# Growing together, moving boldly towards the future - The graduation ceremonies praised the spirit of unity

> Savonia University of Applied Sciences celebrated its latest graduates with ceremonies focused on community, courage, and the future of work.

## Celebrating Growth and Community
The Savonia University of Applied Sciences graduation ceremony at the Kuopio campus celebrated learning, growth, and community. The years of study have left a lasting impression on the graduating students, marked by memories, friendships, and insights.

## Keynote: The Keys to the Future
Mikko Junttila, CEO of Peeässä, served as the keynote speaker, emphasizing that the future is in the hands of the graduates. 

"Your skills, your ability to work together and your willingness to learn new things are important assets for the future," Junttila stated. He encouraged graduates to set ambitious goals and act with determination, noting that courage is not the absence of fear, but acting in spite of it. He also highlighted Savonia’s impressive progress, noting that the institution's expertise creates a competitive advantage for the region.

## The Role of Higher Education
Rector Mervi Vidgrén highlighted Savonia’s commitment to producing competence for a changing world and its international reach. 

*   **EU4Dual Alliance:** Savonia is collaborating with European partners to develop work-based higher education, including Joint Masters and European doctoral degrees.
*   **Quality of Education:** Based on student feedback, Savonia ranks among the top universities in Finland, with several fields of study rated as the best in the country.
*   **Community Focus:** The Rector emphasized that the university is more than a building; it is a community built in strong collaboration with the Student Union Savotta.

## Student Perspectives
Niko Jekkonen, Vice President of the Student Union Council, praised the unique community at Savonia, noting that the university genuinely listens to its students.

Graduates Ada Paljakka and Pihla Hasanen reflected on their journeys:
*   **Ada Paljakka:** Described her studies as a rich time filled with experiences and relationships, noting that the challenges faced during studies have prepared them for the future.
*   **Pihla Hasanen:** Acknowledged that while there were moments of doubt, those challenges developed their current professionalism. She concluded with a sentiment of empowerment: "I had nothing but opportunity. And the knowledge that what I want I can achieve."

## Iisalmi Campus Ceremony
The graduation ceremony at the Iisalmi campus featured Member of Parliament Markku Siponen, who emphasized the need for specialists who can combine practical experience, science, and sustainable thinking.

Siponen challenged the graduates to be active in debates regarding nature, food security, and supply security. He also expressed concern regarding the future of Finnish higher education funding, questioning how the quality of teaching can be maintained amidst budget cuts and increasing student numbers.

Graduate Eija Puurunen summarized the collective experience: "This is not just a degree, but a journey that has taken a lot of work, courage and tolerance for incompleteness. We have a desire to develop ourselves and society, and we have skills that open doors to a wide range of opportunities."