The University of Helsinki celebrates its 375th anniversary in 2015. The associated festivities aim to strengthen the University’s role as a contributor to public welfare.

“The preparations are kicking off, and we hope to get people from all campuses and departments involved,” states Chancellor Thomas Wilhelmsson on the project to celebrate the University’s 375th year.

The autumn will see workshops organised on the campuses and at the faculties, open to all members of the University community.

You can also sign up directly to join in the preparations.

“Those interested in joining us can send an email directly to me or to the project manager of the anniversary organisation, Ira Leväaho,” suggests Wilhelmsson, who has been assigned as the chair of the project.

A look to the future

While there will be a great deal of celebration during the anniversary in 2015, the main goal is to support the University’s strategy, Excellence for society. The focus is on the future, not the past, and the new perspectives sought and engaging activities planned for the year seek to enhance the interaction of alumni, partners and interest groups with the University.

“We're trying to create a programme with strong links to the University's strategic projects. This will provide long-term effects and grounds for sustainable welfare," explains Ira Leväaho.

Tentative theme suggestions for the year include global responsibility and welfare model 2.0 as well as making Finns the most competent people in the world.

“The final programme of the anniversary year will take form during the autumn, in cooperation with the University community and our partners,” states Leväaho.

HY375 to support the University’s fundraising

Anniversary celebrations are normally viewed as an expense, but the 375 celebrations include an ambitious fundraising goal. The intention is to raise €25 million for the University through partnerships and donor cooperation.

This goal for the anniversary year is a continuation of both the Helsinki Insight fundraising campaign and the 350th anniversary campaign which raised a total of 18 million marks in capital for the University of Helsinki Funds.

The public debate regarding the legal issues in universities’ fundraising campaigns does not concern the Chancellor.

“I’m convinced we can find a solution to this problem. And in any case, our current collection licence is valid until the end of next June.”

Text: Juha Merimaa

Translation: University of Helsinki Language Services