The university's Conferment of Degrees is celebrated approximately every five years. The ceremony is open to all graduates of the University of Lapland who have not yet been conferred. The graduates are celebrated with a week-long celebration, featuring renewed academic traditions and speeches. This year, several speeches focused on civilisation.

The sunny week of celebrations began with a celebration of Flora's Day, where Tiia Kraateri, daughter of Professor Tuija Turunen, was declared the general wreath-weaver. She led the Garland Binding Dinner for Masters on Thursday, where each Master tied a wreath for the Conferment of Degrees ceremony.

Flora's Day celebrations in Korundi. Heidi Pietarinen welcomes the celebrators of the Conferment of Degrees week. Photo by Marko Junttila

Masters or their companions tied wreaths for Friday's Conferment of Degrees ceremony. Photo by Elli Alasaari.

At the Sword-whetting Dinner for Doctors, which took place at the same time as he Garland Binding Dinner for Masters, each Doctor sharpened his sword under the direction of Matti Nojonen and gave a short sword speech for the whole audience.

Honorary doctor Niillas Holmberg sharpening his sword. Before sharpening, the swords are bathed in champagne. Photo by Antti Pakkanen

On Friday, all the participants gathered at the Lappia House for the highlight of the week for the Conferment of Degrees ceremony. During the ceremony, the Conferrers of Degrees conferred each participant to their academic rank. Masters were presented with a wreath, while Doctors received a hat and a sword. Ten honorary doctorates were also given their hats, including the Governor General of Canada, Mary Simon, who was promoted in her absence.

Honorary Doctor of Philosophy Jari Tervo was honoured for his achievements as a writer, journalist and television presenter. On the left, Conferrer of Degrees Heli Ruokamo. Photo by Marko Junttila

In addition to the traditional Lapland Chamber Orchestra, the promotional act featured a performance by musician Anne Morottaja. 

The Conferrers of Defrees were Professor Heli Ruokamo of the Faculty of Education, Professor Kirsi Kuusikko of the Faculty of Law, Markku Vieru of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Professor Satu Miettinen, Dean of the Faculty of Art and Design.

After the Conferment of Degrees ceremony, the graduates, guests and the people marching for civilisation gathered for the Conferment of Degrees procession towards the Rovaniemi Church. This year, for the first time, the non-denominational event was held in Korundi alongside the service in the church. Many speakers, including the mayor of Rovaniemi Ulla-Kirsikka Vainio, took part in the event.

The Conferment Procession was led by Heidi Pietarinen, the director of the festive events. Photo by Elli Alasaari

Mikkel Näkkäläjärvi giving a speech at the Conferment Dinner. Photo by Marko Junttila

The Conferment of Degrees was completed with a celebratory dinner in SantaPark and Conferment Ball at the University's Agora. The evening ended with a speech to the sun by Matti Nojonen, and the assisting heralds threw their air ribbons from the fourth floor of the F-wing over the celebratory crowd.

Heralds are chosen for each Conferment of Degrees from among the students. The duties of the heralds end with the throwing of the herald ribbons. Photo by Antti Pakkanen

Jarno Jokiharju, Ante Jalvela and Elina Pentinsaari performed in Valdemari. Photo by Antti Pakkanen

The Conferment of Degrees week ended with a Conferment Excursion, which included an art and science tour through Rovaniemi, speeches and music in good company.

Thank you to all the promovendi, guests, organisers, assistants, heralds and other celebrants for participating in the Conferment of Degrees week.