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For alumni

Alumni of the Year

The individuals chosen as Alumni of the Year have made a significant contribution to Finnish society and working life. They have actively encouraged interaction between the university, its alumni, and the broader community. Every two years, each Aalto University school selects a distinguished alum for this recognition. Also, Aalto University Executive Education awards the alum of the year.
A woman in a black turtleneck stands in a room with shelves filled with books, binders, and a plant.
Photo: Liivia Pallas

Architect and CEO of Talli Architecture and Design Minna Lukander emphasizes the importance of the built environment for human well-being. She strives to create functional and meaningful spaces and living environments that promote well-being, community, and a sustainable lifestyle.

Minna Lukander, School of Arts, Design and Architecture Alum of the Year 2025

Tiina Alahuhta-Kasko
Photo: Heli Sorjonen

The Aalto University School of Business Alum of the Year award is granted for a person who has promoted interaction between the School of Business, society and alumni, contributed positively to the Finnish society, or done pioneering or exceptional work in his/her own field. CEO of Marimekko Tiina Alahuhta-Kasko also started as a new member of the Aalto University Board as of 1 January 2025.

Tiina Alahuhta-Kasko, School of Business Alum of the Year 2025

A man in a dark suit and blue tie stands in a wooden room with large windows and hanging lights.
Photo: Tomi Parkkonen / Neste

Petri Lehmus, Vice President of Research and Development at Neste Corporation has throughout his career led international research centres, built the success story of Neste’s renewable business and advanced chemical engineering research and education at Aalto University.

Petri Lehmus, School of Chemical Engineering Alum of the Year 2025

A person in a dark blue coat stands beside a brick and stone structure in a park with trees in the background.
Photo: Ira Matilainen / Aalto University

Ville Voipio is known for his roles as chair of the boards of Vaisala Oyj and Technology Industries of Finland. Three themes guide his career: digitalisation, sustainability and economic well-being: "You can only learn to be open-minded by doing".

Ville Voipio, School of Electrical Engineering Alum of the Year 2025

Mika Viljanmaa, School of Engineering Alum of the Year 2025
Photo: Maiju Thers

Senior Development Manager at Valmet Technologies Mika Viljanmaa is an award-winning inventor, who has worked with paper machine development throughout his career. He calls Otaniemi his professional and spiritual home.

Mika Viljanmaa, School of Engineering Alum of the Year 2025

Matti Aksela
Photo: Aino Pekkarinen / Aalto University

Doctor of Technology and Vice President at Outokumpu Matti Aksela mentors international students through the Aalto International Talent programme and hopes to see even greater diversity in the technology sector: "When universities and companies tackle challenges together, that’s when truly significant innovations can happen".

Matti Aksela, School of Science Alum of the Year 2025

Juha Jolkkonen
Photo: Atte Kajova

Juha Jolkkonen, who has had a long career as both a physician and a leader, is the Executive Director of the City of Helsinki's Social Services, Health Care, and Rescue Services Division. Jolkkonen has actively participated in developing the program and building an alumni network after his Executive MBA studies.

Juha Jolkkonen, The Aalto EE Alum of the Year 2025

Previous Alumni of the Year

kuva
Awards and Recognition Published:
Sähkötekniikan korkeakoulun vuoden alumni 2023 Heikki Holmberg kuvattuna Otaniemessä Micronovan tiloissa Okmeticin piikiekko-laatikko käsissään. Holmberg pääsi seuraamaan jo opiskeluaikoina puolijohdealalle merkittävän Micronovan rakentamista. Kuva: Niina Norjamäki / Aalto-yliopisto
Awards and Recognition Published:
BIZ Homecoming Day 2025, panelists
University Published:

The theme of the School of Business Homecoming Day was “International Finland in 2030?â€

The biennial event featured keynote speaker Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Affairs and School of Business alum
The picture shows the School of Business building, the adjacent Kide building, as well as flagpoles and a tree branch on a clear autumn day.
For Aalto community Appointments Published:

Propose the School of Business Alum of the Year 2024!

Please, make a suggestion by 30 September 2024
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