The five-minute video compilation on the centenary year celebrations of the University of Turku depicts an exceptional year. The coronavirus was a major factor in shaping the centenary year plans. The events that could be organised showed a strong presence of joy, communality, curiosity for new information, and a great change.
The Opening Day of the new academic year consisted of the Opening Carnival of the Student Union and the UTU100 Fair of the University organised by the Aura River as well as of the virtual Opening Ceremony in the evening. The Teacher, Course and Language Deed of the Year were awarded at the Opening Carnival where visitors got to learn more about the member organisations of the Student Union. The UTU100 Fair showcased science and research at the University of Turku which is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
The University of Turku started its 100th Anniversary celebration with the UTU100 Carnival on Thursday, 27 February at the University Hill. The academic community and citizens gathered together to enjoy the evening which was topped off with a laser light show. The festivities continued on Friday, 28 February, with the Anniversary Celebration organised in the Logomo culture centre. The President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö gave an anniversary speech during the evening and was awarded with the Alum of the Year recognition.
President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö was awarded the Alum of the Year recognition at the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the University of Turku on 28 February 2020. As the Alum of the Year, President Niinistö encourages scientists and scholars to boldly pursue results that help to build a brighter future.
On Thursday, 27 February, the University of Turku invites staff and students, citizens of Turku, and visitors to celebrate the University’s 100th anniversary. The UTU100 Carnival starts at the square between the Old Academy Building and Turku Cathedral at 6pm, from where the participants continue in a torchlight procession towards the University Hill.
The centenary of the University of Turku, the first Finnish-language university in the world, is celebrated this year with many different kinds of events. Throughout the year, there will be several open events to the public, such as the UTU100 Carnival in the spring and the UTU100 Fair in the autumn.
The University of Turku celebrated its centenary in 2020. Our motto – From a free people to free science – refers to our University’s unique history.
Composer, Professor Emeritus of Musicology Mikko Heiniö has composed the anniversary work entitled Syvyyden yllä tuuli (Wind above the Depths) of the University of Turku’s centenary that will be celebrated next year. The composition will be performed for the first time at the University of Turku’s Anniversary Celebration in February 2020.