University, but for whom the University never leaves. CHARLOTTA BOUCHT CHARLOTTA