Tag Archive: John Niska

January 23, 2023

Franklin-Rahkonen named new chair of Finnish Council of America

Dr. Sharon Franklin-Rahkonen has been named the new leader of the Finnish Council of America at Finlandia University. Franklin-Rahkonen will serve as council chair, a position previously held by John Niska, who will now lead outreach on behalf of the organization.

After serving on the council’s board for many years and as secretary on its executive committee, Franklin-Rahkonen shared appreciation and insight into the council’s initiatives moving forward.

“I am very pleased to be asked to head the Finnish Council. We look [...]

February 2, 2022

Experience the 125th Anniversary

In December, Finlandia welcomed students, faculty and staff along with alumni, friends and family to a series of events in commemoration of the institution’s 125th anniversary. In honor of its Finnish and Lutheran heritage, Finlandia celebrated Finnish Independence Day for the 104th time at the Finnish American Heritage Center following a Sunday worship service at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hancock.

The anniversary celebrations didn’t stop on Sunday. In the week following, the Finlandia University Gallery held the 31st Annual Contemporary [...]

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 [...]