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The Ceremonial Conferment of Degrees in Arts, Design and Architecture was celebrated with joy

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A total of 59 masters and 41 doctors were conferred. There were 225 participants in total, and the promotion week was celebrated in a festive and joyful atmosphere.
People wearing black academic robes and blue caps in a ceremony. Some are standing, others clapping from seats.
Photo: Heli Sorjonen

The promotion ceremony held every six years by the School of Arts, Design and Architecture brings together graduates, honorary doctorates and the entire Aalto ARTS community. The 2025 ceremony had an exceptionally high number of doctoral graduates, a total of 41. There were 59 master's graduates, and altogether, there were 225 attendees. The School of Arts, Design and Architecture is the most international of the Aalto's schools, which was also reflected in the ceremony. 27% of the graduates represented nationalities other than Finnish. 

The happy and festive atmosphere of the promotion week is conveyed through the photo collages below! All photos: Heli Sorjonen

Masters wreath weaving and doctoral cape signing

    A person wearing a blue jacket is being crowned with a wreath made of colourful ribbons at a crowded indoor event.
    Three people indoors wearing blue flower crowns and dark clothing, with lanyards around their necks.
    Two head mannequins with handmade wreaths of dried plants and blue paper leaves on a table.
    A person wearing a grey coat and white hat speaks into a microphone while holding a thin string.
    Person holding a handmade wreath decorated with blue petals, wearing a camouflage-patterned shirt indoors.
    Three people seated at a table, crafting with ribbons and drinking champagne. Two people standing in the background.
    Two hands firmly hold a blue patterned cloth while another hand writes with a white marker pen.

    Honorary Doctor's panel discussion

      Six people sit on stage discussing, behind them a large screen showing abstract floral art. Audience watches attentively.
      Two people seated in armchairs, one wearing a black blazer with a green bow tie, the other in monochrome patterned clothing.
      Person in a suit gesturing with hand while seated indoors.
      Six people seated in a panel discussion. The person in the foreground wears a black outfit with an orange scarf.
      Person in a suit holding papers speaks on stage with an art sculpture and a painting in the background.
      A woman in a purple dress and dark cardigan stands in front of a colourful background screen.

      Moment of reflection (before the Act of Conferment)

        Group of people on a stage performing. Michael Faraday's quote is displayed behind them. Flower arrangements in front.
        Three people dressed in formal black attire holding open black folders and appear to be singing or rehearsing.
        Person playing a wooden flute on stage with a zither in the foreground and a microphone stand nearby.
        Two individuals in formal attire stand together. One holds a book and speaks into a microphone.

        The Act of Conferment

          Graduation ceremony in an auditorium, graduates dressed in black gowns and blue hats holding diplomas.
          Three men in ceremonial academic garments holding formal hats and props in an indoor setting.
          People dressed formally singing in an auditorium, holding songbooks, while others stand in the background.
          Graduates wearing dark robes and blue hats sit in a lecture hall, holding diplomas.
          Graduates wearing blue top hats are seated in rows during a ceremony. One person wears a black top hat.
          People in white academic gowns and suits line up in a lecture hall with wooden seats. Some wear laurel wreaths or academic caps.
          Person holding a booklet titled 'Promovendi 2023' and a straw wreath on their lap, with a bottle on the floor nearby.
          A group of people in formal attire walking down steps outside a brick building with green ivy.
          Two people wearing academic caps and black formal attire with white and blue sashes stand indoors.

          Dinner and ball

            Two people next to DJ equipment, one in a checkered outfit, the other in academic dress. Abstract art is projected behind them.
            A formal event with people dancing. Many are wearing blue hats, dark evening gowns, and suits. Tall windows show an urban view.
            People dancing together, women in white dresses and men in dark suits, with top hats and blue accessories.
            People in formal attire dance, holding hands. Some wear blue hats. The setting appears to be a ballroom.
            Person wearing a blue hat and grey dress speaks into a microphone on stage.
            People in formal attire and blue academic hats seated at a long banquet table, number 6 card visible.
            Eight black plates with gourmet appetisers. Colourful vegetables, crackers, and cream garnished with delicate greens.
            A person in formal attire and a top hat holds a champagne glass while speaking at a podium with a microphone.

            Conferment brunch

              People in casual attire enjoy an indoor buffet. The room has exposed beams and brick walls.
              Person dressed in casual outfit with white hat speaking into a microphone. Attendees are seated at a round table in front.
              A group of people seated at a round table indoors, celebrating with drinks, and wearing caps. Background features a brick wall.
              Two people holding dessert plates at a gathering. One wears an orange shirt, the other a denim jacket. Table with cups and glasses.
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