Over 60 years together: “We want as many young people as possible to have the tools to succeed”

Originally from Ostrobothnia, Salli and Keijo first met in Laihia, where Salli attended high school and lived in lodging, as there was no high school in her home parish of Jurva. Later, their paths crossed again in Helsinki, where Keijo was studying at the School of Economics and Salli worked as a nurse at the Children’s Hospital. 

Keijo graduated with a master’s degree in economics in 1968 and began his career at Unilever, where he advanced to the position of Marketing Director. He later became Deputy Managing Director at Sinebrychoff, and after that, spent more than 13 years in the Netherlands as CEO of Huhtamäki’s global confectionery operations. After retiring from his position as President and CEO of Finnair, he served for several years on various company boards in Finnish business life. 

’I was born in Laihia, and that’s where I received my first lessons in economy,’ Keijo says with a laugh, adding that the School of Economics provided a good foundation for his career. 

’The studies were perhaps somewhat superficial, but they provided a broad overview. Marketing immediately felt like my field, and the School of Economics gave me a good starting point. I’m also grateful that I began my career in an international company at a time when international competition between companies in Finland was still limited.’

Life’s turns brought new perspective

Salli has worked as a nurse in pediatric intensive care, as a school nurse, and later also in crisis intervention with young people. 

The 1970s, however, brought profound sorrow into the couple’s life. 

’We had three children who passed away from congenital heart muscle degeneration. The 1970s were emotionally extremely heavy for us, but somehow, we’ve managed to move forward together,’ Keijo says. 

As they no longer have children of their own, the idea of supporting young people has taken on a special meaning.  

A visit to Aalto University’s Otaniemi campus a couple of years ago was an eye-opening experience for the couple.
’There were young people whose eyes were shining as they talked about their work and ideas. It made us feel that this country is not lost after all, even though the news often emphasizes pessimism and ill-being. Meeting Aalto people and seeing their dynamism brought hope,’ Salli says.
They are also drawn to Aalto University’s international atmosphere and interdisciplinary approach: an environment like this fosters understanding of multiculturalism and appreciation of different perspectives as a strength.

’In many universities, disciplines are still quite narrowly separated, but at Aalto, a student can combine, for example, economics, creativity, and design. That’s a significant attraction and a way to stand out internationally,’ Keijo says, adding:

’As public funding decreases, the importance of private donors increases. At a time like this, we are happy to be involved in supporting Aalto more broadly.’

A spark for the future

The couple’s donation to Aalto University Junior is specifically directed to the development of content related to business and economics.

’It is important that children and young people learn to understand economics and societal matters. Without a healthy economy, it’s impossible to build a welfare society,’ Keijo says.

At its best, Aalto University Junior can help guide a young person toward their future: sometimes even a small encounter can spark a role model. For Salli, such a moment came in childhood when she first saw a student cap:

’As a little girl, I was out on May Day Eve ringing cowbells, when I saw the village shopkeeper’s son, a dentist, walking down the road wearing his white student cap. At that moment, I knew I wanted to become a high school graduate, too.’

Hope is a word that comes up often in the couple’s speech. According to them, it is important to offer young people opportunities that help them understand the world as a broader whole.

’It’s important to provide examples and understanding so that young people can grasp the bigger picture, not just isolated pieces. It’s a joy to be involved in something as meaningful as Aalto Junior,’ Keijo concludes.
 

Join the supporters!

You can easily become a Junior-supporter like Keijo and Salli by donating below. If you have any questions about donating or are considering making a donation of more than 10.000 euros, please contact Raila Tapio.