Season's Greetings from Rector Jari Ojala

This autumn, students have returned to campus in droves after Covid pandemic. Jyväskylä has had more international exchange students than ever before in the university's history. The early arrival of snow just over a month ago delighted visitors from far and wide, whose snow games were a joy to watch. In everyday life, it is easy to forget what a beautiful and great place the University of Jyväskylä is to study and work.   

At the same time, the world around us is constantly changing. If only we could have the great porridge scoop – like in a Finnish Christmas carol – that brings peace to the world. But as a university, we strive to promote human rights and peace through research and the superpower called education. 

The University of Jyväskylä, the yväskylä College of Education and the Jyväskylä Teacher Seminary have been working for education for 160 years this year. Education brings about equality, courage, openness, understanding, researched knowledge, conversation and the future. Education makes us more aware and compassionate - it is the lifeblood of humanity. It is what we need right now, when the world around us is teetering. 

Traditionally, we have donated the sum reserved for holiday greetings to charity. This year, we decided to make a donation to the victims of the Ukraine crisis. 

I wish you happy holidays and a brightful New Year 2024!