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Tag Archive: Alumni

December 10, 2020

Melissa Helppi (’18, RN, BSN) Joins Finlandia’s Nursing Faculty

Melissa Helppi (’18, RN, BSN) recently joined Finlandia’s nursing faculty as an instructor. Helppi was the 2018 student representative for Finlandia and graduated Summa Laude from FinnU’s BSN program. She has been with the university since her graduation as a professional Nursing tutor, but has now joined the faculty. Her current duties include instructing the adult medical-surgical nursing course and clinical, and being a maternal-child clinical instructor.

“I am from all over,” said Helppi, about her childhood. “ [...]

November 23, 2020

College of Health Sciences: Campus & Community Together for Good

The following article was originally published in the Fall 2020 edition of Finlandia University’s Alumni & Friends magazine, the Bridge. If you’d like to be added to the mailing list, please fill out this form. 

“I just wanted to do more, and do it now.”

This was the sentiment shared by Ray Hirvonen in spring of 2018 when he pledged to support Finlandia’s health science programs with a gift of $1,000,000 to the Finlandia Fund. Together with other [...]

October 26, 2020

English alum Max Malone’s success provides the #spookyseason you’ve been seeking

Max Malone (’14), has been busy since graduating from Finlandia University with a degree in English. He’s held a number of jobs including being a tutor, a survey drafter and fiber designer, content producer and creative writer. In 2018, Malone graduated from Kansas State University with a Master of Arts in English Language and Literature. He has written numerous episodes for the renowned fictional horror podcast, the NoSleep Podcast, and also recently wrote two 15-episode seasons [...]

October 23, 2020

October Alumni & Friends Newsletter Features Updated Giving Day Total, Alumni Spotlights

On Monday, October 19, the latest Alumni and Friends Email Newsletter was sent out to those subscribed to the monthly newsletter. You can view the entire newsletter here. If you’re interested in subscribing to the newsletter, you can sign up using the form below.

Feature Stories

These stories were featured in the Oct. 19, 2020 Alumni and Friends Newsletter.

Alumni Spotlight: Terrance Fuller (’19) Talks Career Success at Acrisure Fiber & Fashion Alum Jessica Shields Makes Masks for Team Wireless
October 19, 2020

ISAD 2020 BFA Diploma Works Virtual Reception Set for Oct. 22

Finlandia University’s International School of Art & Design (ISAD) will hold a Zoom celebration in honor of our 2020 Bachelor of Fine Arts Diploma Works graduates. Annah Smiddy (Graphic Design), Chelsea LaPalme (Art Therapy), Denia Bent (Graphic Design), Mindy Aho (Intermedia) and Shannon Chouinard (Graphic Design) faced many challenges as they completed their culminating artwork for graduation during the global pandemic. Rising to the unique challenges of this time, the seniors uprooted their studios, [...]

Bonenfant
October 8, 2020

Marie Bonenfant Moves Back to Financial Aid

Photo taken prior to Covid-19 pandemic.

Marie Bonenfant (‘13) recently moved back to the Financial Aid office of Finlandia University as a Financial Aid Counselor.

She worked in the Financial Aid Office previously, then moved over to North Wind Books for a short time, but is now working as a Financial Aid Counselor once again.

Bonenfant grew up in the area and graduated from Finlandia in 2013 with a Bachelors in Psychology with a Criminal Justice [...]

September 29, 2020

Alumni Spotlight: Terrance Fuller (’19) Talks Career Success at Acrisure

Terrance Fuller is a 2019 graduate in accounting who currently works as a Senior Accountant for Acrisure , a Grand Rapids-based insurance brokerage firm that is the fastest growing in its industry. Fuller was recently interviewed by senior accounting major Ethan St. Germain.  Fuller shared some thoughts on the accounting program and he also gave advice for our current students.

St. Germain:  Where are you currently working and what is your position?

Fuller:  I’m living in Grand [...]

September 15, 2020

FAB Giving Day Raises $19,085 for Safe Open

On Sept. 1, 2020, the Finlandia Alumni Board (FAB) Giving Day raised $19,085 to support Finlandia’s Safe Open efforts. In total, 69 donors gave during the 24 hour Giving Day and in the days following in support of baseline testing, personal protective equipment and safety upgrades for the campus.

“A heartfelt thanks go out to all of our FinnU alumni and friends for supporting this year’s Giving Day,” said Vice President for Advancement Karin Van Dyke. [...]

Jan Bigalke
August 6, 2020

Alumni Update: Bigalke Named Principal of Ludington Area Catholic School

Finlandia University alumna, Jan Bigalke, recently accepted the role as Principal at Ludington Area Catholic School. She earned an associate degree in nursing from Suomi College and has more than 16 years of experience working as a registered nurse. After getting her associates from Suomi College, Bigalke earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Ferris State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Dayton.

Below is a full press release sent out by

Jessica Shields
May 15, 2020

Fiber & Fashion Alum Jessica Shields Makes Masks for Team Wireless

2019 Fiber & Fashion Alumni, Jessica Shields, has begun making masks to help during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shields and her husband own a clothing store, Upcycled Hippie, in downtown Escanaba where she makes one of a kind items made from recycled materials.

“Everything I create is one of a kind and made from recycled materials that I have either found or have been given,” said Shields. “I’ve been able to collect quite a large fabric collection [...]

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