Alumna 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.

'My father was studying in Kauppis, when he and my mother met at KY's singing night in the late 60's. So I wouldn’t exist without Kauppis. My study time was extended to 6 years as I was actively involved in the student union activities, and each year was valuable. From both my studies and my student life, I got great opportunities for life, numerous friends (and several godchildren), and a huge amount of memories. Thank you and congratulations Kauppis!'

Salla Vainio

School of Business alumna, class year 1988

'Kauppis has given me so much: educaion, joy, friends, attitude – and a wife, too. Donating was an obvious way of giving back a little!'

Mika Suortti

School of Business alumnus, class year 1984

'1911 - 2021 - 2130,
Everyone can see the history,
the history of the future,
the best thoughts and actions are made today.
Congratulations!'

Marko Parkkinen

entrepreneur, thinker and doer

'Congratulations to the 110-year-old Kauppis! You are forever young. I notice how diligently you keep up to date and adapt the content of the services you provide to meet the current needs. However, you maintain a strong foundation and tradition on which to build something new. Your versatility and broadness will increase in value as the rapid changes in the world make it difficult to predict the future. Keep up the good work!'

Päivi Heikinheimo

M.Sc. Econ, School of Business alumna, class year 1970

'The School of Business has been building Finland through booms, recessions, wars, reconstruction, crises and internationalization. Now our School is a creator of the future as we lift Finland from the corona crisis to new success!'

Satu Toivonen

Communications professional, School of Business alumna, class year 1988

'I would like to thank the School of Business for giving me an an excellent foundation for working life and enabling me to have a tremendous and constantly evolving career at the top of Finnish economic life. Without Kauppis, this would not have been possible. Thank you!'

Mikko Nieminen

CEO, School of Business alumnus, class year 1993

'I first started with an eMBA course in 1989. Encouraged by Professor Veikko Jääskeläinen, I continued to my MBA studies, and after studying a period abroad at Michigan State University, I graduated in 1991, just at the time of recession. Without completing my MBA studies as an adult, I would not have been able to get a new, good job during a difficult time of high unemployment in Finland. The importance of the School of Business was absolutely essential for my career development.'

Jorma Piippo

pensioner, School of Business alumnus, MBA

'I noticed the professorship in ownership being established at the School of Business / Aalto University. This feels important in my common sense. In addition, ownership is an important fundamental right, already noted by Enlightenment philosophers. In these circumstances, I wish all Aalto University students to have ideological and philosophical thinking and the best of success.'

Pekka Räty

M.Sc. (Tech.)

'International student exchange is an essential part of studying, especially in business studies. Almost all jobs at least benefit from an international perspective, unless it is downright a prerequisite for their success. Student exchange also grows oneself to a broad-minded person.'

Sari Suomalainen

EU officer (retired), School of Business alumna, class year 1976

'It is great that the School of Business educates the Finnish society from one generation to the next. I hope to see my grandchildren in the School hallways some day.'

Mikael Stelander

CEO, School of Business alumnus, class year 1990

'Helsinki School of Economics has given me the opportunity to return to my postgraduate studies three times after my first degree in correspondence (1956). After graduating with an academic degree (M.Sc. Econ, 1978), I studied the basics of Chinese, and completed the very demanding French for Business diploma of the Paris Chamber of Commerce and industry (2009). A deep bow of respect and gratitude to my alma mater.'

Irmeli Kaario

M.Sc. Econ, School of Business alumna, class year 1953

'For me, Kauppis meant a student community, academic freedom, moments of success and hope for the future. I gained a solid professional foundation that guaranteed an upward career for me for decades to come.'

Maarit Seppelin

M.Sc. Econ, School of Business alumna, class year 1982

'May civilization flourish, and that of heart, too!'

Aino-Mari Kiianmies

'The professorhip in ownership established at the School of Business is a valuable step in promoting ownership and the awareness of its significance in Finland. I support it with joy!'

Reima Linnanvirta

'Warm greetings and a very happy birthday to Aalto University School of Business. I have very fond memories of my time at Runeberginkatu and will forever be grateful for the generosity and support extended to me by the school and the Finnish people who helped me not only to get where I am today but, more importantly, who I am.'

Sören Seitz

School of Business alumnus, class year 1999

'Kauppis is the best place to study! Happy birthday to the 110-year-old!'

School of Business alumna

class year 2008 eMBA

'I got a good basic education, a joyful student life and a lot of friends from Kauppis. I also met my husband there. Our son is now the 4th generation in my family studying at the School of Business. I was the 3rd generation. I am particularly proud that my aunt and great-aunt graduated from Kauppis at that time period, when the higher education of women was not that self-evident, in the 1930s and 1960s.'

Emma Aer

School of Business alumna, class year 1990

'The School of Business was an excellent knowledge giver, a learning environment, and a community for me. Completing 'Kuppilacumu' with talented and inspiring fellow students was the icing on the cake. I wanted to show my gratitude through donation. Thank you and I wish you all success and good luck also in the future!'

Juha Kustaa Poutiainen

Chairman of the Board, School of Business alumnus, class year 1975

'The School of Business gave me a great education and a bold way of thinking. In the recession of the 1990s, I boldly moved to the proposed job in the company’s IT department and stayed in the IT industry. I got to be building the IT systems of large Finnish companies – what an amazing journey! My work in the late 1970s included a calculator, typewriter, telex and telefax; 40 years later automation, robotics and artificial intelligence. Congratulations to School of Business and Thank you!'

Soila Höijer

M.Sc. Econ., School of Business alumna, class year 1974

'During my career, I have been able to work in interesting and rewarding positions, and I am very grateful for the good foundation I received at the School of Business. The donation was a natural and nice way to concretize the thank you and thus be part of enabling the learning path for current and future students as well. My own children are in the university application phase at the moment and studies in business are a strong option for them as well.'

Minna Laakso

CFO, School of Business alumna, class year 1989