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The Aalto Alumni Network Board was established in 2019 to energise alumni activities and bring alumni perspectives into the university’s long-term development. The members represent alumni from all Aalto Schools and Executive Education (Aalto EE).

For Hannu Martola, the primary goal as chair is to strengthen the connection between alumni and the university, thereby multiplying the Aalto community’s ability to influence the future of Finland and the world.

“At university we build the foundation for life and career that enables us to make the world better. Aalto University is unique, and its active alumni community – whose members support their alma mater – makes the university a strong societal actor. I am excited to take the opportunity to be actively involved in developing this interactive partnership,” Martola says.

Aalto brings people together

The Alumni Network Board played a significant role in delivering the largest-ever Alumni Weekend in 2025, which brought together 1,500 alumni. At the event, President Ilkka Niemelä emphasized in his speech the importance of a strong community:

“The driving force behind Aalto’s development has always been people coming together. We are united by the desire to do something greater than what any single voice can achieve. When you look at today’s Otaniemi, you see all three of our fields – arts and design, business, and science and technology – working together. Can a university change the world? Absolutely.”

Alumni associations have their own council

About 40 alumni associations operate within Aalto, represented by the Alumni Council. Its task, in cooperation with the Alumni Network Board, is to develop alumni activities. The chair is Laura Nikola, who is also a member of the Alumni Network Board.

More information: 
Hannu Martola 
hannu.martola@deetee.com