The Alumnus of the Year, the Teacher of the Year, and the Student Group of the Year, among others, were awarded at the annual celebration of the University of Lapland. Photo by Ville Rinne.
The 46th anniversary of the University of Lapland was celebrated on Friday 28 February. The awards were given to Alumnus of the Year, Teacher of the Year, and Student Group of the Year. In addition, the Dissertation Award and the Rector's Award were presented. During the anniversary week, an award for Science Communication was also given.
Timo Saranpää: Alumnus of the Year
The Steering Group for Alumni Activities selected Timo Saranpää, Doctor of Law as the University's Alumnus of the Year 2025.
Timo Saranpää has promoted the business knowledge among students at the University of Lapland and made the university known as a collaboration partner. He earned his doctorate at the University of Lapland and has since made a significant career in the Finnish judicial system. Saranpää is currently Justice of the Vaasa Court of Appeal (2017–), but works as a fixed-term district judge in the District Court of Ostrobothnia.
Saranpää has previously worked at the University of Lapland and, after embarking on a court career, collaborated with the Faculty of Law by working as a teacher and in expert positions. Saranpää is a competent researcher in procedural law and holds the corresponding title of docent at the University of Lapland.
LL.D. Timo Saranpää, University's Alumnus of the Year 2025. Photo by Ville Rinne.
Karoliina Laxström: Teacher of the Year
Karoliina Laxström, who works as University Lecturer of Fashion and Clothing at the Faculty of Art and Design, was awarded as Teacher of the Year by the Board of the Student Union of the University of Lapland. The Student Union gave the following reasons for its choice:
Karoliina Laxström is an exceptionally dedicated, supportive and professional teacher. Students describe her as a truly student-centred teacher who treats each student as an individual and supports their learning with patience and empathy. Her teaching style is inclusive and flexible, which also allows adult learners a smooth way to progress in their studies. Laxström cares not only about her students' academic success, but also about their well-being and future in the industry.
Laxström's classes are a pleasure to attend as she creates a safe and inspiring learning environment. She encourages students to ask questions and try new things, and does not belittle their concerns. She is fair, encouraging and approachable. She has been involved in organising study trips and promoting opportunities for students to participate in international events, reflecting her extensive contribution to the development of teaching.
Karoliina Laxström, Teacher of the Year. Photo by Ville Rinne.
Student Group of the Year: The students of the Arctic Pride X MUTE project
The Student Union of the University of Lapland awarded the Student Group of the Year to the students who participated in the Arctic Pride X MUTE project in 2024 and 2025. The award citation states that they have shown exceptional commitment, cooperation and activity. The group is an example of how student-led activities can contribute to the social debate and highlight the role of fashion in promoting equality and equity.
The students have carried out the project independently and student-driven, combining fashion and activism with opinionated fashion design. They have addressed the issues of equality, equity and diversity in a profound and respectful way and have generated important social debate. The project's outfits have offered insightful perspectives on gendered roles and identity expression, and the work has been widely featured in YLE's Kirjolla series.
The strong sense of community and peer support of the student group have been the driving forces behind the project. They have worked responsibly and sustainably, using recycled materials and surplus textiles. The cooperation between students from different years has been particularly positive: both beginners and experienced students have supported each other and shared their knowledge.
Students of the Arctic Pride X MUTE project. Photo by Ville Rinne.
Dissertation award to Anne-Maria Magga
The doctoral dissertation Siidan lait. Saamelaisen poronhoidon oikeusperiaatteet ja -teoria by Anne-Maria Magga, PhD in Social Sciences, was awarded with the Dissertation Award. The jury decribes the dissertation as follows:
Anne-Maria Magga's dissertation is of scientific and social importance, especially from the perspective of understanding and promoting Sámi right to self-determination. The particular merit of the research lies in its novel approach to producing scientific knowledge. The study is a part of the continuum of posthumanist research, where the focus shifts from humans to other species.
Magga deeply analyses her extensive and diverse material by thinking together with the reindeer. As a reading experience, the dissertation is clear, and Northern Sámi language is beautifully integrated alongside Finnish. The impact of the research is far-reaching, engaging a wide range of audiences.
PhD Anne-Maria Magga. Photo by Ville Rinne.
Rector's Award to Päivi Martin
The Rector's Award has been given for decades, and the idea of the award is to recognise an employee or a group that has made a valuable effort for the benefit of the University and the university community. Equal opportunities and equal treatment in the various areas of work are also considered important.
This year, the Rector's Award of 2,000 euros was given to Päivi Martin, Service Manager for Teaching and Learning Services. Päivi Martin is described as an innovator who is not afraid to take action or try new ways of doing things. She is not afraid of difficult challenges and at the same time is able to be approachable. She promotes cooperation and contributes to building a positive working community.
Päivi Martin. Photo by Ville Rinne.
Award for Communication to Professor Aini Linjakumpu
In addition, during the anniversary week, the Award for Science/Art Communication was given, this year to Professor Aini Linjakumpu from the Faculty of Social Sciences.
Professor Aini Linjakumpu boldly tackles challenging research topics such as religious violence or the economic dimensions of religion. She actively and analytically discusses her research with a variety of audiences.
Professor Linjakumpu is often interviewed as an expert in the national media, where she contributes to the understanding of religious movements and highlights the grievances associated with them. Linjakumpu is also an excellent writer, having published both popular non-fiction books and opinion columns.
Professor Aini Linjakumpu. Photo by Santeri Happonen.
The University of Lapland's Award for Science/Art Communication Award aims to highlight the good practices of researchers and artists in communicating and publicising science, research, art and design as part of the University of Lapland's social interaction. The award is given for communicative activity that has contributed to the understanding of research or art in society, has shown an insightful attitude and courage, and has contributed to setting an inspiring example in the university community.