
“You Have the Skills, Courage, and Vision to Change Society” – Dive into Savonia’s Graduation Atmosphere
The Graduation Ceremony at Savonia University of Applied Sciences’ Kuopio and Iisalmi campuses celebrated new professionals and their achievements. Every year, Savonia graduates approximately 1,400 students. Those who graduated this fall are now part of Savonia’s extensive alumni network of approximately 33,000 professionals.
Savonia’s Expertise is Evidential
Savonia University of Applied Sciences is a significant regional influencer. Experts graduating from the university find employment in a wide range of industries and respond to the changing needs of the region’s working life. Their impact is evident in many areas.
A concrete example of this was shown at the graduation ceremony, where Rector Mervi Vidgrén wore an outfit designed and made by design student Emma Timoharju for the President’s Independence Day evening reception, as well as a cape made for the Rector of Savonia just before the ceremony (Essi Koponen’s thesis). The jewelry seen at the Independence Day Reception was also on display (Anniina Saanila’s thesis).
“It was a great honor to represent the Independence Day Reception in an outfit and accessory designed and made by our students. I also got to follow the guidance of our teachers closely during the design process. We wanted the rector’s capes to represent Savonia’s unique expertise. That is why the material used for the sashes is not traditional, but birch. And yes, Savonia pink is also visible there. These are current examples of Savonia’s expertise, but its impact is also widely visible in other fields, says Vidgrén.
Learning does not end with graduation. Savonia has a wide range of continuing education opportunities.
“Keep in mind that learning continues even after graduation. I wish all graduates fair winds at their backs and sunshine ahead,” Vidgrén said.
The Community Stays Together Even After Graduation
Jonne Heikkinen, chair of the student council, spoke on behalf of the SAVOTTA student union.
“This moment is certainly a relief for many, but also a bit bittersweet, because one stage of life is coming to an end. The volunteers of the student associations do important work to build student well-being and community – their activities make studying more than just lectures and reports. Every participation builds a community where people feel comfortable and where the student’s voice is heard. You have skills, courage, and vision—qualities that society needs. Remember that Savonia, SAVOTTA, and the student associations will continue to support you in the future.
Dreaming is Good for Your Mental Health
At the Kuopio campus graduation ceremony, there were a number of speeches that highlighted the importance of education and lifelong learning in society.
“Congratulations to us! This university of applied sciences would not exist without its students. Nor would Northern Savo, or Finland as a whole, look the same without university education. Perhaps the most famous quote by Minna Canth, a native of Kuopio, is: “Anything but a half-dead life,” which means the ability to learn new things and imagine what the future will look like, said Ida Mieletyinen, Executive Director of the Rectors’ Conference of Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences (Arene).
She encouraged graduates to build a better society through hope and a temporal perspective. Societies change. Finland: cars, buildings, and cities looked very different just a few decades ago. This change has been made possible by the ability to learn new things and think about what could be different in the future.
“Graduating students are the most important legacy of a university of applied sciences – you are ready to change the society around you. You have been well equipped for this. I would like to remind you not to limit your thinking. Dreaming is not a weakness; it is an act of mental health.
The Core of Graduates’ Expertise Is Well-being, Sustainability, and Trust
Graduating nurses, social services professionals, and agrologists were celebrated in Iisalmi.
The keynote speech was delivered by Jukka Ryhänen, Chair of the Iisalmi City Council and a member of the city executive board, who is also a graduate of Savonia’s Degree Programme in Business Administration. He shared that his own studies took as long as 11.5 years due to starting a family and working alongside his studies. He emphasized the importance of the Iisalmi campus as a vibrant regional campus — the second largest of its kind in Finland.
Of those coming to study at Savonia, approximately half arrive in Northern Savonia from other regions of Finland. Of Savonia graduates, about 63% remain in Northern Savonia after graduation, meaning that Savonia not only brings new expertise to the region but also new residents. For Iisalmi, Savonia is an important and meaningful provider of education.
“Take with you the joy of learning and the courage to continue developing yourselves in the future,” Ryhänen encouraged the graduates.
Alumnus of the Year and Alumni Honorary Diploma
The events also featured greetings from Savonia alumni. Elsi Katainen, Member of the European Parliament and Alumnus of the Year, graduated from Savonia with a degree in agrology. In her video message, she pointed out that Savonia’s diverse group of graduates is a sign of the excellence of our higher education. Savonia’s training of vital experts and its research, development, and innovation work are invaluable both to society and to each graduate personally.
“I can assure you that the expertise and networks built at Savonia are assets that have taken me far in my own career.
Kalpa’s CEO Toni Saksman was awarded an alumni certificate of honor at the event. The honorary certificate was awarded for successfully building a company in the fields of sports and economics and for long-term cooperation with Savonia.
“Warm thanks. I am humbled,” Saksman said gratefully.
“I started my studies at the University of Applied Sciences in 1998. You learn best when you study something you believe is important to you. Savonia confirmed that economics is my thing. Keep an open mind. Find a job that inspires you. Pursue your dreams and find a place where you feel good, he encourages.
Over the years, Kalpa has had many interns and thesis projects completed at Savonia.
Now that you are entering working life, remember to pass on the good: take on trainees and offer thesis opportunities to future students, if possible.
Scholarships for Excellent Theses
The ceremonies also featured speeches by graduating students and the awarding of scholarships for successful theses. The awards were given in recognition of high-quality, impactful research and development work that serves working life.
Experience the atmosphere of the graduation ceremony through the recording and photo gallery.































































Iisalmi Campus


















