School of Business

Officianti, Committee and participants of the Conferment

The Officianti and the Committee of the 17th Conferment Ceremony of the School of Business and their main duties at the conferment are presented on this page. In addition, an updated participants' list of 2026 conferment can be found at the bottom of this page.
Kauppakorkeakoulun promootio 2022
Photo of a doctoral hat from 2022.

School of Business Ceremonial Conferment

In conferment, the academics involved in the event have clear roles and responsibilities. The President of Aalto University nominates the Conferrer. Other Officianti are chosen together by the Dean of the School and the Conferrer.

Below, you can get to know the Officianti and their responsibilities at the 2026 Ceremonial Conferment of Degrees. In addition, you can find the list of members of the Conferment Committee. At the bottom of the page, you can find an updated list of participants for the 2026 Conferment. The list is updated weekly.

Conferrer Markku Kuula
Professor Markku Kuula. Photographer Mortti Saarnia.

Conferrer Markku Kuula

The conferrer of degrees bestows the academic title of master or doctor on the promovendi and ensures that the ceremonies proceed smoothly. By tradition, an academically distinguished professor of senior tenure is named to serve in this honorary role.

Markku Kuula in Aalto People

Master of Ceremonies Seppo Ikäheimo
Professor Seppo Ikäheimo. Photographer Linda Lehtovirta.

Master of Ceremonies Seppo Ikäheimo

The master of ceremonies' duties include leading the academic procession and seeing to the due observance of the conventions and protocols at all the ceremonies and events. The person serving in this honorary role is chosen from the faculty of professors. The signature uniform of the MC features a broad red sash.

Seppo Ikäheimo in Aalto People

Head Marshal Marjo-Riitta Diehl
Professor Marjo-Riitta Diehl. Photographer Mikko Raskinen.

Head Marshal Marjo-Riitta Diehl

The head marshal organises the work for the marshals and escorts the Spirit of Mercury in the academic procession, among other duties. Generally chosen from the younger ranks of the professorial faculty, the head marshal is identifiably clad in a broad blue sash.

Marjo-Riitta Diehl in Aalto People

Gratista of the 2026 School of Business Conferment Ceremony: Helmi Nuortimo
Gratista Helmi Nuortimo

Gratista Helmi Nuortimo

The gratista heads the promovendi conferment committee, which is composed of promovendi masters. The gratista's role is to represent the promovendi at the various functions and to deliver the appreciation speech. Traditionally, the gratista also organises the 'Sillis' herring luncheon. Helmi Nuortimo, who graduated with a master’s degree in spring 2025, has been selected as the gratista for the 2026 conferment ceremony.

Conferment Committee

In addition of the above mentioned Officianti, the Conferment Committee includes the following persons:

  • Timo Korkeamäki, Dean, Aalto University School of Business
  • Jonna Söderholm, Head of External Relations, Aalto University School of Business
  • Anni Enkkelä, Event Producer, Aalto University School of Business
  • Emilia Nevalainen, Alumni Relations Manager, Aalto University School of Business
  • Satu Holm, Assistant, Aalto University School of Business
  • Iina Salmela, Executive Assistant, Aalto University School of Business
  • Terhi Ollikainen, Communications Specialist, Aalto University School of Business
  • Minna Pajari, Communications Specialist, Aalto University

Contact information

Conferment office

conferment-biz@aalto.fi
050 590 5620
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