Finlandia University: Difference between revisions
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==History== |
==History== |
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In the 1880s, large numbers of [[Finns]] immigrated to [[Hancock, Michigan]] to labor in the [[copper]] and [[lumber]] industries. One immigrant, mission pastor J. K. Nikander of the Finnish [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]], headquartered in Hancock, wanted to ensure seminary training in America. He had observed that Swedish and Finnish immigrants along the [[Delaware River]] did not train new ministers, and he feared a loss of Finnish identity. In [[1896]], Nikander founded Suomi College. The college's role was to preserve Finnish culture, train Lutheran ministers and teach English. During the [[1920]]s, Suomi College became a [[liberal arts]] college. In [[1958]], the seminary separated from the college. Four years later the [[Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church of America]] merged with other mainstream [[Lutheran churches]]. On July 1, 2000, Suomi College changed its name to Finlandia University. |
In the 1880s, large numbers of [[Finns]] immigrated to [[Hancock, Michigan]] to labor in the [[copper]] and [[lumber]] industries. One immigrant, mission pastor J. K. Nikander of the Finnish [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]], headquartered in Hancock, wanted to ensure seminary training in America. He had observed that Swedish and Finnish immigrants along the [[Delaware River]] did not train new ministers, and he feared a loss of Finnish identity. In [[1896]], Nikander founded Suomi College. The college's role was to preserve Finnish culture, train Lutheran ministers and teach English. During the [[1920]]s, Suomi College became a [[liberal arts]] college. In [[1958]], the seminary separated from the college. Four years later the [[Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church of America]] merged with other mainstream [[Lutheran churches]]. On July 1, [[2000]], Suomi College changed its name to Finlandia University. |
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The cornerstone of Old Main, the first building erected at Suomi College, was lain on May 30, [[1898]]. Jacobsville [[sandstone]], quarried at the Portage Entry of the [[Keweenaw]] waterway, was brought here by barge, cut and used to construct Old Main. Dedicated on January 21, [[1900]], it contained a dormitory, kitchen, laundry, classrooms, offices, library, chapel and lounge. The burgeoning college quickly outgrew this building, and in 1901 a frame structure, housing a gym, meeting hall and music center was erected on an adjacent lot. The frame building was demolished when Nikander Hall, named for Suomi's founder, J. K. Nikander, was constructed in [[1939]]. The hall was designed by the architectural firm of [[Eliel Saarinen | Saarinen]] and Swanson. In addition to Old Main, the main campus consists of Nikander Hall, Mannerheim Hall, Wargelin Hall, Finlandia Hall, the Paavo Nurmi Athletics Center, the Kivi House, Hoover Center, the Finnish American Heritage Center, and the Chapel of St. Mathew. |
The cornerstone of Old Main, the first building erected at Suomi College, was lain on May 30, [[1898]]. Jacobsville [[sandstone]], quarried at the Portage Entry of the [[Keweenaw]] waterway, was brought here by barge, cut and used to construct Old Main. Dedicated on January 21, [[1900]], it contained a dormitory, kitchen, laundry, classrooms, offices, library, chapel and lounge. The burgeoning college quickly outgrew this building, and in [[1901]] a frame structure, housing a gym, meeting hall and music center was erected on an adjacent lot. The frame building was demolished when Nikander Hall, named for Suomi's founder, J. K. Nikander, was constructed in [[1939]]. The hall was designed by the architectural firm of [[Eliel Saarinen | Saarinen]] and Swanson. In addition to Old Main, the main campus consists of Nikander Hall, Mannerheim Hall, Wargelin Hall, Finlandia Hall, the Paavo Nurmi Athletics Center, the Kivi House, Hoover Center, the Finnish American Heritage Center, and the Chapel of St. Mathew. |
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Suomi College brought hope of a new future to many of the Finnish immigrant mine workers in the [[Upper Peninsula]]. These immigrants brought with them a heritage of learning with good character, a tradition of literacy, and a love for freedom and faith. Finlandia University still thrives on these principles. |
Suomi College brought hope of a new future to many of the Finnish immigrant mine workers in the [[Upper Peninsula]]. These immigrants brought with them a heritage of learning with good character, a tradition of literacy, and a love for freedom and faith. Finlandia University still thrives on these principles. |
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Finlandia University has been a university of the Lutheran church since its inception. In 1988, the University became affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The curriculum, campus events, and the community explore the value of faith, vocation, and service. The [[North Central Association of Colleges and Schools]], the Michigan Commission on College Accreditation, and the Michigan Department of Public Instruction accredited the University. In 1996, the university transitioned from a two-year university to a four-year university. |
Finlandia University has been a university of the Lutheran church since its inception. In [[1988]], the University became affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The curriculum, campus events, and the community explore the value of faith, vocation, and service. The [[North Central Association of Colleges and Schools]], the Michigan Commission on College Accreditation, and the Michigan Department of Public Instruction accredited the University. In [[1996]], the university transitioned from a two-year university to a four-year university. |
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Serving more than 500 students from ten states and three countries, Finlandia University celebrates the diversity of its student body through education and experience with others. Seven percent of Finlandia University students are members of minority groups and 6 percent are international. Approximately one-fourth of all students live in the co-ed residence hall. |
Serving more than 500 students from ten states and three countries, Finlandia University celebrates the diversity of its student body through education and experience with others. Seven percent of Finlandia University students are members of minority groups and 6 percent are international. Approximately one-fourth of all students live in the co-ed residence hall. |
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Revision as of 19:01, 7 October 2008
| Motto | Dominus Illuminatio Mea (Lord Enlighten Me) |
|---|---|
| Type | Private |
| Established | 1896 |
| President | Philip Johnson |
| Location | , , |
| Campus | Rural |
| Colors | Finnish Blue, Navy Blue, and White |
| Mascot | Lions |
| Website | www.finlandia.edu |
Finlandia University in Hancock, Michigan in the United States, is a baccalaureate degree-granting, co-educational learning community dedicated to academic excellence, spiritual growth and service. Founded in 1896 as Suomi College, Finlandia is one of 28 U.S. colleges and universities affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the only private, not-for-profit institution of higher education in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It is the only university in North America founded by Finnish immigrants.
History
In the 1880s, large numbers of Finns immigrated to Hancock, Michigan to labor in the copper and lumber industries. One immigrant, mission pastor J. K. Nikander of the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, headquartered in Hancock, wanted to ensure seminary training in America. He had observed that Swedish and Finnish immigrants along the Delaware River did not train new ministers, and he feared a loss of Finnish identity. In 1896, Nikander founded Suomi College. The college's role was to preserve Finnish culture, train Lutheran ministers and teach English. During the 1920s, Suomi College became a liberal arts college. In 1958, the seminary separated from the college. Four years later the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church of America merged with other mainstream Lutheran churches. On July 1, 2000, Suomi College changed its name to Finlandia University.
The cornerstone of Old Main, the first building erected at Suomi College, was lain on May 30, 1898. Jacobsville sandstone, quarried at the Portage Entry of the Keweenaw waterway, was brought here by barge, cut and used to construct Old Main. Dedicated on January 21, 1900, it contained a dormitory, kitchen, laundry, classrooms, offices, library, chapel and lounge. The burgeoning college quickly outgrew this building, and in 1901 a frame structure, housing a gym, meeting hall and music center was erected on an adjacent lot. The frame building was demolished when Nikander Hall, named for Suomi's founder, J. K. Nikander, was constructed in 1939. The hall was designed by the architectural firm of Saarinen and Swanson. In addition to Old Main, the main campus consists of Nikander Hall, Mannerheim Hall, Wargelin Hall, Finlandia Hall, the Paavo Nurmi Athletics Center, the Kivi House, Hoover Center, the Finnish American Heritage Center, and the Chapel of St. Mathew.
Suomi College brought hope of a new future to many of the Finnish immigrant mine workers in the Upper Peninsula. These immigrants brought with them a heritage of learning with good character, a tradition of literacy, and a love for freedom and faith. Finlandia University still thrives on these principles.
Finlandia University has been a university of the Lutheran church since its inception. In 1988, the University became affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The curriculum, campus events, and the community explore the value of faith, vocation, and service. The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the Michigan Commission on College Accreditation, and the Michigan Department of Public Instruction accredited the University. In 1996, the university transitioned from a two-year university to a four-year university.
Serving more than 500 students from ten states and three countries, Finlandia University celebrates the diversity of its student body through education and experience with others. Seven percent of Finlandia University students are members of minority groups and 6 percent are international. Approximately one-fourth of all students live in the co-ed residence hall.
Location
Finlandia University's campus is located in Hancock, Michigan. The University is 2 hours west of Marquette, Michigan; 4 hours north of Green Bay, Wisconsin; 6 hours northeast of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and 8 hours north of Chicago, Illinois. The Houghton County Memorial Airport is 5 miles north of the campus, and Mont Ripley, the area ski hill, is about a mile from the campus. Nestled on a hill across the Portage Lake from Houghton, Michigan, the campus offers an incredible view. Fall colors, winter snowfalls, and spring flowers guarantee a dynamic panorama year-round. Hancock and Houghton also offer students social opportunities for shopping, theater, and dining, all in the natural setting of the Copper Country.
At the turn of the century, the Keweenaw Peninsula was the single greatest supplier of copper in the world. Old mine shafts act as a living history of the industry and civilization of the area. The area is rich in Finnish culture; one can still order Pannakuken (Finnish pancakes) for breakfast at the Kaleva Café or listen to a kantele concert (a Finnish string instrument) performed in the Finnish American Heritage Center Theater.
The rugged terrain of the Keweenaw Peninsula extends into Lake Superior, making it great for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, canoeing, and camping. From the top of Brockway Mountain to the shores of Lake Superior–on both sides of the peninsula–waterfalls, streams, and wildlife make viewing the area a spectacle. The winter season is also very active, as students enjoy ice-skating, snowmobiling, hockey, and both downhill and cross-country skiing.
Programs of Study
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Concentrations in English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies
- ACE- Arts, Culture, and the Environment
Concentrations in Corporate Communications, Finnish Studies, History, International Studies, Literature, Music & Theater, Religion & Philosophy, Psychology, Science, Sociology, Studio Arts, Visual Communications
- Human Services
Concentrations in Business, Criminal Justice, Electives
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
Concentrations in Accounting, Criminal Justice, Entrepreneurial Studies & Small Business Management, International Business, Applied Management, Management Information Systems, Sports Management
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Concentrations in Ceramic/Glass Design, Fibers/Fashion Design, Product/Interior Design, Graphic/Digital Design, Studio Arts
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
- Criminal Justice
- Physical Therapist Assistant
Certificate of Proficiency
Experiential Learning
Finlandia University believes that learners must engage in imaginative, entrepreneurial, knowledge-based, 'real-life' problem-solving situations guided by experience and caring professionals. Essential components of student learning incorporate internships, case studies, laboratory experiences, clinical and practicum experiences and corporate-generated projects. Students are actively engaged in considering the ethical use of knowledge and introduced to the technological, global and environmental aspects of fostering human well-being in the contemporary world.
Student Enrichment
Plentiful and varied cultural, recreational and community service opportunities actively engage Finlandia students year-round. Student-led organizations, intercollegiate sports, cultural enrichment programs, and student and servant leadership activities are integral to student life at Finlandia. The university also serves as an educational and cultural resource for regional citizens and the nation-wide Finnish-American community. Frequent campus enrichment programs feature local, national and international speakers, artistis and performers.
Portage Campus
Opened in 2005, Finlandia's Portage Campus is home to the International School of Art and Design and the Lily I. Jutila Center for Global Design and Business (CGDB). The CGDB probvides a collaborative environment for students, faculty, business and industry to lean and apply sustainable business practices and works to foster regional economic development. An on-site small business incubator provides a supportive environment in which to start and grow a business. CGDB services also include design and business consulting, rapid prototyping and business training classes.
Athletics
Athletics are a major part of Finlandia University. There are 12 varsity sports at Finlandia including basketball, cross country running, ice hockey, soccer, softball, and volleyball for women and for males, baseball, basketball, cross country running, golf, ice hockey, and soccer. Finlandia University is part of the NCAA Division III and also part of the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) for women's hockey and Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association (MCHA) for men's hockey. Finlandia's athletes are expected to do well in all aspects of life. They are required, as new freshman, to attend four hours of "study table" each week to ensure their academic success. The athletic department of Finlandia does not only assist its students in becoming student-athletes, but they also help the community by sponsoring and volunteering at summer clinics.
Study Abroad
Students in the International Schools of Business and Art & Design enjoy a variety of overseas educational exchange opportunities. Ten schools of higher learning in the European Union welcome Finlandia students to study and experience life abroad.
Additional University Resources
Also part of Finlandia University, and serving both the campus and the community, are the Finnish American Heritage Center which hosts numerous university and community evens and houses a museum, art gallery, theater and the Finnish American Historical Archives. the Finnish American Reporter, a monthly English language journal featuring news and information of interest to Finnish Americans; the North Winds Shops. The North Wind Shops--North Wind Books, the Lions Den and North Wind Design--offer textbooks and university logo merchandise, an extensive collection of quality adult and children's fiction and nonfiction publications, and Finnish functional design items for the home.
References
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External links
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