Little Finland Awards Scholarships

HANCOCK – Every year, Little Finland of Hurley, Wisc., awards scholarships to two Finnish American college students. This year the Finnish-American cultural group chose two Finlandia University students.

Nursing senior Lindsay Rajala, Wakefield, Mich., and Human Services senior Sarah Skoviera, Hurley, Wisc., each received a $250.00 scholarship. The young women agreed that it’s nice to know that there are people helping Finnish American college students fund their education.

Rosann Wulff, Ironwood, Mich., is vice president and cultural chairman of Little Finland. Wulff said that earlier this year as she was reading the fall 2007 Finlandia University dean’s list in the newspaper, she recognized the names Rajala and Skoviera as members of Little Finland. This association and their impressive GPAs were part of what led her to recommend Rajala and Skoviera for this year’s scholarships.

“I’m glad to bring the scholarships back to Finlandia this year,” Wulff said. “There are many long-standing ties between Little Finland and Finlandia. It’s also nice to award the scholarships to students already familiar with our organization.”

Rajala, a longtime member of Little Finland, and Skoviera, a new member whose family has belonged for many years, will visit a monthly meeting of the Little Finland group sometime soon to tell other club members about themselves and their college experiences.

Other Little Finland board members attending the scholarship presentation were Norman Hongisto, Wakefield, Mich., and Phil Wirtanen and Carl Kinnunen, also members of Finlandia University’s Finnish Council in America.

Little Finland, also know as the National Finnish-American Festival, works to preserve Finnish-American heritage. The organization maintains a museum, a cultural center with facilities large and small gatherings, a gift shop, and an authentic early 20th century Finnish home. Visit their Web site at www.littlefinland.com.

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Grants Awarded to Finlandia Art Students

HANCOCK, MI – Four Finlandia University International School of Art & Design students have recently been awarded scholarships totaling $5,200.00 from the Barbara L. Kuhlman Foundation.

Fiber/fashion design seniors Ronda Jones, Laurium, and Emily Pierce, Traverse City, and sophomores Ansley Knoch, Madison, Wisc., and Pamela Kotila, Dodgeville, each received a portion of the award.

Seniors Ronda Jones and Pamela Kotila said that the grant funds will help them purchase materials for their “diploma works,” extensive final projects required of all senior art and design students. Ronda’s award also allowed her to acquire a loom and an industrial sewing machine.

“I purchased some really great Asian fabrics and sewing supplies for two big projects I recently completed, and the money will help me with plans to study in Finland soon,” added Ansley Knoch.

Sophomore Pamela Kotila said she bought lots of supplies, including “tons of fabric” for a spring fashion show for which she’ll create 17 pieces.

“I am thrilled that the Kuhlman Foundation continues to support the work of our fiber arts students,” said Phyllis Fredendall, associate professor of fiber arts and fashion design. “This is the third year they have awarded grants to Finlandia students.”

The Barbara L. Kuhlman Foundation is dedicated to supporting the study of fiber arts by providing scholarships to deserving students and funding for projects that showcase and promote this educational discipline. The late Barbara L. Kuhlman was a college professor and life-long supporter of the arts. She achieved world-renowned status as a collector, lecturer and author in her field. The Kuhlman Foundation continues her dedication to the fiber arts with philanthropic sponsorships and grants.

For additional information, please contact Phyllis Fredendall at 906-487-7376 or phyllis.fredendall@finlandia.edu.

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Finlandia University Fall 2007:  Dean’s 4.0, Dean’s and Honor’s Lists

HANCOCK, MI –Finlandia University is pleased to recognize its students who, in the Fall 2007 semester, earned semester grade point averages from 3.50 to 4.00. The Dean’s 4.0, Dean’s and Honors Lists include students who completed at least 12 credit hours in the Fall 2007 semester. Finlandia University faculty and staff congratulate these students on their academic achievements!

The Fall 2007 semester Dean’s List 4.00 recognizes students who completed 12 or more credit hours and earned a perfect 4.00 grade point average. The following students are on the Dean’s List 4.00 (First Name, Last Name, GPA, Hometown):

The Fall 2007 semester Dean’s List recognizes students who completed 12 or more credit hours and earned an admirable 3.75 or above grade point average. The following students are on the Dean’s List (First Name, Last Name, GPA, Hometown):

The Fall 2007 semester Honors List recognizes students who completed 12 or more credit hours and earned a notable grade point average of 3.50 to 3.749. The following students are on the Honor’s List (First Name, Last Name, GPA, Hometown):

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