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.
Delivering the welcome address was Board Trustee Stephen Nikander, whose great-grandfather founded the institution and whose grandfather served [...]
Everything you need to know about Graduation Week 2023
Finlandia University’s baccalaureate and commencement ceremonies will be held on Sunday, May 7.
Here’s a complete run-down of when and where everything is happening during Graduation Week 2023.
RehearsalCommencement Rehearsal will be held on Friday, May 5 at 11:30 a.m., beginning in the Hirvonen Hall Gymnasium.
BaccalaureateOn Sunday, May 7, all graduates are invited to Baccalaureate Worship at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hancock at 10:30 a.m. This is a service of prayer and blessing, specifically for this graduating class.
CommencementFinlandia University’s Spring 2023 [...]
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, [...]
Tom Boldt named 2023 Commencement Speaker
Finlandia University is proud to announce that Tom Boldt, CEO of The Boldt Company, will be the 2023 Commencement Keynote Speaker on Sunday, May 7, at 1:30 p.m.
Tom Boldt has served as CEO of The Boldt Company since 1998. He represents the fourth generation of family leadership at the Appleton, WI-based construction management and general contracting firm. The Boldt Company is one of the top 70 firms in the nation. An early advocate for sustainable building practices and lean processes, [...]
Finlandia University will not enroll students for the 2023-2024 academic year
On Thursday, March 2, Finlandia University’s Board of Trustees announced that Finlandia will not enroll students for the 2023-2024 academic year. The decision follows months of continuous efforts to find pathways for the University to continue its mission.
“I am deeply saddened to announce that due to a combination of demographic changes, with fewer high school graduates available, a steep decrease in interest in going to college among those graduates, and an unbearable debt load, Finlandia’s Board of Trustees met and [...]
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, [...]
Bridge Feature: Finding Purpose
Meaningful relationships created through Seaton Center’s mentorship program
Celebrating its official launch in 2021, the Seaton Center for Vocation & Career strives to accompany the whole student toward a whole life. The center provides a space for students to cultivate their identity and aspirations from a place of strength and self-acceptance by stimulating personal and professional growth through career and vocational education.
Last spring, the Seaton Center expressed this mission, perhaps most evidently through a pilot program called Vocational Mentorship. The course [...]
Price of Freedom Museum winter 2023 hours announced
After a holiday and mid-winter hiatus, one of the Finnish American Heritage Center’s most prized collections will be open to the public again.
The Price of Freedom Museum, which is North America’s largest collection of Finnish war materials, memorabilia and artifacts, will be open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons from noon to 3 p.m., beginning February 13 through to the end of April.
The collection, which is housed on the sixth floor of Finlandia University’s Jutila Center, was donated to the [...]
Bridge Feature: Finlandia University Management Team
The president’s Executive Management Team provides collaborative and strategic leadership to ensure the fulfillment of the university’s mission, uphold its core values and vision, and manage its operations. Governed by the Board of Trustees, Finlandia is led by President Timothy Pinnow and directed by a team of academic and administrative leaders, including: Curtis Wittenberg, Director of Athletics; Cyril FoxPetrov, Director [...]