The role of higher education institutions in society highlighted as Arcada started the academic year 2025–2026

The opening ceremony of the academic year at Arcada University of Applied Sciences brought together first-year students, staff, and invited guests. The event was also streamed online.

Arcada's Rector Mona Forsskåhl, opened the 2025–2026 academic year and highlighted the role of higher education institutions in social development, especially in times of change and uncertainty.

‘It is at higher education institutions that ideas meet, are challenged and developed, adapted and put into practice in concrete applications. It is here that we nurture critical thinking, challenge established truths, build knowledge and find solutions that extend beyond the immediate.’

In her speech, Forsskåhl also emphasised the importance of diversity in the higher education sector as a fundamental prerequisite for quality, innovation and social relevance.

‘Diversity is a prerequisite, an unambiguous strength that drives the development of knowledge and skills, as well as the country's competitiveness. It is in the differences between our institutions, in our different profiles, teaching methods and research focuses, that the academic world finds its richness.’

A rapidly changing world

This year, the Board's greeting was delivered by Chairperson Alexander Bargum. In his greeting, he drew attention to the economic demands on the higher education sector in Finland and emphasised the importance of safeguarding quality and optimism for the future despite austerity measures. Like Forsskåhl, he stressed the importance of long-term investments.

‘Investments in education, research and innovation are the safest and most means of generating long-term economic growth and welfare.’

Jessica Lindfors, Chairperson of the Arcada Student Union (ASK), delivered the student union's welcome to the new students. In her speech, Lindfors shared her own journey at Arcada – from being quiet and reserved to becoming chair of the ASK board. Her message was simple: dare to ask questions, dare to try, dare to fail and dare to succeed.

Like Forsskåhl and Bargum, Lindfors also noted that we are living in a time of rapid change, where community is crucial.

‘We have had to learn to adapt, find new ways of working together and sometimes also new ways of carrying on. It hasn't always been easy, but it has shown that we are stronger than we think, especially when we stand united.’

Alumnus of the Year 2025 is Patrick Eriksson

During the opening of the academic year, Arcada presents the annual Alumnus of the Year award. The Alumnus of the Year award goes to a person who is a source of inspiration for today's students and who shows a broad commitment to the university of applied sciences. The Alumnus of the Year 2025 is Patrick Eriksson, who graduated as a physiotherapist in 2012.

Read the speeches from the opening of the academic year by opening the attachments below.