Suggest the University of Oulu Alum of the Year 2026

The University of Oulu Association annually selects the Alum of the Year from graduates of the University of Oulu. This honorary recognition is awarded to a person who has achieved exceptional merit in their field. The Alum of the Year is a genuinely visible figure who also acknowledges their background at the University of Oulu.

The Alum of the Year may be distinguished in their career in one of the following categories:

1) Social engagement in Finland or abroad,
2) Contributions to science, art, or culture, or
3) Achievements in business and professional fields.

The tradition of naming the Alum of the Year began in 1999 when President Martti Ahtisaari was chosen as the first Alum of the Year. In 2025, the title was awarded to Baylie Damtie Yeshita, Vice Chancellor of Kepler College in Rwanda. See the full list of previous recipients.

During Oulu’s European Capital of Culture year in 2026, the University of Oulu Association wishes to emphasize alumni activity and success in the arts and cultural sphere. In addition to exemplary work and achievements, the selection may reflect one of the cultural year’s themes: “Brave hinterland”, “Wildness of the city” and “The Power of Opposites”. The Alum of the Year 2026 will be announced and awarded at the University of Oulu Gala on November 20, 2026, at Oulu City Hall.

The University of Oulu Association invites suggestions also from alumni, staff, students and the members of the University of Oulu Association for this honorary recognition. The decision on the Alum of the Year 2026 will be made by the Board of the University of Oulu Association.

Suggestions and raffle

Submit your suggestion with background by January 18, 2026, via the survey form.

You may submit your suggestion anonymously and include your contact details for the raffle (individual responses cannot be linked to the respondents). Among those who provide contact details, a prize draw will be held for a long weekend at the University of Oulu Association’s holiday apartment “Eero” in Ylläs and two University of Oulu branded college sweatshirts. The draw will be organized and conducted by the University of Oulu Association, and winners will be notified personally during spring 2026.

Welcome to activities

The University of Oulu Association is an organization of friends of the university that promotes the university’s public relations and alumni activities and participates in preserving academic traditions. The Association was originally founded on April 14, 1919, to advocate for establishing a multidisciplinary university in Oulu. Since then, it has actively contributed to strengthening and developing the university’s operations and societal interaction. The association welcomes friends of the University of Oulu to join as members and participate in its activities. Read more about theassociation.

More information:
Secretary of the University of Oulu Association
Sakari Jussi-Pekka, sakari.jussi-pekka@oulu.fi