125 Year Anniversary

125 years ago, hardy and hard-working Finnish Lutheran immigrants founded a school in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Their lives were marked by a gritty quality captured in the Finnish term, sisu – grit and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Begun in the late 19th century as Suomi College to prepare young men and women from immigrant families for work in the United States, we are today Finlandia University inspired by our vision to prepare graduates for the 21st century workplace and world.

Finlandia’s roots are not only Finnish. They are Lutheran as well, today belonging to a 26-member Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities (NECU) whose shared vision is to graduate men and women who are called and empowered, to serve the neighbor, so that all may flourish.

We hope you take a moment to enjoy this page to learn about our important historic milestones, view upcoming events and help us ensure Finlandia continues to thrive for the next 125 years and beyond.

If there’s a story you think should be included here, please reach out to Archivist Joanna Chopp by mail, phone, or email. Chopp can also be reached for questions regarding the anniversary celebrations: Joanna Chopp, Archivist, Finnish American Historical Archive •601 Quincy St. Hancock, MI 49930 • 906-487-7347 • archive@finlandia.edu

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The Bridge magazine goes interactive

December 20, 2022

75th edition of the Bridge now available online

Finlandia University’s annual donor magazine, the Bridge, is now available online. In a new and exciting format, viewers can interact with this year’s issue like never before.

Across 32 pages of clickable stories, links and highlights, this year’s magazine celebrates Finlandia’s friends and family, including those who contributed to and supported Finlandia University throughout the year.

Highlights of this edition include the following stories:

Leadership: Finlandia University Management Team

Connect with the campus leaders on the […] Read More

Finlandia University raises $50K for student scholarships

December 05, 2022

Finlandia University alumni and friends donated over $50,000 toward student scholarships during FinnU’s sixth annual Giving Tuesday fundraiser in November. The official total raised was $52,356, including an anonymous contribution of $10,000 kicking off the event.

Finlandia President Tim Pinnow praised the efforts of those who supported the cause, which has become an important FinnU tradition as 100 percent of full-time domestic students currently receive financial aid.

“This incredible response to the Giving Tuesday event will help Finlandia continue to focus on […] Read More

Giving Tuesday: Donate to Student Scholarships!

November 29, 2022

At Finlandia, Giving Tuesday means giving back to students. Today, all donations received go directly toward Finlandia’s annual scholarship programs to help provide affordable, quality higher education to all.

“When I was a student, I was fortunate to be a recipient of Finlandia scholarships. The academic support and guidance I received, paired with the relief of not having to worry about paying for my education, is what allowed me to freely participate in my classes and activities,” said […] Read More

Celebrating 125 Years