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Finlandia University’s connections to Finland go back to theschool’s founding by Finnish immigrants.

Those connections became even stronger this fall, as a pair ofthe university’s business courses were taught by Finnishprofessors — in Finland.

The classes, business math and e-commerce, were taught viathe Internet by faculty at the Jyväskylä University of AppliedSciences.

Begun this fall, the classes are the first of their kind atFinlandia, and they build on the school’s history, saidInternational School of Business Dean Joe Monahan.

“One of the things we’re trying to establish is a strongeralliance with not only the Finnish heritage of Finlandia

University, but withFinland itself,” Monahansaid.

“Until 2006, ourrelationship was one ofexchange students. Now,with the changes madepossible by ‘e-college,’ thesoftware that facilitatesour on-line, Internet-based classes, we have theopportunity to look atnot only an exchange ofstudents, but an exchangeof curriculum.”

The courses, in which 18 and 27 students were enrolled,respectively, are more than just sending homework via e-mail, however.

“Once a week, the students ‘meet’ with the faculty personfrom Jyväskylä, live via video link and telecommunications,”Monahan said. “The delivery of the coursework now isblended — it’s both passive and active.”

The classrooms are also blended, as students at Finlandia’sremote Hancock location can interact with students fromother countries in a classroom setting, an opportunityMonahan said the university has sought to offer for a while.

“One of the missions we have is to globalize our courseofferings,” he said. “We’re trying to make sure weincorporate that theme into the courses we have. The nextstage will be in the spring of 2008, when an on-line, videolink course will be taught by a Finlandia University facultymember to students in Finland.

“It’s important that this exposure and opportunity are madeavailable. Finlandia University is acting as a portal to Finnishsociety and the European community in general.”

That portal is already wider than it would be withoutmodern technology.

“We have, for the first time, two off-site students enrolled inthe course ... one is taking it from Cleveland, Ohio, and theother from Dallas, Texas,” Monahan said.

“We have the capacity to deliver outside of our traditionalstudent base. These out-of-state students are actuallyenrolled in our institution to complete the degree.

“The real intention is that we’ll be in a position in a shortperiod of time where we’ll be delivering the entire programin an on-line fashion.”

The above article was originally published in the November 2007 edition

of The Finnish American Reporter.

by David Maki

Dean Joe Monahan

Finl

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the Bridgepublished quarterly byFinlandia University

Address correspondence to:the BridgeFinlandia University601 Quincy StreetHancock, MI [email protected]

Karen S. JohnsonExecutive Director ofCommunications

Brad BeaudetteDirector of Publications

Contents ©Finlandia University, 2008All rights reserved

Spring 2008 Volume 61 No. 1

The Suomi College Theological Seminary3 A brief history

Finlandia Board of Trustees: Two Profiles5 Alumni Melvin Johnson and John Stierna

A Nursing Career with Global Impact6 Alumna Dr. Jeanne Kemppainen

Faculty and Staff Alumni12 Grads work across campus

Helping to Make the World Safer14 Alumna Regina Sobieski

New Directions15 The 10th Annual Sibelius Academy Music Festival

Reunion 2008, June 26-2918 All Finlandia and Suomi alumni are invited!

Reunion 2008 Registration Form20 Register today!

2 President’s Letter 16 Sports News4 Gallery Schedule 21 Alumni News8 Campus News 24 University Calendar

On the cover: Lisa Harden, Elementary Education juniorthe Bridge Mailing List

If you would like to add, remove, orupdate your mailing address,please call 906-487-7348 or [email protected].

the Bridge Spring 2008 1

PHILIP JOHNSONPresident

“One of the mostpleasurable experiences

I have as newpresident is meetingalumni and listening

to their stories.”

Alumni are walking stories. One of the most pleasurable experiences I have as new president is meetingalumni and listening to their stories. Virtually every time I run into a Suomi/Finlandia alumna oralumnus, the discussion quickly, almost immediately, becomes a narrative filled with curious events andcolorful characters proudly relating life-changing college-days stories. Almost without exception,laughter, at some point or another, breaks out. There is richness to these stories that momentarily, butmercifully, distracts me from other tasks that, though necessary, are less refreshing.

There are, of course, exceptions. I have also engaged in meaningful and helpful conversations withformer students whose experiences at Suomi/Finlandia were mixed. I find these occasions valuable, aswell. I learn from these stories. They broaden and deepen my understanding of Finlandia’s potentialimprint on the lives of her graduates.

Beyond laughter and lessons learned are the stories of service lived by our alumni in the Copper Countryand around the world. Finlandia has always been about preparing men and women to serve. Storiescloser to home may be better known, but those with a global impact, such as the career of JeanneWierimaa Kemppainen, featured in this issue, are inspiring. And, to my surprise, I recently discoveredthat a former colleague of mine in Tanzania, Marvin Kannanen, is a Suomi graduate who, for the pastfifteen years, has taught at the Masai Girls Secondary School near Moshi, Tanzania. Our alumni offercountless stories of service, perhaps less exotic but no less significant, at home, in their neighborhoods,and around their communities.

Often former students, after many years, find their way back to Finlandia to serve in critical leadershiproles. Sylvia Fleishman (’58) is our new Board of Trustees chair, and others, including Melvin Johnson(’54) and John Stierna (’63), serve as trustees on Finlandia’s Board.

The university is fortunate to employ many of our graduates. In Advancement are Christine(Armbruster) Mayworm (’00, ’03), alumni relations, and annual fund director Ross Rinkinen (’04).Alana (Evans) Nolan (’05) is the manager of North Wind Books, Bill Melchiori (’04) is our director ofstudent life and housing, and Jim Harden (’03) heads up Campus Security. Sandy Turnquist (’01) andJason Sullivan (’01) take care of student financial aid. Justin Veker (’04), maintenance, and Terri Olsen(’94, ’08), TRiO, are also Finlandia graduates.

Several faculty members are alumni, including PTA instructor Geri Hawley (’98), Johnna Therrian (’88)in Nursing, and Tonia Wolak (’02) in Human Services. Finlandia employees with exceptional lengths ofservice include Kay Campioni (’89) in the business office, Cindy Lorenz (’82, ’05) in the registrar’s office,and music professor Melvin Kangas (’57).

There are many more. Alumni make Finlandia a better place.

This summer’s all-class Reunion 2008 will celebrate Finlandia’s alumni stories. Christina Mayworm,director of alumni relations, is collecting nominations for three different alumni awards to be presentedduring the reunion. Each of them, a Distinguished Alumni Service Award, Young Alumni Award, andSpirit of Finlandia Award, recognize, among other criteria, exceptional service. I encourage allFinlandia/Suomi alumni to respond to this call for nominations. I also urge you to attend the reunionJune 26-29. See you there!

FROM THEPRESIDENT

2 Finlandia University

Philip Johnson, Ph.D.President


In the late 1800s and early 1900s the area of theUnited States with the largest concentration ofFinnish immigrants was the Copper Country

of Michigan. It was a sensible choice for thelocation of a school with a mission to safeguardFinnish identity, preserve Finnish culture, and educatepastors and lay workers for the Finnish Evangelical Churchin America. One Finnish immigrant, Pastor J.K. Nikander,and many other Suomi Synod leaders, made it happen.

The worship service marking the opening of Suomi-Opisto(Finland School) was held at the Finnish Evangelical LutheranChurch in Hancock onTuesday, September 8, 1896. The nextmorning Pastor Nikander, the school’s first president,welcomed nine boys and two girls in a rented sandstonebuilding in West Hancock. By the school’s third year (1898-99), enrollment had grown to thirty students.

Meanwhile, three lots were purchased on the main street ofHancock and an architect prepared plans for a permanentSuomi College building, now known asOld Main. Work started in the summerof 1898. The laying of the cornerstone,attended by 2,000 people, took placeTuesday, May 30, 1899. The newbuilding was dedicated on Sunday,January 21, 1900.

The early curriculum of Suomi Collegewas modeled after the Finnish “lyceum”of seven years, including grammarschool and high school. In spring 1904the first seventh-year class graduated. The ten graduates, twowomen and eight men, ranged in age from twenty to thirty-five years.

In fall 1904 the Suomi College Theological Seminary opened.The first five seminary graduates completed a demandingtwo-year curriculum in spring 1906 and were ordained onJune 6 in Hancock. One of them, John Wargelin, became thesecond president of Suomi College. Within a few years, theseminary added an additional year to its curriculum.

Armas K. E. Holmio, in his book History of the Finns inMichigan, writes:

For decades, the Theological Seminary lived a quietlife of its own, giving, however, a religious flavor tothe whole college. Seminarians preached at the college

chapel services aswell as in Copper Countrychurches, often accompanied by groups of singersselected from the student body. They were thebackbone of the Lutheran Student Association. Theyalso conducted Bible study sessions. In the 1950s,after a bachelor’s degree had become a requirementfor admission to the seminary, the more advancedseminarians often served as part-time instructors inthe junior college. Seminary instructors regularlytaught the junior college classes in religion andphilosophy. Over the years the seminary sponsoredcourses of lectures for pastors. These were attended not

only by pastors of the Suomi Synodbut also by ministers of otherchurches. Lecturers at these courseswere nationally and internationallyknown American theologians. Onseveral occasions theologians fromFinland were among the lecturers.

In 1952 the seminary became partiallyautonomous, and in 1955 was givenadditional autonomy, including aseparate budget. When four years of

college became a requirement for seminary admission, amerger with a larger Lutheran seminary was discussed. Sucha merger, it was reasoned, would offer more faculty and largerlibraries than the Suomi Synod seminary could provide.

The question caused some controversy within the synod,with the older and younger members in opposition. Whenthe question was considered at the synod convention in June1958, the younger people were the majority, and the proposalthat the seminary be merged with the Chicago LutheranSeminary in Maywood was adopted and carried out.

Over a period of fifty-four years, 199 men were ordainedfrom the Suomi College Theological Seminary.

Source: History of the Finns in Michigan by Armas K. E. Holmio. Translatedby Ellen M. Ryynanen. © 2001 by Finlandia University.

Over a period of fifty-four years, 199 menwere ordained fromthe Suomi College

Theological Seminary.

Seminary students and faculty in 1958


Finlandia University Board of Trustees

Dr. Sylvia Fleishman, Chair, Wakefield, Michigan

The Hon. Michael A. Lahti, Vice Chair, Hancock, Michigan

The Hon. Dr. Gloria J. Jackson, Secretary, Paradise Valley, Arizona

Dr. Kenneth D. Seaton, Treasurer, Hancock, Michigan

Mr. Duane Aho, Dollar Bay, Michigan

Mr. Scott J. Dickson, Hancock, Michigan

Dr. John C. Hamar, Chassell, Michigan

Mr. Ronald P. Helman, Chassell, Michigan

Mr. Ray M. Hirvonen, Marquette, Michigan

The Rev. Melvin L. Johnson, Woodbury, Minnesota

Mr. John M. Leinonen, Northville, Michigan,

Mr. Alexander McAfee, Pepper Pike, Ohio

Mr. William R. Sauey, Baraboo, Wisconsin

Mrs. Luanne M. Skrenes, Ishpeming, Michigan

Mr. John Stierna, Haymarket, Virginia

Mrs. Patricia Van Pelt, Eagle Harbor, Michigan

Mrs. Iola Jean Vanstrom, Duluth, Minnesota

The Hon. Dr. Gary R. Waissi, Phoenix, Arizona

The four officers of the Board of Trusteescomprise the Executive Committee.

Finlandia University President’s Council

Mr. Marvin Suomi, Chair, Santa Monica, California

Ms. Ava Anttila, Los Angeles, California

Ms. Elsa Brule, Iron Mountain, Michigan

The Hon. Philip deVilliers Claverie, New Orleans, Louisiana

Mr. Paul Halme, Solvang, California

The Hon. Klaus Hellberg, Porvoo, Finland

The Hon. Dr. Gloria J. Jackson, Paradise Valley, Arizona

The Hon. Dr. Paavo Lipponen, Helsinki, Finland

Mr. Shigeki Matsubara, East Hampton, New York

Mr. William R. Sauey, Baraboo, Wisconsin

The Hon. John D. Saunders, Atlanta, Georgia

Dr. Jukka Valtasaari, Helsinki, Finland

A learning community dedicatedto academic excellence, spiritual

growth, and service

March 28 to April 15Opening Reception: Friday, March 28, 7:00-8:30 p.m.Fashion Show begins at 7:15 p.m.FUISAD Juried Student Exhibition

The annual juried exhibition includes work by International School ofArt & Design (ISAD) students studying the fine art and designdisciplines of drawing, painting and illustration, ceramic and glass,fiber and fashion design, sculpture, product and interior design, andgraphic design and digital media.

April 22 to May 22Opening Reception: Saturday, April 26FUISAD 2008 Diploma Works Exhibition

Presented annually, the Diploma Works exhibit features the work ofInternational School of Art & Design (ISAD) graduating BFAstudents. The exhibit pieces represent each graduating student’s finalbody of work and take the form of intensive research projects, series ofindividual artworks, or design prototypes.

June 3 to September 11Closing Reception: Week of September 8-12Jari Arffman: Counterparts

Counterparts is an exhibit of black and white photography by Finnishphotographer Jari Arffman. Following its premiere at the Kajaani ArtMuseum, Finland, the exhibit visits the Finlandia University Galleryand the Nordic Heritage Museum, Seattle. Counterparts is acompilation of three periods of Arffman’s work. The photos combinemultiple real cities into the imaginary cities of St. Pragburg, Utopia,and St. Utopia. Arffman writes that the photos give prominence to away of being that is not dependent solely on our position on the globe.

The Finlandia University Gallery, in the Finnish American HeritageCenter, promotes Finlandia University’s mission, A Learning CommunityDedicated to Academic Excellence, Spiritual Growth, and Service, throughexhibitions of contemporary Finnish, Finnish-American, and Americanartists. Beyond advancing the arts in the region, the gallery provideseducational resources for the community and is a gathering place for peopleto discuss and reflect upon art. One of its goals is to become a leadingexhibitor of Finnish and Finnish-American art nationwide.

Carrie Flaspohler, Gallery Director

FINLANDIA UNIVERSITY GALLERY SCHEDULE 2008


Rev. Melvin L. JohnsonRev. Johnson’s first Board term began in 2003, and he wasre-elected in 2006. Johnson graduated from Suomi Collegein 1954. He earned a bachelor of arts at the University ofMinnesota, Duluth, and a master of divinity atNorthwestern Lutheran Theological Seminary, St. Paul,Minn.

In 1961 Johnson began his ministry in a three-point parishin northeastern Minnesota. He retired from active ministryin 1983. Following, for more than 15 years, he worked inadvancement for the Lutheran Church in America and, later,for the ELCA Foundation. He retired in 1998 but remainedwith the Foundation part-time until 2007.

Johnson is a member of the Finnish American CulturalAssociation and the Finnish American MetropolitanNetwork, both of Minneapolis, and vice president of theELCA Suomi Special Interest Conference. He and his wife,Norma, reside in Woodbury, Minn. They belong to King ofKings Lutheran Church in Woodbury, Minn.

Johnson’s avocations include a strong reading interest intheology, history, and mystery paperbacks. He and his wifeof 53 years, Norma, have two daughtersand one granddaughter. Johnson enjoysrecreation and completing minor loggingprojects on 42 wooded acres he owns innortheastern Minnesota. He and his wifealso have a cottage on Lake Vermillion nearTower, Minn.

“I am particularly pleased and humbled tobe asked to continue on the new Board ofTrustees,” Johnson says. “I look forward toassisting our new president in his challengeto lead Finlandia into a new phase of itshistory, a history certainly guided by thegrace of God working in Finlandia’s ever-growing constituency.”

John H. StiernaJohn Stierna has served on the Finlandia Board since 2000.He is also a member and past president of the InternationalAlumni Board. Stierna attended Suomi College from 1961-1963, and earned bachelor’s and masters degrees inagricultural economics from Michigan State University.

Stierna has over 40 years of experience as an economist forthe natural resources and agriculture industries in both thepublic and private sectors. He provided significantleadership for economic analysis, policy formulation, andanalysis of conservation legislative proposals during a careerwith USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service inWashington, D.C. He now provides consulting services innatural resource policy.

“Finlandia is evolving as a university to better address thecontemporary needs of students of all ages,” says Stierna.“While I remember fondly my times at ‘Suomi,’ I could notimagine current and prospective students being limited tothe junior college curriculum of the old days. Instead, Ibelieve that Finlandia has appropriately moved on to be afour-year institution that better addresses educational needsfor people that must function in a new world of globalcompetiveness.”

In addition to spending time with his grandchildren, Stiernalikes to a play golf and hike. He has also enjoyed aconsiderable amount of traveling over the years, both forwork and personal pleasure. Stierna’s wife, Ruth (Jarvi), is analumna of Suomi College. They have two children and fourgrandchildren. They live in Haymarket, Virginia.


The summers spent with her Finnish grandmother,Mary Pelkonen, on a farm near Houghton inspiredJeanne Wierimaa Kemppainen’s appreciation for her

Finnish heritage and also a love for Michigan’s CopperCountry. During those summers she often accompanied hergrandmother on visits to the old Finnish Book Concern onthe campus of Suomi College. Not only did those visitsinstilled a love of learning, they also created in Jeanne adesire to attend Suomi College.

Little did she know when she enrolled at Suomi College in1958 that her nursing career would have such a majorimpact on global issues in health care, and on the lives of ageneration of patients and nursing students.

After finishing the pre-nursing courses at Suomi College, Dr.Kemppainen completed her bachelor’s degree in nursing atWayne State University, Detroit. She earned her mastersdegree at East Carolina University, Greenville, North

Carolina, where she received the Outstanding GraduateStudent Award. Dr. Kemppainen completed her Ph.D. innursing at the University of California, San Francisco(UCSF), where her research was recognized with theDistinguished Dissertation Award.

Following completion of her Ph.D., Dr. Kemppainenreceived a prestigious national appointment as a VA Post-Doctoral Nurse Fellow through the Veterans Health CareSystem. Following a long, distinguished career as anadvanced practice and administrative nurse in the VA HealthCare System, she joined the nursing faculty as a professor atthe University of North Carolina, Wilmington (UNCW).

At UNCW she was voted Faculty of the Year by UNCWnursing students, and recently received the prestigiousuniversity-wide UNCW Faculty Scholarship Award for heracademic achievements and her internationally recognizedcontributions to nursing and health care.

Dr. Jeanne Kemppainen (front row, in yellow kimono) with students and professors during a research visit to Japan


Throughout her career Dr. Kemppainen has been dedicatedto improving health care for patients with chronic illnesses.It was a chance nursing care encounter with a young dyingAIDS patient, however, that motivated her to pursuedoctoral education in nursing.

During the early days of her nursing career, Dr. Kemppainenworked as a psychiatric clinical nurse specialist and co-manager of a busy inpatient ward in a large hospital in thesoutheastern United States. She also served as mental healthliaison to all the nurses and patients in that hospital. Dr.Kemppainen remembers that, “it was during this time thatthe AIDS epidemic was just beginning in this country. Oneday, I was called by the nurses to come and ‘do something’about an angry family visiting one ofthe patients. The situation that Ifound that day was so remarkableand complex that it actually changedand broadened the focus of mynursing career.”

Dr. Kemppainen explains, “A youngman, in the late stages of HIV/AIDS,had returned to our area from SanFrancisco to be with his family. Notonly did I find an angry family, Ifound a frightened, dying patient,and fearful, hesitant nurses.”

The event marked a turning point.For the same hospital, Dr.Kemppainen became instrumentalin developing a chronic illnesseducational program for nurses, andbegan to work closely with chronicallyill patients. In addition, she developeda program of research aimed atimproving the quality of nursingcare for chronically ill patients.

Following completion of herdoctoral degree Dr. Kemppainen was invited to join theUCSF Nursing Network for HIV/AIDS Research, aninternational network of nurse scholars representing majoruniversities and health care institutions in Taiwan, Africa,Norway, Puerto Rico, Columbia, South America, and theUnited States. The goal of the network is to engage nursescientists and clinicians in cross-cultural and cross-nationalresearch aimed at improving the quality of nursing care forpersons living with HIV disease. As a member of thisnetwork, Dr. Kemppainen participates in a series of ongoinginternational research studies aimed at helping patientsimprove adherence to HIV therapies and determiningsymptom self-management activities.

Also as part of her Network activities, Dr. Kemppainenparticipates in the development of a global agenda for

HIV/AIDS research in nursing and serves on planningcommittees for seminal international nursing researchconferences. Her research related to the Network studies,and other work, has been widely disseminated through top-tiered nursing and multidisciplinary health relatedpublications and national and international presentations.Dr. Kemppainen recently completed an invited bookchapter about research for international nurses for a WorldHealth Organization publication.

Dr. Kemppainen notes, “One of the special highlights of mycareer was the privilege of presenting some of myHIV/AIDS research at the University in Helsinki, Finland,and collaborating with a nursing professor from the

University of Turku.”

While her current researchcontinues to focus on self-care inchronic illness, the direction of Dr.Kemppainen’s work has expandedto include the association betweenspirituality and health careoutcomes. Currently, she serves as aco-investigator for an internationalstudy which examines associationsbetween spirituality andhypertension in persons living inrural regions of the United Statesand northern Japan.

An important finding of this studyis the close association betweenincreased levels of spirituality andlower blood pressure. As part of thisstudy, she works with UNCWfaculty colleagues and Japanesenurse researchers from IwatePrefectural University in northernJapan. As part of this work Dr.Kemppainen has had the

opportunity to study spiritual practices in Japan, as well asthose in U.S. rural southern culture. With her Japanesecolleagues, during the summer of 2007 she presented thefindings of this study at the International Congress ofNursing in Yokohama, Japan.

Dr. Kemppainen is an active member of the FinlandiaUniversity International Alumni Board and the FinnishCouncil in America. She is married to Pastor DaleKemppainen, assistant pastor at St. Matthew’s LutheranChurch in Wilmington, North Carolina. She is the motherof three sons, Jon Kemppainen of Austin, Texas (wifeSusan), Karl Kemppainen of New Bern, North Carolina(wife Lynda), and Paul Kemppainen of Sterling, Virginia(wife Tiffany); and grandmother to Evan, Leah, Hannah,Reagan, and Piper.

“While her current researchcontinues to focus on self-care inchronic illness, the direction ofDr. Kemppainen’s work hasexpanded to include the

association between spiritualityand health care outcomes.”

Dr. Kemppainen (left) with nursing facultycolleagueDr.Nonlanhla Sukati from Swaziland


C A M P U S N EW S

Finnposium Lecture SeriesThe Finnish American HistoricalArchive recently presented a‘Finnposium’ Lecture Series featuringtwo visiting scholars who conductedresearch at the archive.

October 3, Tanja Aho from theUniversity of Greifswald, Germany,presented, “The Theater Finns: Stagingan Ethnic Movement in America.” Herlecture explored the historicaldevelopment of drama activities withinthe Finnish-American communityfrom the 1890s to the mid-20thcentury. To present a more completeunderstanding of what the dramaperformances were like, a Finnish-speaking cast of students andcommunity members performed thetwo-act play, “The Boarding House,” astory about a Finnish immigrant‘poikatalo’ in a mining town circa 1920struggling with immigration andrelationship problems.

October 17, Joel Feingold from theUniversity of Wisconsin-Madisonpresented, “The Material Culture of

the Finnish American Co-opMovement.” The lecture focused on theself-sustaining material world built byimmigrant working Finns. Perhaps themost identifiable Finnish Americanconsumers’ cooperative was Superior,Wisconsin’s Central Co-OperativeExchange. The Finn Co-ops weremonuments to the strength of theFinnish-American community and itscommitments to material autonomyand social justice, Feingold said.

Birch Trees Planted in Chapel YardIn honor of Philip Johnson’sinauguration as Finlandia University’s16th president, Christy Hilgers,Houghton, Patricia and Peter VanPelt,Eagle Harbor, and René, Simon, andNeal Johnson, Houghton, donatedthree birch tree clusters to theuniversity. Pete Nissila of NissilaGreenhouses, Houghton, planted thetrees in front of the Chapel of St.Matthew October 26.

The generosity of these well-wishershas started something big. Thisspring an additional ten or morebirch tree clusters will be planted inthe yard surrounding the chapel.Sincere thanks for the beginning ofwhat will be a beautiful birch groveon Finlandia’s campus is alsoextended to Barbara Briggs, ScottDickson, Allen Freis, JeanneKemppainen, Shirley and CarlKukkonen, Eve Lindsey, J. RichardNiemela, Norma Nominelli, LoisSeaton, and John Stierna.

Student Loan RepaymentRates Improve

Sandy Turnquist, Finlandia Universitydirector of financial aid, announcedrecently that the university has beenrecognized by the State of MichiganGuaranty Agency for a significantimprovement in Stafford Loan studentloan repayment rates over the pastthree years. About 75% of FinlandiaUniversity students borrow throughthe Stafford Loan program.

Turnquist says that Finlandia’s improvedrepayment rate can be attributed inlarge part to borrower educationincluding increased student-borrowercounseling, campus-wide financial aideducation, and follow-up withborrowers who are having difficultywith repayment. She also creditsFinlandia’s conversion to a baccalaureatedegree-granting institution in 1996, achange that has resulted in more jobopportunities for graduates.

“It’s very positive,” Turnquist says.“Our financial aid education efforts areworking, and our graduates are findingjobs with salaries that allow them tostart paying off student loans.”

René Johnson and Pete Nissilaplant a birch tree cluster.

Anna Leppänen and Hannu Leppänen(no relation) in “The Boarding House”

Copper Country Luthier DonatesViolins and Violas

When luthier Tauno Ekonen, a first-generation Finn from Painesdale, waseleven years old he told his mother hewanted to play the violin. Her responsewas, there was no money; if he wantedsomething he’d have to make it withhis own hands.

And, literally, that’s what he did. Sincethen, Ekonen has crafted more than 90violins, as well as 49 violas, four cellosand five guitars. Several of Ekonen’sinstruments have won national tonecompetitions. His instruments arefound across the U.S. and even as faraway as Ethiopia. But when it comes tolocating the highest concentration ofEkonen’s instruments, it’s Michigan’sCopper Country.

In early October Ekonen and his wife,Dorothy, visited Hancock to donate 17violins and violas to FinlandiaUniversity.

Finland’s foremost folk fiddlers, the bandJPP, were also in town. At a Finnishlunch, and again during a concert atthe Calumet Theatre, members of JPPplayed Ekonen’s instruments to honorhis extraordinary gift.

At the concert, Finlandia presidentPhilip Johnson publicly accepted the

instruments and recognized Ekonen’sachievements. “I think the wisestthing I’ve ever done is give these to theuniversity,” Ekonen said.

Grant Will FundScience Lab Equipment

The Harry A. and Margaret D.Towsley Foundation has awarded a$110,000 grant to Finlandia Universityto purchase science laboratoryequipment.

Dr. Jeanne Rellahan, Finlandia provostand academic vice president, says thatmany new science courses have beenestablished recently to support newprograms and energize enrollment. Forinstance, new health science courseswere created for the Nursing andPhysical Therapist Assistant programs,a science minor is now offered forElementary Education students, andeven art and design students completea materials science course.

“As Finlandia has grown, so hasenrollment in science courses,”Rellahan adds. “Typical enrollments inlaboratory classes have increased 300percent in the last decade, from 88 tonearly 300 students per year.”

Evening Business ProgramDr. Joseph Monahan, dean ofthe International School ofBusiness, has announced thatstarting in January 2008graduates of the Suomi Collegeand Finlandia University two-year associate degree program inbusiness who enroll inFinlandia’s bachelor of businessadministration program areeligible for an up to 10%discount on regular tuition rates.

And to make the completion of a four-year business degree even more user-friendly, the university begins an expanded slate of evening classes, also inJanuary 2008. Monahan says that the more robust evening course scheduleis designed to make it easier for those with full-time family andemployment commitments to complete college courses.

“The evening courses will be taught using a hybrid format,” Monahanexplains. “Fifty percent on-line, and fifty percent instruction via class timeor video link direct to class professors.” The mostly junior- and senior-levelevening business courses offered in the spring 2008 semester include SportsMarketing, International Business, Auditing, Organizational Behavior, andBusiness Strategies, among others.

Dr. Joseph Monahan


Tauno and Dorothy Ekonen

Elementary Educationjunior Bryan Solander

C A M P U S N EW S

“The use of state-of-the-arttechnology, such as virtual dissection,digital videography, or portable seismicequipment will enhance our teaching,encourage more group interaction,and allow us to more accurately modelthe scientific method at work,” saysFinlandia science professor Dr. AnnKemppainen.

The Towsley Foundation wasestablished in 1959 by MargaretDowTowsley. The Foundation is oneof the largest in Michigan.

Finnish Independence DayThe 90th anniversary of Finland’sindependence was celebratedDecember 6 at the Finnish AmericanHeritage Center. Philip Johnson, thekeynote speaker, joined the observancefor the first time as Finlandia’spresident. A selection of Finnish musicwas performed by local musicians PasiLautala, Oren Tikkanen, and DavidBezotte, and the two-act Finnish-language play, “The Boarding House,”was presented.

In Finland, the popular holidaycelebrating the country’s 1917independence from Russia wascelebrated in a relaxed, good-naturedmanner under the slogan “Me/Vi” (theFinnish and Swedish words for ‘we.’),notes the Web site virtual.finland.fi.

Nurses Excel on Licensing ExamFredi deYampert, chair of theFinlandia University bachelor ofscience in nursing (BSN) program,reports that Finlandia’s 2007 BSNgraduating class outscored the stateand national average on the Michiganregistered nurse licensure exam(NCLEX). All nurses in the state ofMichigan are required to successfullycomplete the NCLEX exam.

The Finlandia grads posted an averagepass rate of 88.2%, while for the sameperiod the state average was 87.2%and the national average was 85.7%.“Due to an increase in the difficultylevel of the exam this year, it wasreported that the overall scoresdecreased this year,” said deYampert.“We beat both the state and nationalaverages. I couldn’t be more proud ofour students!”

Student Work at Reflection GalleryThe work of senior Studio Artssenior Melisa Gronowski (Norway,Mich.) was featured at Finlandia’sstudent-run Reflection Gallery inJanuary, along with the work ofjunior art and design major BenMitchell.

Finnish CitizenshipFormer Finnish citizens living abroadand their descendants have theopportunity to acquire Finnishcitizenship until May 31, 2008.Finland’s current Nationality Act,adopted June 1, 2003, gives formerFinnish citizens the opportunity tore-acquire Finnish citizenship bydeclaration, if they have lost it whenacquiring the citizenship of anothercountry, for example. Descendants offormer and current Finnish citizensmay also acquire Finnish citizenshipby declaration, even if they havenever had citizenship.

Director Tiina Suominen of theDirectorate of Immigration’sNationality Unit, advises people tothink about the advantages anddisadvantages of Finnish citizenship.She says, “Even though it might not beuseful for you yourself, it might be wiseto consider the matter from the pointof view of your underage children.One of the obvious advantages ofcitizenship is that you obtain a Finnishpassport, which enables freemovement within the EU.”

Citizenship also carries obligations.Suominen adds that males consideringcitizenship should contact Finnishauthorities to find out whether theywill have to do compulsory militaryservice in Finland, or if they can beexempted. Those considering makingthe declaration should also find outwhether acquiring Finnish citizenshipwill affect their current citizenship.

Citizenship declarations are made tothe Directorate of Immigration, butthose living abroad may submit thedeclaration only at a Finnish mission.The declaration is subject to acharge, except for war veterans.Additional information can be foundon the Directorate of ImmigrationWeb site, www.uvi.fi.


Dan Maki (far left) and localmusicians perform at FinnishIndependence Day festivities.

C A M P U S N EW S

Studio Arts senior Melisa Gronowski

Grownwski’s non-traditional oilpaintings, and sculptures made fromreused materials, explore how humanbeings relate to nature and evolution,she says. The largest piece is a series ofseparate but related oil paintings thatillustrate how she feels humans arebreaking away from nature. With aface looking up to the sky, the paintingcommunicates that humans can stilllook to a higher power; a hand as a treeroot growing into the earth indicatesthe need to stay rooted in nature.

Gronowski, who took a turn asmanager of the Reflection Galleryduring the fall 2007 semester, says that

the Portage Campus gallery is anexcellent opportunity for students tobuild their résumés.

Gronowski graduates this spring. Sheplans to pursue a MFA degree.

HAMK Lecturer Teaches BookbindingHelka Yletyinen, senior lecturer at theHAMK University of Applied Sciences,Hämeenlinna, Finland, instructed afive-day bookbinding class for Finlandiastudents the week of February 4. Inaddition, she and Finlandia fiber andfashion design faculty member PhyllisFredendall gave a public presentationabout HAMK February 5.

Fredendall taught fiber sculpture classesat HAMK in August 2007. Yletyinen’svisit to Hancock is the continuation ofa faculty exchange agreement betweenthe two universities. Yletyinen teachesbasketry, bookbinding, and felting, andis the assistant head of the HAMKdegree program in crafts and recreation.

Workshop FeaturesFinnish Fiddle Band JPP

In conjunction with an eight-stopNorth American concert tour, the sixmembers of Finland’s famed fiddlinggroup JPP, Järvelän pikkupelimannit(Little Folk Musicians of Järvelä),shared their fiddle techniques withfolk musicians of all ages and skilllevels at a two-day Finnish FolkMusic Workshop at the FinnishAmerican Heritage Center, October5-6. JPP has performed countlessconcerts and has nine albums to itscredit. Frontman Arto Järvelä hastaught for the prestigious SibeliusAcademy’s Folk Music Department.Visit www.thejpp.fi for moreinformation about JPP.

The workshop also included 5- and10-string kantele lessons by JoyceHakala of St. Paul, Minn. Hakala is aleading authority on the kantele andits use by Finnish immigrants. She isa former director of Koivun Kaiku,one of the best-known kanteleensembles in North America. Hakalahas also written two books: “TheRowan Tree” and “Memento ofFinland: A Musical Legacy.”

Professor, Student Teach at Taliesin, theFrank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture

For four weeks in summer 2007 International School of Art & Designfaculty member Yueh-mei Cheng taught Chinese Watercolor and JapaneseGold Leaf Painting classes as a resident faculty member at Taliesin, theFrank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, Spring Green, Wisc. And as astudent internship project, Finlandia studio arts senior Melisa Gronwoskiwas resident teaching assistant for the classes. Gronowski and Cheng alsoparticipated in many other classes and activities during their time there.

Cheng, who has been a visiting faculty member at Taliesin for 10 years, alsoattended the Taliesin 75th Anniversary Reunion at Taliesin West,Scottsdale, Ariz., in November. Taliesin alumni and faculty from 18countries celebrated the 75th birthday of the Frank Lloyd Wright Schoolof Architecture. Reunion activities included an education symposium andmany other professional development opportunities.

Melisa Gronowski (far left) and Yueh-mei Cheng (with brush) at Taliesin.

C A M P U S N EW S


Members of JPP play violins and violasmade by Tauno Ekonen.


Among the current employees of Finlandia University,dozens have earned associate and/or bachelordegrees at Suomi College and Finlandia. And many,

many more have taken multiple classes. Here are somecomments from just a few of them.

“My favorite instructors were MelvinKangas (of course), Sharon Sibilsky,Timo Koskinen, and Deb Zei (Adler),”says Carla Phillips, adjunct instructorof music since 1993. “Melvin hasalways been a supportive friend. Sharonbelieved that I should be in collegeeven when I doubted myself. Timoencouraged me to write – hence, theEnglish minor. And Debra woke upmy old brain to math once again …and I loved it!” Carla graduated fromSuomi College in 1995 with anassociate degree in fine arts, receivingboth the Sisu and Sampo awards. Shewent on to graduate magna cumlaude from Northern Michigan University in 1999 with aB.A. in music and a minor in English. She teaches musicappreciation, piano, choir, and other music classes.

In 1994 Judy Crotty, an adjunct clinical instructor in theBSN program, completed an associate degree in nursing at

Suomi College. Last year, she completed a teachinginternship at Finlandia in order to finish a masters degree innursing education at Michigan State University. “My dadwas also a Suomi grad, back in the 1940s,” Judy says. “Myfamily lived on Elm Street, and my dad and I played a lot oftennis on the little court that used to be above the Old Mainparking lot!”

Kim Gundlach, administrativeassistant, Upward Bound, graduatedfrom Suomi College in 1980 with anassociate degree in general studies.“One memory of Suomi College isof a very stormy Wednesday eveningwhen two of our favorite Suomiinstructors joined my friend and mefor a pepperoni, double cheese pizzaat Nutini’s,” Kim recalls. “Everytime we tried to take a bite of ourpieces of pizza, with the ‘battle of thecheese,’ they would start telling usjokes and cracking us up … whichwould crack us up even more! When

we’ve relived these memories since, we always remark howneat it was to get to know our instructors so well, and how,if we had gone to a larger college, these kinds of experiencesprobably wouldn’t have happened.”

F i n l a n d i a F a c u l t y a n d S t a f f

Top, left to right: Pam Alatalo, Joanna Krueger, Bill Melchiori, Cindy Lorenz, Jason Sullivan, Terri Olsen Bottom, left to right: James Kurtti,Kim Gundlach, Jim Harden, Melvin Kangas, Kay Campioni, Kathryn Holsworth (student intern, ’08), Alana Nolan, Ross Rinkinen

“I remember Old Main asbeing the girls’ dorm,” Kurttisays. “I still feel uneasy aboutgoing up the stairs there

because boys weren’t allowedand no one disobeyed

housemother Mae Shoupe.”


A l u m n iGeri Hawley, instructor in the Physical Therapist Assistantprogram, is one of ten who graduated in 1998 from the thennewly-established Suomi College PTA program. Before sheenrolled at Suomi, Geri had completed a bachelor’s ofscience degree in biological science at Michigan Tech, and asecondary teaching certificate for grades 7-12. “This is the10-year anniversary of the first graduating class of the PTAprogram,” Geri notes. “I am planning a fun get-together formy classmates in conjunction with the 2008 Finlandia all-class reunion this June. I hope to see all the 1998 PTA gradsthen!”

James Kurtti, director of the Finnish American HeritageCenter and editor of the Finnish American Reporter,graduated from Suomi College in 1977 with an A.A. insocial work and Finnish. Following, he earned a B.A. fromUniversity of Minnesota. “I remember Old Main as beingthe girls’ dorm,” Kurtti says. “I still feel uneasy about goingup the stairs there because boys weren’t allowed and no onedisobeyed housemother Mae Shoupe.”

Tonia Wolak, adjunct instructor, human services, graduatedfrom the Rural Human Services baccalaureate program in2002, at age 31. In 2005 she completed a masters of sciencein psychology, and she is near completion of a Ph.D., boththrough Walden University. Tonia also works for theMichigan Department of Corrections as a reintegrationcounselor. “It’s like family here at Finlandia,” she says.

Additional Finlandia employees with Suomiand/or Finlandia degrees include Pamela Alatalo(’99), middle school coordinator and secretary,Educational Talent Search, BBA; Kay Campioni(’89), accounts payable coordinator, AA; Alana(Evans) Nolan (’05), manager, North WindBooks, BA; Dan Giachino (’04), enrollmentofficer, BA; Jim Harden (’03), supervisor ofcampus security, AAS; Melvin Kangas (’57),associate professor, fine arts, AA; Joanna Krueger(’06), senior enrollment officer, BBA; Cindy(Dugdale) Lorenz (’82, ’05), assistant registrar,AA, BA; Christina (Armbruster) Mayworm (’00,‘03), director of donor and alumni relations, AA,BA; Bill Melchiori (’04), director of student life,BBA; Terri Olsen (’94, ’08), project coordinator,TRiO Student Support Services, AA, BA (’08);Ross Rinkinen (’04), director of annual giving,BA; Lauren Roell (’07), adjunct instructor, artand design, BFA; Jason Sullivan (’01), financialaid counselor, BBA; Johnna L. Therrian (’88),assistant professor of nursing, ADN; SandraTurnquist (’01), director of financial aid, BA;Denise Vandeville (’01), adjunct instructor,ISAD, BFA; and Justin Veker (’04),housekeeping, BBA. Many of these graduateshave completed additional academic degrees.

Helping to Make theWorld Safer

Regina Sobieski (’83) currently serves asa contractual project director for theU.S. Attorney's Office, NorthernDistrict of Texas. The Northern Districtof Texas was one of only six regions inthe U.S. awarded funding to implementa comprehensive Anti-Gang Programwith initiatives ranging fromsuppression sweeps to providingassistance to victims of crime.

Sobieski has trained professionals inmore than 40 states and done consultingwork around the world. She isrecognized as an international facilitatorfor victims’ rights, victim legislation, and

criminal justice policies and protocols toimprove services for crime victims. Shehas provided comment before legislativeentities; served on governmentaladvisory committees and panels, andauthored many crime-victim relatedarticles and several publicationsaddressing unique grief issues. She alsoprovides training and services related togrant writing, board development,volunteer recruitment, and strategicplanning. She is a licensed social workerand a recent graduate of the NorthernDistrict of Texas Citizen’s FBI Academy.Sobieski is owner of her own business,Sydney’s Executive Solutions.

Mydays at Suomi College still fill my heart and soulwith warm, happy memories. When I first arrivedin the Houghton-Hancock area, I thought

Michigan Tech was Suomi. I was a bit disappointed becauseI was under the impression I would be attending a smallschool. Much to my delight I was on the wrong campus andproceeded across the bridge.

I made my decision to attend Suomi based on anadvertisement describing the Criminal Justice program.Small classes, student crime lab, and instructors with hands-on experience from the field, all set within a smallcommunity, were appealing to me. I come from Milwaukee;my graduating class from high school was nearly 1,000. I wassearching for a college experience that would enrich my lifeforever. I found that at Suomi.

Suomi provided me with a strong sense of community andinstructors who truly cared about me as a person. They hadan investment in me as a student. After graduating fromSuomi I completed a bachelor of science degree in criminaljustice at a major university where, because of the hands-onexperience I received at Suomi, I discovered I had gainedadvanced knowledge in many CJ subjects.

It has been 25 years since I graduated from Suomi and mylife has taken many different turns. I have since earned my

masters degree in criminal justice, and I was recently invitedto present an address about the importance of human rightsto members of the United Nations in Budapest, Hungary.I’ve been afforded many wonderful opportunities in my lifeand professional career, and whenever the chance arises Ialways talk about the incredible education I received atSuomi College.

Wally Andersen was one of my CJ instructors at Suomi. Irecall to this day one of our many long-windedconversations. He was working in the crime lab with me andhe said I had a natural talent for fingerprint classification.Wally offered to help me get into the Forensic Unit atQuantico. I replied, “I really like it, but I don’t want toclassify fingerprints for a living. I want to help people andmake the world a safer place. I want to make a difference.”He smiled and with a slight laugh said I could do whatever Iwanted to because of the passion I have to succeed in life.

Wally Andersen has since passed away, but his faith in mestill remains in my heart. I help people; I believe the world isa bit safer …. and, Lord knows, I’ve been trying to make adifference.

I think Wally would be proud of what I have done with mylife since leaving Suomi. I know I am.



The Bridge readers are cordially invited to the 10th AnnualSibelius Academy Music Festival Tuesday, July 28, throughSaturday, August 1, 2008. A variety of concerts and otherevents will take place at Finlandia University andcommunity venues, including the Finnish AmericanHeritage Center, at least one John Haro-designed church,and a Copper Country art gallery.

“At their annual meeting in July 2007, members of theFinnish Council in America (FCA) were asked by newFinlandia president Philip Johnson to become involved incurating the annual classical music festival,” says FCA

member Karen Reynolds. “A task force is working on theproject together with Finlandia University staff and facultyand its music department, and the Sibelius Academy.” TheFCA members who volunteered to serve on the SibeliusFestival Task Force are Reed Harris, Susan Kenny, Karen(Hill) Reynolds, and Roger Reynolds.

“This year’s Sibelius Festival is taking a new direction,” notesKaren Reynolds. “The task force is planning a varied andinnovative menu of events. In addition to the superlativeannual concerts enjoyed by many in the area, the 2008festival will give students and the community multipleopportunities to become personally acquainted with theyoung Finnish musicians.”

Preliminary festival plans include a series of seminars,informal gatherings, three major concerts, opportunities fordiscussion, community events, and mini-concerts at smallervenues.

When Susan Kenny noticed an advertisement for a 2000Sibelius Festival concert, she felt enough of a kinship withthe music and her Finnish roots to invite the musicians toher home for dinner. This is how she met former Finlandiapresident Bob Ubbelohde and joined the FCA. “Whenvolunteers were needed to continue the Sibelius concerttradition, I instinctively raised my hand,” Kenny says.Kenny is a financial consultant with AG Edwards. She hasplayed the flute professionally and sings alto in theSheboygan Symphony Chorus. Her father grew up in theCopper Country.

Reed Harris was also introduced to the Finnish Council byBob Ubbelohde. Harris works for KUD International LLC,a program management and development firm in SantaMonica, Calif., where he is a project analyst and assistant tothe president. Harris has Finnish roots and family in thewestern Upper Peninsula town of Wakefield.

Third generation Finnish American Karen (Hill) Reynoldsgrew up playing shuffleboard at Suomi College before shetook music theory classes from her father, Suomi CollegeMusic Director Arthur J. Hill, who led the college’s flagshipchoir from 1946 to 1967. Karen is a professional musician.She joined the FCA in 1999.

Roger Reynolds is a Pulitzer prize-winning composer whosework often employs the most current computer technology.He recently premiered his composition Sanctuary (forpercussion quartet with real-time computer processing,spatialized sound, and sonic color lighting) at I.M. Pei’s EastWing Atrium of the National Gallery of Art, Washington,D.C. Reynolds’s ILLUSION was premiered in 2006 by Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Los Angeles Philharmonic NewMusic Group.

Sincere thanks to Karen Reynolds for substantial contributionsto this article.

2007 Sibelius Festival performer pianist Tuomas Kyyhkynen


S P O R T S N EW S

Women’s Basketball Team: Aloha from Hawaii

Aloha and Mele Kalikimaka (Helloand Merry Christmas) from Hawaii!

In December the women’s basketballteam traveled to Hawaii to compete inthe annual “Hoop-N-Surf” Classic.The tournament included teams fromthroughout the U.S. The Finlandiawomen faced tough competition ingames against South Dakota Tech(Rapid City) and Briar CliffUniversity (Sioux City, Ia.) and, eventhough the Lions were overpoweredby their opponents, itwas a good experience.

The trip was well-deserved. The teamworked hard allsummer and fallraising money to fundthe entire cost of thetrip. The womenextend a big thank you(mahalo) to familiesand friends for all theirfinancial support.Their time in Hawaiiwas an awesome, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

On December 16, the women leftbehind below zero temperatures inHancock for tropical Honolulu. Oncethe basketball games had been played,there was time to “hang loose” andenjoy some free time. And, althoughDecember is the rainy season inHawaii, the brief afternoon showerseach day weren’t enough to dampenspirits or curb any fun in the sun.

There were many other basketballteams in Hawaii for varioustournaments at all NCAA levels. Thewomen interacted with some of theseteams (especially the men from St.

Johns University, New York City) but,unfortunately, they didn’t have thechance to see any other games.

Some members of the team, includingCoach Curtis Wittenberg, attemptedto surf on the meager 1-3 foot waveson Waikiki Beach … after all, it wasall about the “Hoop-N-Surf” Classic.And, of course, the team did somesight-seeing during their six-night staya block from Waikiki Beach.

On a tour of Honolulu, the teamvisited Pearl Harbor and the ArizonaMemorial, Iolani Palace, Chinatown,and the Punch Bowl Crater, home tothe National Cemetery of the Pacific.They also attended a traditional luauon the west side of the island. Thewomen will also tell you that theyenjoyed shopping on the new WaikikiBeach Walk and people-watching onand around Waikiki Beach.

After six nights in Hawaii, the teamwasn’t quite ready to leave the warm,tropical weather, but they wereanxious to get home for Christmas.The journey went well until their

plane was ready to land at theMinneapolis/St. Paul airport. Afterspending nearly an hour in a holdingpattern before landing, they learnedthat their connecting flight to GreenBay (their final destination) had beencancelled due to heavy snow.

The team tried to rent a vehicle sothey could drive to Green Bay, butabsolutely nothing was available.Three members of the team were ableto get seats on a bus that was taking

people fromMinneapolis to theAppleton and GreenBay airports. The restof the team waited inthe airport for 9 hoursbefore finally boardinga plane to Green Bay.Ironically, all the teammembers arrived inGreen Bay at nearlythe same time.

Everyone made ithome early themorning of Christmas

Eve, just in time for Christmas. Thesame cannot be said for their luggage.It arrived three days later, just in timefor their next games at MichiganTech – which was fortunate sinceeveryone had packed their uniformsin their luggage.

The women won’t be going to Hawaiinext year, but there are plans for a tripto Tacoma, Washington, to play in atournament at Pacific LutheranUniversity. This trip will also befunded completely by the team, sokeep an eye out for the players asthey’ll be fundraising again thissummer and fall.

ATHLETICS STAFFChris M. SalaniAthletic Director, Associate Provost ofStudent DevelopmentHead Women’s Ice Hockey CoachHead Golf [email protected]

Katelyn FogleAsst. Athletic DirectorSenior Women’s AdministratorHead Volleyball [email protected]

Curtis WittenbergSports Information DirectorHead Women’s Basketball [email protected]

Joe BurcarAsst. Recruiting CoordinatorHead Men’s Ice Hockey [email protected]

Shawn HendricksonHead Women’s Softball [email protected]

Matt FarrellRecruiting CoordinatorHead Men’s Baseball [email protected]

Matt GriffithAthletics Academic CoordinatorHead Men’s & Women’s Soccer [email protected]

Charlie KemppainenStrength & Conditioning CoordinatorHead Men’s Basketball [email protected]

Ryan TowlesHead Men’s & Women’s Cross CountryRunning [email protected]

Sports Medicine ProviderPortage Health Sports Medicine Institute906-487-7523

Cameron WilliamsFaculty Athletic [email protected]

S P O R T S N EW S

Reprinted courtesy of WLUC TV6News. Story broadcast January 16,2008.

Shawn Wickersheim has amazedcoaches with his effort in all threesports.

Playing one sport in college andkeeping up with classes isn't easy.

For many athletes, starting in onesport might be enough, but notfor Finlandia senior ShawnWickersheim. In addition toplaying basketball, Shawn alsoplays on the Lions’ soccer andbaseball teams.

“I love playing for all threecoaches. I just like being on thefloor or field, and having a goodtime, and being able to competeagainst other teams,” statedShawn Wickersheim.

Playing in multiple sports has earned him the respect of his three coaches.

“It amazes me everyday that he’s playing three sports back to back to back. It’s notsomething I think many people can do at all. It amazes me that he does it,” statedFinlandia soccer coach, Matt Griffith.

“What’s nice about Finlandia is that we are a school that promotes athletes that want toplay in multiple sports. We gave him the opportunity and he jumped at it, and hasexcelled in all three sports,” stated Matt Farrell, Finlandia baseball coach.

Basketball coach Charlie Kemppainen went on to say, “He’s just a good athlete. He’sprobably not great at any one sport; he is above average in many. He’s just a very goodathlete.”

Shawn might be a good player, but he is also a great team leader.

“He’s definitely a vocal leader. He gives his best effort every time out; that is somethingwe can count on. He brings the little things. He’s like another coach on the floor,”continued Kemppainen.

“I kinda like to goof around a bit and get them out of their shell and have a good time.But, I like to talk to them and let them know if they are doing something wrong. Theyneed to do this and get it right,” stated Wickersheim.

And, after juggling three sports in his college career, it’s no surprise that Shawn’s majoris Sports Management.

“I want to go out and be a coach. That is my goal, to coach at the college level,” finishedWickersheim.

Shawn Wickersheim is a senior business administration/sports management major fromWhite Lake, Wisc.

Athletics: Athlete succeeds...in three sports


The spark for Reunion 2008 originated with DuaneWestfield, one of three Class of 1958 Suomi CollegeTheological Seminary graduates. “I made a lot of

important decisions about my life and my career while atSuomi,” Westfield says. “There is a deep, special place in myheart for the college and seminary.”

“I had fantastic experiences and access to incredible mindsand spirits at Suomi,” Westfield notes. “My time in the U. P.was a turning point in my life. It was an academic andspiritual awakening and the site of a major shift in mythinking as I began to see the connections between religiousfaith and academic studies like math and science.”

Westfield feels that the time is right to acknowledge theaccomplishments of college and seminary graduates, andreflect on the lives of former Suomi faculty and staff whoseleadership and dedication influenced so many lives. Hehopes to see a great turnout at the reunion.

“This grand reunion is a perfect time to remember collegehistory and traditions, and view the growth anddevelopment of today’s Finlandia University,” Westfield says.“I’m also looking forward to the pasties!”

For years in her Christmas letters, Class of ’51 grad NormaMickelsen Nominelli has been encouraging classmates of ’49to ’52 to come back to their old Suomi ‘haunts.’ She says,“Now is the perfect time, with Duane Westfield leading theway and encouraging seminarians and the like to join us inJune. I am expecting the best reunion ever!!”

“Many of us have not seen Suomi/Finlandia fellow alumnisince we graduated, and others rarely,” adds Lois Isaac Seaton,’50. “If you’re like me, you’re not much of a correspondentbut often look back on that special place and the specialpeople you met there. While things and people change, thefriendships we made in Hancock are still in our hearts, anddeserve to be renewed. I’m looking forward to seeing you andlaughing and reminiscing about the good old days.”

Reunion 2008 is an all-class Suomi College and FinlandiaUniversity reunion focusing on the class of 1958, with aspecial recognition of all seminary graduates. The itineraryincludes a golf tournament, alumni hockey and basketballgames, a cruise of the Portage Canal, social mixers, and manyother opportunities to become reacquainted with oldfriends. Alumni are invited and encouraged to organize theirown get-togethers by class, major, or student club.

A Distinguished Alumni Service Award, Young AlumniAward, and Spirit of Finlandia Award will be presented atReunion 2008. Criteria for the awards and nominationinstructions appeared in the winter 2007 edition of theBridge, and are also on page two of the Reunion 2008registration form which can be downloaded atwww.finlandia.edu. Please submit nominations by June 5,2008.

To register, nominate someone for an award, organize areunion gathering, or volunteer to help, please contactChristina Mayworm, director of alumni relations, at 906-487-7205 or [email protected].

Reunion 2008:



June 26-29

Learn more about Reunion 2008MySpace: www.myspace.com/finlandia_alumniBlog: www.finlandiareunion2008.blogspot.com

Web site: www.finlandia.edu

Who’s already registered?Suomi College Class of 1961 alumni Dan Ojala, Paul Kaare,Art Ollie, and Bob Kekke want their classmates to know thatthey’re looking forward to Reunion 2008. They invite andurge alumni from all classes to attend.

Reunion 2008 planning committee member Ruth (Kangas)Groth hopes to see some of the people from the Class of1944. “This should be a really interesting event and good forFinlandia University,” Groth says. “Best wishes and safetravel to all.”

Lora (Kuehn)Werner andTrisha (Jeidy) Moody are planninga reunion get-together with alumni who attended 1992through 1995.

Joe (’83) and Kathy (’82) Molnen plan to attend and hopeto see other classmates!

Rev. Paul Nomellini (’60) encourages all alumni to attend.

Sheila (Martin) Thurston (’84) wonders how many of herclassmates from 1983 to 1985 are planning to attend.

An invitation to the PTA Class of 1998Finlandia PTA instructor Geri Hawley (’98) says thatcompleting a physical therapist assistant degree at Finlandia(then Suomi College) is by far one of the best decisions she’sever made. To celebrate the tenth anniversary of Finlandia’sfirst PTA graduating class, Geri is planning a fun get-together for all the ’98 PTA grads to take place Saturday,June 28, 2008. “This is a big milestone for all of us, so let’scelebrate together,” Geri urges. “Register for Reunion 2008soon so we’ll know how many ’98 PTA grads to plan for!”

Reunion Planning Committee:Gary Crocker ’57, Nancy (Franti) Crocker ’56, ScottDickson ’58, Sylvia (Saari) Fleishman ’58, Ruth (Kangas)Groth ’44, Gina Lepisto-Drew ’87 & ’94, Eve (Kangas)Lindsey ’62, Christina (Armbruster) Mayworm ’00 & ’03,Bill Melchiori ’04, Norma (Mickelsen) Nominelli ’51, RossRinkinen ’04, Lois (Isaac) Seaton ’50, John Stierna ’63, Ellen(Bakka) Varney ’71, Duane Westfield ’53 & ’58


REUNION 2008! REGISTER TODAY!JUNE 26 – JUNE 29, 2008

Early registration deadline is June 12, 2008• Mail this form with payment by June 7, 2008, to:

Finlandia University, Alumni Relations, 601 Quincy St., Hancock MI 49930

• Or fax with credit card information to 906-487-7365

________________________________________________________________________________________________Name Year(s) Attended/Degree

________________________________________________________________________________________________Mailing Address City/State/Zip

________________________________________________________________________________________________Phone Number E-mail Address

� Please check here if you require special assistance. Alumni Relations will contact you.

NumberAttending Fee Total Non-Refundable Registration Fee____ x $10 = ____ Each adult (Late fee: add $5)____ x $5 = ____ Each child under 12 years

Thursday June 26, 2008____ FREE Individual class/group gatherings. Please contact the Alumni

Office if you are interested in organizing an event.____ FREE 7:00 p.m., Choir reunion, Finnish American Heritage Center, with

special recognition of the 1952, 1958, and 1963 choirs. All arewelcome. Refreshments.

____ FREE 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Dee Stadium tour and display, on your own

Friday June 27, 20088:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Registration, Finlandia Hall

• Message board and refreshments• Alumni Choir sign-up

____ FREE 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., International Alumni Board meeting,Finnish American Heritage Center. All are welcome.

____ FREE Alumni Choir rehearsal, time and place TBA____ x $10 = ____ � 1:00 p.m. or � 3:00 p.m., Guided tour of Finlandia

Campus and Hancock by Red Jacket Trolley. Meet in front of OldMain.

____ x $20 = ____ 2:00 p.m., Golf Outing, location TBA____ x $15 = ____ 7:00 p.m., Welcome Dinner, Finlandia Hall, with awards and

honors____ x $7 = ____ Welcome Dinner, each child under 12 years____ FREE 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Dee Stadium tour and display, on your own

Saturday June 28, 2008____ x $8 = ____ 7:00 – 9:00 a.m., Breakfast, Finlandia Hall

• Met and Married get-together____ x $4 = ____ Breakfast, each child under 12 years

Presentations, Finnish American Heritage Center____ FREE 9:00 – 9:30 a.m., History of Suomi College, Karen Johnson____ FREE 9:45 – 10:30 a.m., Book Signing and Discussion, Lauri Anderson____ FREE 10:45 – 11:45 a.m., History of the Seminary, Duane Westfield

Saturday June 28, 2008 (continued)____ x $10 = ____ 9:30 a.m., Guided tour of Finlandia Campus and Hancock by

Red Jacket Trolly. Meet in front of Old Main.____ pay on site 12:00 noon, Pasty lunch, Mannerheim Café ($5.50)____ x $5 = ____ 2:00 p.m., Alumni Basketball Game, Paavo Nurmi Center

Contact Gary Crocker at 906-524-7185 or [email protected] if you are interested in playing.____ x $5 = ____ 5:00 p.m., Alumni Hockey Game, Student Dev. Complex at MTUContact Ross Rinkinen at 906-487-7314 or [email protected] if you are interested in playing.____ pay on site 7:00 p.m., Keweenaw Star Cruise (Adult, $20/Child $12), on your own____ x $20 = ____ 7:00 p.m., Mixer/Barbeque, Waterfront Restaurant, Ramada Inn,

Hancock____ x $10 = ____ Mixer/Barbeque, each child under 12 years____ pay on site 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Quincy Mine Hoist Tour (Adult, $12.50/Child

$15), on your own____ FREE 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Dee Stadium tour and display, on your own

Sunday June 29, 2008____ FREE 9:00 a.m., Church service, Chapel of St. Matthew

• Alumni Choir performance• Recognition of the Class of 1958 and Seminary graduates

Payment InformationTOTAL FEES:______________________________________________

� Enclosed is my check payable to Finlandia University

� Charge total to my credit card: � MasterCard � Visa

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“A learning community dedicated to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service”

S C H E D U L E D E V E N T S ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Class of 1973Laura A. Brubaker2700 E. Main St., Ste. 205Columbus, OH 43209-2584

This is going to be a great year. Aftertalking with my mother recently, Idecided to write a letter to my friendsat Suomi College. After graduatingfrom Bexley High School (Bexley,Ohio) in 1971, I went to Suomi withtwo girls from my high school class.I’d love to hear from some of myfriends. I remember that my mompromised if I graduated from highschool I could go anywhere forcollege. I chose Suomi. I will alwayslove Michigan.

Cara Hoffman and Andrew Manchesterwere married October 7, 2007. Cara isthe daughter of Mark and JoannHoffman of Houghton. Andrew is theson of Larry and Jan Manchester ofStill Water, Minn. The bride attendedNorthern Michigan University andFinlandia University. She is employedby the State of Michigan. The groomserved in the U.S. Navy and isattending Century College. He isemployed by Target Corporation inMinneapolis. The couple resides inHudson, Wisc.

Audrey Lee Miller and Joel Bruce Millswere married August 11, 2007, inEagle River. Audrey is the daughter ofThomas and Patricia Miller of Taylor,Mich. She is a Finlandia Universitynursing student and is working atBurger King in Calumet. Joel is theson of Ethel Maatta of Calumet and

the late Kenneth Mills. He is aGogebic Community College medicalbilling/coding student and is workingat Calumet Electronics. The coupleresides in Laurium.

Wilho “Bill” M. Saari, 91, of Hancock,died Dec. 21, 2007. Bill was born inRipley to Matti and Hilda (Stein) Saari.He was a graduate of Suomi College(’38). He is survived by two nephewsand a niece. Bill was a longtimesupporter of Suomi College andFinlandia University. The family suggestsmemorials to Finlandia University.

James A. “Jim” Myers, 90, of LakeLinden, died Sept. 30, 2007. Jim wasborn in Virginia, Minn., to James andHilda (Lindquist) Myers. After hisWWII naval service, he attendedSuomi College (’53). Jim is survived byhis wife, Gladys. For 22 years, until hisretirement, he was an insurancerepresentative for Prudential.

Claire (Schwarzenberg) Stefanich, 88, ofHoughton, diedOct. 31, 2007. Claire wasborn in Houghton to Frank and Adele(Walls) Schwarzenberg. She attendedSuomi College (’42) and MichiganTechnologicalUniversity. Claire is survivedby her husband, Gerry. She worked asa travel agent and teacher’s assistant.

A L U M N I N EW S

ALUMNI NOTES

MARRIAGES

OBITUARIES

Gerald “Jerry”Pasanen wasborn in Calumetin 1934 to JohnandElviPasanen.He graduatedfrom Calumetschools in 1952.After high

school, following a short stint in the navyand two years in the army, Jerry attendedSuomi College from 1954 to 1956.

“This turned out to be a blessing indisguise,” said his wife of 43 years,Donna. “He loved the solideducation he felt he received and thegood teachers who cared about theirstudents.”

In 1957 Jerry moved to California,settling in San Diego where hebegan a lifelong career at San DiegoGas and Electric Co. (SDGE). “ForSan Diego Gas and Electric Jerrydeveloped a formula to quantifyuncertainties in the utility industry.It is still in use today,” Donna says.

For his discovery, Jerry was invitedto join the Edison Institute, a thinktank for people who work withutility depreciation.

Jerry was very proud of his time atSuomi College, Donna recalled. “Hewould tell me about it often. He wasthe first in his family to graduatefrom college, setting the pace for therest of his family, and for hischildren. To Jerry, education wasextremely important.”

Jerry and Donna began their financialsupport of Suomi College right aftertheir marriage, at first giving about$25 per year. “Later, as we becamemore financially secure, we started togive more,” Donna said.

Jerry Pasanen died April 23, 2007.He was 73. He is survived by hiswife, daughters Sheri and Sandi, andthree grandchildren. From Jerry’sestate, Donna recently donated$10,000 to Finlandia University forstudent scholarships.


Lillian H. (Ahola) Sterbis, 88, of Hancockand Twin Lakes, died Nov. 2, 2007.Lillian was born in Paavola to Edwardand Anna (Heikkinen) Pyykkonen. Sheworked at the Stella Cheese Factory,Baltic, the Memorial Chapel FuneralHome, Hancock, and as a cook at theWinona School. Memorial contributionscan be made to Finlandia University orGloria Dei Lutheran Church, Hancock.

Rose (Marnich) Pelon, 86, ofHoughton, died Dec. 25, 2007. Rosewas born in Painesdale to Joseph andAnna (Malnar) Marnich. She attendedSuomi College (’48). Rose was aveteran of WWII. She retired as theHoughton County Register of Probate.

Christine E. (Wanhainen) Smith, 86, ofFlushing, died Nov. 5, 2007. Christinewas born in Atlantic Mine to Oscar andAnna (Pykkonen) Wanhainen. Shegraduated from Suomi College (’41) andMichigan State University. Christine issurvived by her husband, Gerald. Sheworked as a registered dietician.Memorial contributions can be madeto a scholarship fund in Christine’sname at Finlandia University.

Lillian “Mu-Mu” (Liimatainen)Wiitanen, 84, of Gaylord, died Oct. 16,2007. Lillian was born in South Rangeto Emil and Aliina Liimatainen. Sheattended Suomi College (’41). Lillian’shusband, Carl, survives. For 31 years,Lillian worked for General Motors.

W. Jean Drey, 82, of Indianapolis, Ind.,died December 11, 2007. She wasborn in Gas City, Ind., to Cleopha andAutrey Griffin. Jean inherited thesuccessful material handling businessS.E. Drey Co., Inc., from her latehusband, Sid. She retired in 1993. Jeanserved on the Suomi College Board ofTrustees from 1984 to 1998.

Clifton Rautiola, 78, D.D.S., M.S., ofOkemos, died Nov. 4, 2007. He wasborn March 9, 1929, in Hancock.Clifton received a bachelor’s degree atMichigan State University, and amaster of science and doctor of dental

Evelyn Pearl (Trudgeon) Jalkanen, 89, formerly ofHancock, passed away November 13, 2007, in PortWashington, Wisc. Pearl was born in Calumet April18, 1918, to Howard and Agnes (Birk) Trudgeon.

Pearl met her husband, Ralph Jalkanen, at SuomiCollege, where they were both students. Theymarried in 1942. Ralph attended Suomi Seminaryto become a minister, while Pearl studied Finnish soshe could help with his bi-lingual ministry. Pearl

graduated from Suomi College in 1939.

Pearl and Ralph worked as a team at several congregations in the Midwestuntil 1960, when Ralph accepted the presidency of Suomi College(Finlandia University).

“Pearl was probably the most hospitable person I’ve known as far asentertaining was concerned,” said former longtime Finlandia UniversityBoard member Rev. Rudy Kemppainen. “Not only for Suomi Collegeactivities, but as a hostess for dignitaries from Finland and otheruniversities.”

“Pearl was not of Finnish background, but when she met Ralph, shelearned the Finnish language, making the special effort so she couldparticipate more fully in his ministry,” Kemppainen added. “In her ownright she was a good representative and advocate for Suomi College.”

“She was of substantial help to Ralph in gaining and maintaining friendsfor Suomi College,” confirmed Finlandia Board member Ken Seaton.“She was a very gracious lady and so supportive of everything aboutSuomi College.”

Pearl loved music and pursued an operatic singing career throughout herlife, particularly in Chicago where she was a soloist for the SibeliusOrchestra. She was also a soloist in a choir that performed in Europe,Finland, and the U.S.

As children, Pearl and her brothers and sisters were the “Copper CountrySongsters.” Accompanied on piano by their mother, Agnes, the fivesiblings performed throughout the western Upper Peninsula, said Pearl’ssister, Viola DuPuis of Lake Linden. They also performed music and skitson the radio for Quality Food Market, Calumet, now Super Valu Grocery.

Kemppainen noted that Pearl always exhibited an upbeat reflection of life,that she was always optimistic. She loved humor, and laughed veryrobustly at good jokes. Her sister, Viola, agreed that Pearl had a goodsense of humor, adding that Pearl was quite mischievous when she wasyoung. Viola added that Pearl was also great baker, and busy all the time.

Pearl is survived by two sons, two daughters, two brothers, twosisters, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, other relatives,and many friends. Memorials may be made to the JalkanenFoundation, c/o Port Washington State Bank, 206 N. Franklin St.,Port Washington, WI 53074.

A L U M N I N EW S



Memorials & In Honor Gifts

MEMORIALSOct.1, 2007-Dec. 31, 2007James AholaHilma AlataloEdward AnttilaRev. Thomas V. AsumaMr. & Mrs. Joseph BecvarMary BredekampAnn Keranen CutshallJean DreyDolores Sormunen FennellMartha Johnson FischerMartin & Steven GranvikAlbert Heino

IN HONOROct.1, 2007-Nov. 30, 2007Waino HeikkilaPhilip JohnsonKeith - NSNMr. & Mrs. Philip MichelEllen Pousi RaatikkaKen & Lois SeatonMr. & Mrs. Robert SeatonMrs. Stasha SeatonDescendants of Herbert &

Marion StiernaSuomi College Class of 1926

Mr. & Mrs. John SaukkonenHilda Maria SavolainenRev. Dr. James SavolainenPearl SavolainenTobias SavolainenKen SeppalaFather of Jay SeppanenMr. & Mrs. Russell SimmererChristine E. SmithLillian SterbisDr. Ronald ThompsonWalter Werronen

Elmi HillRev. Jack HillDr. Bernhard HillilaEsther HillilaAlfred & Lyyli HirvelaPearl JalkanenRev. Clair JenningsVerna JohnsonEdward A. KangasRev. Henry R. KangasWally KeskitaloEric KettulaLauri E. KivimakiRev. & Mrs. Frans J. Koski

John & Tilda KoskiRay J. KoskiAini Kasari KulmaAnna Lisa (Korhonen) LindahlRev. & Mrs. Armas MarinKarlo W. NasiJohn H. NasiDr. & Mrs. NikanderElli V. OllilaHelmi OsterbergPeter PekkalaNestor PeralaWaino O. RajalaRev. Robert Richardson

science at the University of MichiganDental School. He had a privateperiodontics practice in Lansing untilhis retirement in 1992. He was aveteran of the Korean War. Clifton issurvived by his wife, Patricia.

James E. Ahola, 61, of Hancock, diedAug. 22, 2007. James was born inHancock to Lillian (Pyykonen) andWilbert Ahola. He graduated fromSuomi College (’68) and the WisconsinInstitute of Mortuary Science. James issurvived by his wife, Christine. Heworked as a licensed funeral directoruntil 1985 when he purchased theMemorial Chapel Funeral Home,Hancock. He was a member of theHancock Fire Department for 28 years,serving the past 21 years as chief.

Mary Ann (Niemi) Blake, 61, ofOntonagon, died Nov. 29, 2007. Shewas born in Detroit to Onni and Vieno(Lahti) Niemi. She attended SuomiCollege (’55). She is survived by herhusband, Dale. Dale and Mary Annowned and operated Dale’s Service,Ontonagon, for 40 years.

Forrest Lee Olson, 33, of Hancock, diedAug. 16, 2007. Forrestwas born inDuluth,Minn., toCarol (Pierzina) andRodOlson.Forrest attended the University ofWisconsin-Oshkosh and Suomi College(’89), and completed a bachelor ofscience at Michigan TechnologicalUniversity. Forrest is survived by hiswife, Darla, and two daughters.

A L U M N I N EW S

ALUMNIFRIENDS

SHARE YOUR NEWSWe’d like to hear your news!Please take a minute to do sovia e-mail or post.Finlandia Alumni Relationsc/o Christina Mayworm

601Quincy St., Hancock, MI [email protected]

www.finlandia.edu

Esther Pauline (Halttunen) Hillila, 86, died October16, 2007, in Valparaiso, Ind. Esther was born inNew Castle, Penn., on March 21, 1921, a daughterof Armas and Armida (Lehto) Halttunen. She was agraduate of Suomi College, Slippery Rock StateUniversity (Penn.), and Case-Western ReserveUniversity (Ohio). Among other honors during herhigh school and university years, Esther wasrecognized for her scholarship by membership in

education, history, and English honorary fraternities. She taught Englishand social studies for 23 years, the last 16 in the Valparaiso CommunitySchools. She retired in 1985.

Esther and Bernhard Hillila were married in 1944. Her husband precededher in death. Bernhard was Suomi College president from 1949 to 1952.Esther is survived by two daughters, a son, and three grandchildren. Shewas an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Valparaiso. Over theyears Esther served her community as a volunteer at the Porter CountyAdult Learning Center and as a member of the program planningcommittee for VOLTS. She was also a member of the Friends of Art andserved as a docent at the Valparaiso University Brauer Museum of Art.Esther was a 27-year member of the Mathesis Club.

Memorials may be made to the Halttunen Nursing Scholarship Fund atFinlandia University, or the Rachel Anne and Anne Elizabeth HillilaNursing Scholarship Fund at Valparaiso University.


C A L E N D A R

M A R C H ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––1-19 Art Exhibition: Jim Denomie: Recent Work (Finlandia Gallery)13 Nordic Film Series, 2:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. (FAHC)28 Opening Reception: FUISAD Juried Student Work (Finlandia Gallery)

28-31 Art Exhibition: FUISAD Juried Student Work (Finlandia Gallery)

A P R I L ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––1-15 Art Exhibition: FUISAD Juried Student Work (Finlandia Gallery)10 Nordic Film Series, 2:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. (FAHC)

22-30 Art Exhibition: FUISAD 2008 Diploma Works (Finlandia Gallery)26 Opening Reception: FUISAD 2008 Diploma Works27 Baccalaureate Worship Service, 10:00 a.m. (FAHC)27 Commencement Exercises, 2:00 p.m. (Paavo Nurmi Center)

M A Y ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––1-22 Art Exhibition: FUISAD 2008 Diploma Works (Finlandia Gallery)

2 Spring 2008 Semester Ends8 Nordic Film Series, 2:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. (FAHC)

16-17 Board of Trustees Meeting19 Summer 2008 Semester Begins20 Community Partners Meeting (FAHC)

J U N E ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––3-30 Art Exhibition: Jari Arffman: Counterparts (Finlandia Gallery)26-29 All-school Reunion 2008

J U L Y ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––1-31 Art Exhibition: Jari Arffman: Counterparts (Finlandia Gallery)18 Summer 2008 Semester Ends

13-19 Elderhostel Session 1: The Heritage of Finland, A Finnish American Experience27-31 Elderhostel Session 2: The Heritage of Finland, A Finnish American Experience29-31 10th Annual Sibelius Academy Music Festival

A U G U S T ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––1-2 Finnish Council in America Meeting (FAHC)1-2 Elderhostel Session 2: The Heritage of Finland, A Finnish American Experience1-3 10th Annual Sibelius Academy Music Festival1-31 Art Exhibition: Jari Arffman: Counterparts (Finlandia Gallery)25 Fall 2008 Semester Begins

UNIVERSITY EVENTS

FINLANDIA UNIVERSITY CALENDAR FOR 2007-08

FEBRUARY ––––––––––––––––––––––––––Men’s Basketball

1st Rochester College2nd Marygrove College5th Northland College9th Lake Superior State University16th Northland Baptist Bible College19th University of Wisconsin-Superior

Women’s Basketball1st Rochester College2nd Marygrove College5th Northland College16th Northland Baptist Bible College19th University of Wisconsin-Superior

Men’s Hockey1st Northland College2nd Northland College8th University of Minnesota-Crookston9th University of Minnesota-Crookston

Men’s Hockey (continued)15th Lawrence University16th Lawrence University23rd First Round MCHA Playoffs

Women’s Hockey1st Lake Forest College2nd Concordia University-Wisconsin9th Adrian College10th Adrian College16th University of Wisconsin-River Falls17th University of Wisconsin-River Falls23rd University of Wisconsin-Superior24th University of Wisconsin-Superior

Women’s Softball29th Finlandia Dome Tournament*

*NMU, Marquette, Mich.

MARCH ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Men’s Hockey

2nd MCHA Final Four

Women’s Hockey2nd NCHA Playoffs3rd NCHA Playoffs

Men’s Baseball6th-11th Gene Cusic Classic, Ft. Meyers, Fla.24th North Central University*26th Milwaukee School of Engineering

*HHH Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minn.

Women’s Softball1st-2nd Finlandia Dome Tournament*13th-18thGene Cusic Classic, Ft. Myers, Fla.29th Bethany Lutheran College

*NMU, Marquette, Mich.

APRIL ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Men’s Baseball

5th Great Lakes Christian College6th Alma College7th Kalamazoo College11th Viterbo University

Men’s Baseball (continued)15th Cardinal Stritch University20th Northland College

Women’s Softball4th Concordia University (Wisc.)6th University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point19th Lawrence University20th Cardinal Stritch University21st Mount Mary College

MAY ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Men’s Baseball

5th Northland College6th University of Wisconsin - Superior

For complete athletics scheduleinformation, visit www.finlandia.edu.

ATHLETIC EVENTS

E L D E R H O S T E LA T F I N L A N D I A U N I V E R S I T Y

The Heritage of Finland: A Finnish American Experience

Session 1: July 13-19, 2008featuring a Lake Superior Shoreline Excursion

Session 2: July 27 to August 2, 2008featuring the 10th Annual Sibelius Academy Music Festival

To register, contact Elderhostel at877-426-8056 or visit www.elderhostel.org

Request Elderhostel Program #5733

For more information contactRoss Rinkinen, Director of Special Events, at906-487-7314 or [email protected]

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Moomin: The Complete Tove Jansson Comic Strip, Book Two, by Tove JanssonWelcome to the enthralling, imaginary world of Moomin Valley, where one is sure to quickly fall in love withits sweet dreamers, irascible schemers, and creative dilettantes as they search for love, fame, and fortune.Tove Jansson’s drawings echo her writing: delicate but precise, observant yet suggestive.Drawn & Quarterly, 2007Hardcover ..........................................................................................................................................$19.95

The Finnish Line, by Linda GerberWhen Nordic ski jumper Maureen “Mo” Clark sets foot in Finland, she breathes a sigh of relief. Finally, escapefrom her famous skier father’s shadow and a chance to jump in the renowned Lahti Ski Games. Mo beginsto discover what strength and perseverance–the Finnish sisu–is all about. Now it’s up to her to take thatfinal jump and cross the finish line in style.Penguin Group, 2007Paperback ............................................................................................................................................$6.99

First Snow in the Woods, by Carl R. Sams II & Jean StoickThe great gray owl arrived from the far north with an urgent message for the creatures of the forest: “Winteris coming! Winter is coming early! Prepare!” Are the animals listening to their heartsongs? Will they beready for the cold, hard winter to come? Children of all ages will treasure this enchanted tale of change bywildlife photographers Carl R. Sams II and Jean Stoick.Carl R. Sams II Photography, Inc., 2007Hardcover ..........................................................................................................................................$19.95Also available by Sams and Stoick: Stranger in the Woods and Lost in the Woods

The Great Lakes: The Natural History of a Changing Region, by Wayne GradyThis book is a compelling exploration of the biology and ecology of a vital, ever-changing terrain. Written by oneof Canada’s best-known science and nature writers, it is intended not only for those who live in the Great Lakesbasin, but for anyone captivated by the splendor of the natural world and sensitive to the challenges of itspreservation. The book includes 141 full-color photographs, 32 black-and-white drawings, and 15 maps.Greystone Books, 2007Hardcover ..........................................................................................................................................$42.95

fall bridge 2006...pleasecall906-487-7348ore-mail [email protected]. the bridge spring2008...

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