Graduates celebrated in Laurea Graduation Ceremony

Graduates were celebrated in Laurea's traditional Graduation Ceremony that was held at the Hall of Culture (Kulttuuritalo) in Helsinki on Thursday 15th December. The ceremony honoured all the students who completed their academic degrees during the autumn term. Almost 200 graduates were present as well as hundreds of their close friends and relatives.

Laurea’s graduates traditionally wore a deep blue gown and a cap. During the commencement each student walked up the stage, where he or she shook hands with the Vice President of Laurea. Before the end of the ceremony the freshly graduated students were asked to throw their caps in the air.

The Graduation Ceremony was streamed live for all those friends and relatives who were unable to attend. It can be watched anytime on Laurea's YouTube channel.

At the Graduation Ceremony this year two graduates were awarded for showing great initiative in supporting their fellow students during their studies in 2022. The President's scholarships were granted to Isidora Sofronijevic from the Degree Programme in Service Business Management and Master’s degree graduate Riitta Mustalahti.

-          Graduation feels very exciting and rewarding today after 2.5 years of hard work, describes Isidora Sofronijevic, who graduated on Thursday.

-          At the same time I feel a bit sad to leave Laurea and my group because we were very close during our studies. A certain period come to an end today.

In the President's scholarship Isidora was praised for her support for other students. When she started her studies in August 2020 she was eager to establish study groups enabling other students and herself learn and study better together. She can best be described as a friend with a big heart who is not afraid to go the extra mile to support others.

-          I have to say that the Finnish education system is amazing and I’m grateful for all the support for both my personal wellbeing as well as my professional development. Isidora says.

-          When it comes to our group there has always been a supportive atmosphere and we’ve been supporting each other grow professionally. I’ve also always tried to help my fellow immigrant student to navigate Finnish society.

Congratulations to Isidora, Riitta and everyone else who graduated from Laurea this autumn!