People, possibilities and purpose in focus at the opening of the academic year and 30th anniversary

In her opening speech, Rector Mona Forsskåhl welcomed students, staff and invited guests to the new academic year, which also marks Arcada's thirtieth year of operation. Looking both to the future and the past, she highlighted Arcada's most important mission: creating opportunities through education and knowledge, putting people first, and contributing to a stronger society through knowledge with purpose.

'Anniversaries matter. They give us a reason to pause for a moment. To look back on what has been, but also to reflect on where we are heading. Although thirty years is a respectable age for a university of applied sciences, this anniversary is not primarily about history. It is about the future.'

In a time of rapid change and growing complexity, knowledge, critical thinking and the ability to turn insights into action are more important than ever.

'Societal development is built on our ability to create, develop and apply knowledge. Through research, we deepen our understanding of the world and develop new perspectives, methods and solutions. Through education, development and innovation, this knowledge is transformed into activities, services and ways of working that make a difference in people's everyday lives,' Forsskåhl emphasised.

Courage greater than fear 

To mark Arcada's 30th anniversary, actor Alma Pöysti delivered a keynote speech on the courage to fail and the value of life's detours. She emphasised that curiosity, setbacks and unexpected turns often become the experiences that help us grow, both as individuals and as professionals. Pöysti reminded the audience that growth begins where comfort ends, and that the courage to try must always be greater than the fear of failure.

'To be able to fly, courage must be somewhat greater than fear,' Pöysti said, quoting Margareta Ekström's poem Instruktion för skalbaggar (translated Instructions for beetles).

We are all part of the history

Mustapha Ben Messaoud, Chairperson of the Arcada Student Union ASK, welcomed the new students to a community where different languages, cultures and ideas enrich one another and where everyone can feel at home.

'The history of Arcada is written by people: by every student who dared to begin, every teacher who encouraged someone to continue and every graduate who carried their knowledge into society. Now, you are part of that history,' he said, welcoming the new students.

Alumnus of the year 2026

During the opening ceremony, Arcada presents its annual Alumnus of the year award. The Chair of the board, Alexander Bargum, introduced the award, which is given to a person who serves as an inspiration to today's students and demonstrates a broad commitment to Arcada. The Alumnus of the year 2026 is Benjamin Harf. Benjamin graduated as an engineer from Arcada in 2005. Congratulations!

The speeches from the opening ceremony are found in the attachments below.