Opening ceremony of the academic year

The opening ceremony of the academic year at the University of Vaasa will be held on Monday, 7 September 2026 at 14:15 in the University’s Levón Auditorium (main building Tervahovi, Wolffintie 32).

You can also follow the opening ceremony live online

Programme

Music
Axel von Kothen: Vår Höfding (arr. Sauli Huhtala)

Address by the Rector
Rector Minna Martikainen

Ceremonial Address
Counsellor of Commerce Eero Lehti

Ceremonial Address
Minister Liisa Hyssälä

Music
Maurice Ravel: Jeux d'eau

Greeting from the Student Union
Heidi Elers, Chair of the Student Union Board

Alumnus of the Year Award
Marja-Riitta Vest and Maijastiina Jokitalo, Vaasa University Society

Chamber of Commerce Award
Aleksi Koivisto, Education and Membership Services Manager, Ostrobothnia Chamber of Commerce

Music
Joseph Haydn: March for the Royal Society of Musicians (arr. Sauli Huhtala)

Following the ceremony, the procession will lead guests to Restaurant Mathilda, where the event will continue with networking and refreshments. Guests will be served a selection of cocktail delicacies and the programme will also feature  light performances inspired by student traditions.

Musicians
Abigail Mullissa, violin
Anton Wegelius, cello
Aapo Luoma, piano

Master of Ceremonies
Sanni Rytkönen

To assist with catering arrangements, we kindly ask you to register for the opening ceremony.