Tag Archive: Philip Johnson

December 20, 2019

Michigan Tuition Grant Reinstated, Increased by State Legislature

Students across the state of Michigan can finally breathe easier now that the Michigan Tuition Grant has been reinstated.

Governor Whitmer signed the supplemental state budget on December 20 which included the reinstatement of the Michigan Tuition Grant. Recently, it was being utilized as a political pawn in budget negotiations and the future of it was uncertain leaving students and universities in limbo as to whether key funding would be provided. The Michigan Tuition Grant [...]

August 26, 2019

Sarah Semmler Smith Named New Campus Pastor

Finlandia University is excited to introduce its new pastor, Sarah Semmler Smith. Semmler Smith is moving to the area after spending the past six years as an associate pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, WI.

“I am so pleased that Pastor Sarah is joining our community as Finlandia’s next campus pastor,” said FinnU’s President, Dr. Philip Johnson. “Sarah is theological astute, pastorally wise and fun. It’s a great blend for our campus community.”

Growing up, [...]

June 28, 2019

Finding New Life at Finlandia

“I lost everything that day. I lost my only child. I lost the exquisite joy of watching my daughter continue to grow and achieve the tremendous potential she had already demonstrated in her almost 19 years. I lost the chance to fulfill all the travel adventures and plans we had talked about. I will never hold my grandchildren. I will forever hear the echoing in my head of those 10 words that shattered my life to dust.”

On the morning of [...]

March 27, 2019

Bishop Katherine A. Finegan to be Finlandia University 2019 Commencement Speaker

Finlandia University is thrilled to announce that Bishop Katherine A. Finegan, bishop of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Northern Great Lakes Synod, will be the 2019 commencement ceremony speaker.

“Bishop Finegan is a strong proponent of Lutheran higher education and its vision for preparing men and women for the 21st century workplace and world,” said Philip Johnson, President. ”I am confident that her presence and message at Finlandia’s 2019 graduation ceremonies [...]

March 20, 2019

President’s Table Tennis Tournament to be held March 27

Calling all future table tennis champions! President Philip Johnson would like to officially invite you to participate in the fourth annual President’s Table Tennis Tournament.

When? Wednesday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m. Where? Mannerheim Central. Why? To beat President Johnson, of course!

All Finlandia University students, staff and faculty are invited to participate as well as spectate. Cash prizes for first through fourth place:

1st: $100 2nd: $60 3rd: $40 4th: $20

An additional $20 will be awarded to any first through fourth place finishers who [...]

January 7, 2019

Finlandia University announces Beihai University of Art & Design as first sister school in Asia

Finlandia University is proud to announce further growth to an already fruitful relationship with Beihai College of Arts and Design in Beihai China.

“It began with a phone call,” said Denise Vandeville, Dean of the International School of Art & Design. “A professor from Beihai was interested in coming to Finlandia, we showed him our studios and our culture.”

Over the last year Beihai and Finlandia faculty have met three times. Twice in China and that one visit in the [...]

June 4, 2018

Finlandia mourns loss of former president, Robert Ubbelohde

Finlandia University is saddened to announce the passing of former university president, Robert Ubbelohde.

Ubbelohde joined Finlandia, then Suomi College, in 1988 as the Dean of Faculty. Shortly after, he was appointed to President and Professor of Philosophy until his retirement in 2007. Ubbelohde was instrumental in converting Suomi College into Finlandia University, a baccalaureate degree granting institution.

“With each passing year in this office, my admiration and respect for those who came before me has only multiplied,” said Ubbelohde’s successor and [...]

April 25, 2018

Marilyn Clark to be Finlandia University’s Commencement Speaker

Finlandia University is proud to announce MTEC SmartZone CEO Marilyn Clark will be the 2018 Commencement Speaker during commencement exercises on Sunday, April 29 at the Paavo Nurmi Center.

“Marilyn is a believer. She believes in people, their ideas, and the enduring positive change they are able to bring to the U.P., Michigan and around the world,” FinnU President Philip Johnson said. “She is a hopeful, positive human being who also knows a lot about business.”

Clark currently runs

February 7, 2018

FinnU Business students hosting inaugural BPA Day on February 14

All local high school and college students interested in business invited to day of speakers, networking and activities

Finlandia University’s chapter of Business Professionals of America is hosting Business Professionals of America Day on Wednesday, February 14 with a full day of activities for Upper Peninsula high school and college students.

RSVP to the event on Facebook (not required) to receive updates as the event nears.

“Our entire chapter is looking forward to this inaugural event, and I’m proud [...]

December 29, 2017

Transfer friendly focus discussed with Registrar Jason Sullivan

This week Finlandia Fridays was visited by Registrar Jason Sullivan to talk about important moves that will help put Finlandia in a leadership role when it comes to transfer students. President Philip Johnson had this to say about the topic, “Finlandia values the passion, drive and maturity that transfer students offer our campus. In addition to our transfer tuition reset, we are launching a friendlier application process and streamlining our credit transfer process. Blended with up close and [...]

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