Donors are recognised with a named seat

The opportunity to be recognised with a named seat is offered to all private individuals who donate a minimum of 1,000 euros to the Aalto University School of Business. Three alumni who studied in the sixties, when the school was still called the School of Economics, tell their stories.

Kirsti Tamminen fondly remembers the lovely autumn day back in 1962, when she first arrived at the School of Economics. ‘I vividly remember the beautiful building with the magnificent reliefs that adorned the brick walls; the school was located in the Helsinki district of Töölö at the time. ‘“This must be the School of Economics; I’m definitely going to enjoy my studies here!” I thought as I walked inside. Since I have used the school’s chairs over the duration of two degrees, I consider it only fair to donate one chair to the younger generations’, says Tamminen.

Markku Talvio wanted to recognise his wife with a named seat to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary last year. The couple got to know each other at the School of Economics where Talvio began his studies in 1965. ‘We have returned to the School of Economics twice after having completed the first degree. I’m currently working on my doctoral dissertation. A named seat means a lot to the entire family, as many of us have been educated at the school’, Talvio explains.

Outi Syvänperä, who started her studies at the School of Economics in 1966, vividly remembers the humorous Mursujaiset ceremony organised for new students. She would go on to make life-long friendships with a number of her fellow students, and her studies ensured a great start to her career. ‘If my grandchild ever studies in Otaniemi, Grandma’s named seat will be there waiting’, Syvänperä says.

Text: Marjukka Puolakka