
Relive Graduation Day 2023 at Finlandia University | Photo Gallery & Livestreams
Finlandia University held its final Spring Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 7, honoring 92 graduates in the Class of 2023. Following commencement, a commendation service was held for Finlandia University students, staff, faculty, alumni, neighbors and friends, commending the University and its 126 years of service.
Full High-Res Photos from Spring 2023 Commencement: On-Demand Livestream of Spring 2023 Commencement: Full High-Res Photos from Service of Commendation:Finlandia honors legacy, Class of 2023 with final commencement and commendation ceremonies
Founded in 1896 as Suomi College, Finlandia University held its final spring commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 7, honoring 92 graduates in the Class of 2023. In March, the University announced the decision to dissolve the institution and not enroll students for the 2023-2024 academic year.
President Timothy Pinnow congratulates student at FinnU’s Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony.
Delivering the welcome address was Board Trustee Stephen Nikander, whose great-grandfather founded the institution and whose grandfather served [...]

Finlandia to host Service of Commendation Sunday, May 7
Finlandia University’s Spring 2023 Commencement Weekend will culminate on the evening of Sunday, May 7, with a Service of Commendation. The event will be held at 6:00 p.m. in Hirvonen Hall Auditorium.
All Finlandia students, staff, faculty, alumni, neighbors and friends of the University are invited to the service, with hospitality to follow.
“We will take time to hear stories of those who have been impacted by the 126 years of Finlandia, and share stories of our own – as we sing, [...]

2023 Faculty Exhibit at University Gallery rescheduled for March 23 in Finlandia Art Night
The artist reception for Finlandia University’s 2023 International School of Art & Design Faculty Exhibit has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 23. The event will coincide with Finlandia Art Night and will include the 2023 Faculty Exhibit, a reception and awards presentation for the Finlandia Student Juried Art Exhibit and a cardboard fashion show by Finlandia art and design students.
The 2023 faculty exhibit and cardboard fashion show will both take place at the Finlandia University Gallery [...]

Ryan Bessolo, 1989-2022: Memorial scholarship created in honor of alum
Article originally shared in the Bridge Magazine 2022, Volume 75.
Created by his parents, Laurel and Michael Bessolo, and sister, Amy Kemppainen, Finlandia University alumnus and former nursing clinical instructor Ryan Bessolo (’11) will be remembered for years to come through the formation of an endowed scholarship in his name.
Bessolo, a Calumet High School graduate, chose to continue his education at Finlandia University and attained his Bachelor of Science in Nursing in May 2011. He was known for his driven nature, [...]

Voices on Vocation features alumni Ross Rinkinen (’04) and Travis Hanson (’08)
Take time this holiday season to reflect on vocation and meaning with the Seaton Center’s Voices on Vocation podcast!
Finlandia’s Seaton Center for Vocation & Career guides students through the discovery of self and meaning, bringing unison to both vocation and career. Voices on Vocation, produced by Dr. René Johnson and Emma Dorst of the Seaton Center, is a program that holds in-person discussions as well as podcast segments that share stories from Finlandia learning community members.
These stories [...]

The Bridge magazine goes interactive
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 TeamConnect with the campus leaders on the [...]

Latest edition of the Bridge in mailboxes now!
Finlandia University’s annual donor magazine is in mailboxes now.
This year’s edition will introduce you to Finlandia President Tim Pinnow and his Executive Management Team. Inside, you’ll find a recap of the latest news from around campus, including stories from students and alumni. Don’t forget to check out our featured spotlight on the Price of Freedom Museum, the largest collection of Finnish War memorabilia in North America recently donated to the FAHC.
The Bridge is published periodically, and you can find a [...]

Finlandia University raises $50K for student scholarships
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 [...]

Giving Tuesday: Donate to Student Scholarships!
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 [...]