×

Finlandia plans 125th-anniversary celebrations

Garrett Neese/Daily Mining Gazette Finlandia University President Philip Johnson and David Maki, interim director of the Finnish American Heritage Center.

HANCOCK — On Sept. 8, 1896, members of the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church met in Hancock to dedicate what was then known as Suomi College.

One hundred and twenty-five years later to the day, Finlandia University President Philip Johnson unveiled plans for the university’s anniversary celebration during a public address Wednesday in front of Old Main.

Suomi, which became Finlandia University in 2000, was founded by Finnish immigrants to provide education and train Finnish-speaking clergy for the Suomi Synod of the church. It is still the only private independent liberal arts institution in the Upper Peninsula, Johnson said.

“This is a school that was born in adversity, and has continued to persevere through adversity,” he said. “To be able to mark 125 years for any institution or entity, especially those that are smaller and rural, is an incredible thing … we’re just really grateful, and we’re also excited about the years to come.”

Finlandia will host three days of events in December, culminating in the Finnish Independence Day celebration Dec. 6. A list of events and a timeline of Finlandia milestones can be found at finlandia.edu/125thanniversary.

The celebration will have a mix of exhibits, lectures, performances, food and worship. There will be two musical performances, including the Finlandia Foundation National performer of the year and church musical historian Jonathan Rundman. The Finnish American Heritage Center will host art exhibits, a banquet and a worship service at the Chapel of St. Matthew. Capping things off will be the celebration of Finnish Independence Day that Sunday.

To honor the university’s Dedication Day, it has placed sidewalk decals around the university in front of many of its prominent landmarks, funded by the Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau.

David Maki, interim director of the Finnish American Heritage Center, presented the one honoring Old Main, which became the university’s first permanent home in 1899. One anecdote that made its way onto Old Main’s decal (and several others): Locals referred to Suomi as the “shoe factory,” since “many students met their spouses here, and came out in pairs,” Maki said.

“It reminds us that Finlandia is not only a university, but it’s also very much a part of the community,” he said. “Our history in an academic sense has been well-chronicled. We want to share the stories that are a bit lesser-known, a bit more entertaining. We want everyone to see these decals across campus and leave with a smile on their face.”

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today