Tag Archive: Fall 2018 Edition of the Bridge

January 30, 2019

Alumna Jamie Thyrion overcomes obstacles on path to success

Below is an article from the Fall 2018 Donor Edition of the Bridge. See more articles from this edition of the bridge and see a full archive of past issues by visiting finlandia.edu/thebridge.

As a student at Finlandia University, Jamie Thyrion (‘08) balanced raising an infant son, working a part-time job and tutoring other students while working toward her business degree. Make that work takes sisu, and there’s no shortage of it for this exceptional FinnU graduate.

An Ahmeek native [...]

January 24, 2019

Bob Ubbelohde left a lasting mark

This summer the Finlandia University community was devastated to learn former president Bob Ubbelohde had passed away at the age of 75.

The former president is still fondly remembered on campus, especially by employees walking behind the Hoover Center to the area where he was often found and available for the kind of casual conversation you just can’t have in a board room. While those memories are exciting, Ubbelohde will always be remembered for two incredible accomplishments – Advancing Suomi College [...]

January 19, 2019

Finlandia joins community in response to crisis

Finlandia employees volunteering after the June 2018 flood that ravaged the Copper Country.

Copper Country Strong

Early on the morning of Sunday, June 17, 2018 the Copper Country was changed forever as about seven inches of rain came down, mostly between 2 and 5 a.m. For some it was a night they’ll never forget as thunder boomed like a rock band was hitting its mark right in people’s bedrooms, water streamed into basements and first floors after rushing down [...]

December 10, 2018

TRIO SSS has proven track record

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) has three goals: help students persist from one grade level to the next, remain in satisfactory academic progress and graduate with a bachelor’s degree.

TRIO SSS, a federal Department of Education grant-program, created out of the Civil Rights Act of 1965, considers family income level, education level of the parents and the possession of a physical or learning disability to determine eligibility to become a TRIO SSS student. The project is funded [...]

December 7, 2018

Niska Named New Leader of Finnish Council of America

The Finnish Council of America elected John Niska as its new president this past May. Niska was raised on a beef and horse farm in Green, MI, just west of Ontonagon. His parents were bilingual and often spoke Finnish in his home, shared in Finnish customs and were very proud of their Finnish heritage. Niska went to Michigan State University for his undergraduate degree and worked in the education realm until his retirement from

November 25, 2018

Finlandia Introduces five new Board of Trustees

In 2018 Finlandia University officially welcomed five new members to its Board of Trustees.

“This new cohort reflects those qualities that have marked those who have served in the past: a tenacious resolve and unyielding dedication to advance Finlandia’s vision and see it thrive,” Finlandia University President Philip Johnson said.

The latest additions bring to Finlandia’s governing body a promising blend of professional acumen, leadership experience and deep personal affinities.

Stephen Nikander

Stephen Nikander, the great grandson of Rev. Juho Kustaa Nikander, who served [...]