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Warren Petoskey to Share “Dancing the Dream”

Native American Elder to Give Video Presentation January 18th at 4:00pm Hancock - January 7, 2010 Come along! Come dance your dream! Native American Elder Warren Petoskey will give a presentation about his recently published book, “Dancing My Dream,” Monday, January 18, 2010, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock. The presentation includes video, music, storytelling, and dancing. Petoskey, age 64, is an elder of the Waganakising Odawa and Minneconjou Lakotah nations. He is a writer, storyteller, artisan, musician, and dancer; and he plays the Native flute, the hand drum, and the guitar.
“Dancing My Dream” is the story of Petoskey’s journey to preserve Native American culture while living in three sometimes conflicting nations: Odawa (or Ottawa) and Lakotah—and the United States. “My story offers healing wisdom,” Petoskey says of his book. “Most Americans know the tragic stories from the Great Plains that nearly destroyed Indian nations, but that’s not the whole story of our survival. My own family passed through landmarks of American history like the Trail of Tears—but we also survived the lesser-known campaign to wipe out Indian culture in a nationwide system of boarding schools.”
“I am a survivor among these tough, wise, spiritually guided people,” he adds. “Now, I’m inviting you to journey with me. Whether you are Indian or not, you will find moments of great wisdom and beauty—and inspiration for your own survival. We all come from a spiritual origin and we are on our way to a spiritual destination.” Petoskey has also recorded two music CDs: “Medicine for the Ages” and “Land of the Crooked Tree.” Petoskey and his wife of 42 years, Barbara, live near Baraga, Mich., and Lake Superior. They have seven children and fifteen grandchildren. Petoskey’s visit to Finlandia University is sponsored by the university’s Campus Enrichment Committee. There is no charge to attend and the public is welcome. Refreshments will be available by donation. For additional information, please call Debbie Karstu, associate professor of nursing, at 906-487-7354.

Finnish Film “Myrsky”

Finnish Film “Myrsky” is January 14 at 2 pm and 6 pm

HANCOCK, MI – January 8, 2009

As part of its Nordic Film Series, the Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center will show the Finnish film “Myrsky” on Thursday, January 14, at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Released in 2008, “Myrsky” is a family movie that tells a tale of unconditional friendship. It is directed by Kaisa Rastimo.

During autumn 1989 in East Berlin, the father of a Finnish family visiting the crumbling Berlin Wall rescues a puppy, which he names Stormheart, taking the dog back to Finland as a pet for his daughters.

Seven-year-old Pearl takes the puppy under her wing, and in the care of the tender-hearted family, and trained only by little Pearl, Stormheart grows up with no rules or boundaries.

In six months, the dog has grown to the size of a bear, instinctively taking on the task of removing all dangers and obstacles in Pearl’s path. Pearl, in return, loves Stormheart unconditionally.

Eventually the father learns that Stormheart is a Caucasian Shepherd dog, an often feared ancient Russian breed known for their fearlessness in protecting shepherds against thieves, wild dogs, wolves, and even bears.

There is no charge to attend the film, but donations are accepted.

For additional information, call 906-487-7549.The Finnish American Heritage Center is located at 435 Quincy St., Hancock.

Turnquist Featured in State of Michigan Publication

HANCOCK, MI – Finlandia University’s director of financial aid, Sandra Turnquist, is the featured financial aid professional in the December 2009 issue of Educational Loan Notes, a publication of the Michigan Guaranty Agency (MGA).

Turnquist, who completed an associate degree in business at Suomi College (now Finlandia University) in 1994, was introduced to the financial aid industry as a work-study student in the university’s Admissions and Financial Aid offices.

Upon her graduation, she was offered a full-time position in Finlandia’s Student Accounts Department and for the next several years worked a variety of positions within the university’s Business Office. In 2003 Turnquist was promoted to the position of Director of Financial Aid.

In the Educational Loan Notes article, Turnquist stated that she is proud of the individualized attention students receive at Finlandia University in general, and in the Financial Aid Office in particular.

“We find funding for our students even once classes have started,” Turnquist said. “The joy of being a small university is that we are able to take those extra special steps for our students at Finlandia University.”

“This is well-deserved recognition for Sandy,” said Nick Stevens, Finlandia’s chief financial officer and Turnquist’s supervisor. “Sandy has always put students and their needs first, which is exactly what Finlandia prides itself on.”

The MGA, an agency of the state of Michigan, administers three loan programs in the Federal Family Education Loan Program. Its mission is to make low-interest, long-term educational loans available to students attending participating postsecondary institutions, and their parents.

Contact Turnquist and the Finlandia University Financial Aid office at 906-487-7240 or sandy.turnquist@finlandia.edu.

Finlandia’s Jutila Center
to Dedicate New Incubator Suites

HANCOCK, MI – December 11, 2009

The dedication of 20 new business incubator suites at the Finlandia University Jutila Center for Global Design and Business will take place Friday, December 18, at 11:30 a.m. on the sixth floor of the Jutila Center campus.

Finlandia President Philip Johnson, Michigan Representative Michael Lahti, and Kim Stoker of the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region will take part in the dedication ceremony.

The ceremony will be followed at 12:00 p.m. by a holiday reception sponsored by Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), MTEC SmartZone, and the Finlandia Jutila Center.

The public is invited to tour the renovated Jutila Center floors from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. the same day.

"It is our pleasure to gratefully acknowledge the support of the U.S. Economic Development Administration and Finlandia University friends and contributors," said Bonnie Holland, director of the Jutila Center. "It is their generosity and confidence that made possible these renovations to the sixth and seventh floors of the Jutila Center."

"It has been a pleasure to see the old hospital building become a vital resource in our community," said Representative Mike Lahti. "Not only has the building been saved, Finlandia University’s work with the EDA, in cooperation with local, state, and federal agencies, has provided a good home for many start-up businesses in our community."

A distinction of the Jutila Center business incubator is the opportunity for collaboration among Finlandia’s art and design students, the Michigan Tech School of Engineering, Jutila Center and Smart Zone businesses, and other Keweenaw-area businesses.

Bonnie Holland, director of the Jutila Center, said that in 2007 the combined value of design services provided by Finlandia students, such as product and graphic design, market research, and marketing and branding campaigns, if purchased, would have exceeded $60,000.

Kim Stoker, executive director of WUPPDR, gives much credit to the EDA for their foresight in recognizing the value of collaboration between Finlandia’s art and design students and the Michigan Tech School of Engineering.

"I have to give credit to Philip Johnson, also," Stoker added. "When he came into the area and examined what was taking place, he sat down with the right people, had the right discussions, and came to the right conclusion: the Jutila Center was the right effort to help the area and the university."

"The Jutila Center is a step in the right direction for the 21st century," Stoker concluded. "It’s a good positive note, and the space is needed."

Delta Business Solutions of Escanaba, Mich., is one of the small businesses that has pre-leased an office suite on the newly renovated seventh floor. Owner and president Jackie Miaso says she decided to open a second location in Hancock because of the positive and supportive small business atmosphere in the Houghton/Hancock area.

Delta Business Solutions provides small business bookkeeping and payroll services and Quick Books training. And starting in January, an offshoot company, Delta Tax, will prepare tax returns for individuals and small businesses.

"KEDA is very supportive, and Bonnie Holland has been really great to work with," Miaso said. "She helped us pick the office facilities that are right for us. It’s a brand new, beautiful L-shaped office space with two windows overlooking the waterway. The rent is very reasonable, especially considering the services in the building including mail, internet, and the café downstairs. It’s a really nice business environment. We’re very excited about it."

The Finlandia University Jutila Center campus is located at 200 Michigan St., Hancock. For additional information, please contact Bonnie Holland at 906-487-7344.

Niemi Exhibit
Opens at Finlandia!

Hancock - December 9, 2009

For the first time in several years the Gallery at Finlandia University is hosting a sculpture exhibit. The exhibit is the latest of the terrific art brought to the Western U.P. By the University.

The exhibit showcases the fantastic work of prominent sculptor Bruce Niemi, an extremely accomplished artist from Kenosha Wisconsin. To say that this exhibit is exciting would be a gross understatement. The most often heard word at last Thursday’s opening was "WOW" . A word used by both the young students and the more senior aficionados attending the evening’s reception. READ MORE...

Reflections Gallery Hosts Dual Exhibit

Hancock - December 8, 2009

Last Thursday the Finlandia Reflection Gallery was the scene of a dual exhibit opening. The exhibit for the young and talented students will run until January 11th.

A large audience was on hand at the reception for the two artists, Jessica Spear, a junior-level Finlandia Studio Arts student and Skler Ross, a Graphic Design major in the Finlandia University International School of Art & Design. Read More...

Jessica Spear, a Junior at Finlandia presented her large scale paintings which were quite impressive.

For Designers, Jacquard
Fabric is "Priceless"

Date: December 4, 2009

HANCOCK, MI – Three Finlandia University Art & Design juniors and a BFA alumna have benefited from an exchange arranged by Finlandia associate professor Phyllis Fredendall.

The Victor Group of New York City has woven for each student-designer five yards of upholstery-weight Jacquard fabric, which is valued at $40 to $60 per yard.

The four young women, however, view the Jacquard fabric as "priceless."

Fredendall directs the Fiber Arts and Fashion Design program for Finlandia’s International School of Art & Design. In the Spring 2009 semester section of her class, "Jacquard Design" the now-woven patterns were designed.

"This is the first time we have worked with Victor Group," said Fredendall. "The details were worked out by phone and e-mail, and earlier this month I visited their studios in New York during a recruiting trip there."

The Victor Group weaves fabrics for commercial uses, such as upholstery for office and hotel furnishings. The company produces leading-edge textiles and is known for its leadership in operational and product ecological sustainability, according to their website.

As part of the exchange, the Victor Group owns the student designs, which become part of Victor’s design library.

The opportunity began when Fredendall contacted the German company, EAT, makers of DesignScope CAD weaving software. EAT develops electronic textile patterning and related industry software.

"We had been working with another company that notified us that they were unable to continue to weave for us," Fredendall explained. "So, I contacted EAT and asked them for help finding another opportunity to have our designs woven. They sent a notice to users of DesignScope software, and Ann Reinhard, senior CAD designer at Victor, replied that she was interested in working with us!"

"Linda Allen, design manager at Victor, is particularly interested in the opportunity to contribute to the education of future textile designers," Fredendall said. "During the Spring semester, she offered the students valuable critiques of their designs."

Nordic Film Series Thursday Finnish Film: “Käsky”

Finnish Film is Thursday, November 12 HANCOCK, MI –

The Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center continues its 2009-10 Nordic Film Series Thursday, November 12, at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., with the Finnish film, “Käsky.” “Käsky,” with the English-language title of “Tears of April,” is set in 1918 at the end of Finland’s civil war as the victorious government-supported Whites are rounding up and killing the remaining Social Democratic Reds, including the more than 2,000 women who fought among their ranks. Private Aaro Harjula is shocked to witness one such execution, so when he finds a survivor, a young Red platoon leader named Miina, he decides to personally escort her to a nearby military tribunal where he believes she will receive a fair trial. As they journey together, feelings develop between the two that will cause Harjula to question his loyalty, especially when the tribunal’s judge turns out to be corrupt. As Miina’s fate is taken out of his hands, Harjula realizes he’ll do whatever is necessary to save her.

There is no charge to attend the film, but donations are accepted. The Finnish American Heritage Center is at 435 Quincy St., Hancock. For information, call 906-487-7549.

Pam Audette Named Chair for Medial Assistant Program

: November 2, 2009

HANCOCK, MI – Pam Audette BS, MT (ASCP), has accepted the position of program chair and instructor for the Finlandia University Medical Assistant program.

In her position, Pam will direct Finlandia’s new Medical Assistant program and begin completing the steps necessary for the program to receive accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

"This will include planning and developing the curriculum, establishing and coordinating externships at local affiliates, and teaching medical assistant classes based on the educational competencies for a medical assistant," Pam explains. "I look forward to the challenge!"

Pam’s immediate goals include preparing to teach her first medical assistant class this summer, as well as preparing for the classes she’ll teach in the 2010-11 academic year.

Pam was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. In 1992 she completed a bachelor of science in medical technology at Northern Michigan University. Pam worked in the Microbiology Clinical Laboratory at Marquette General Hospital from 1992 to 1998. She returned to the Copper Country in 1998 to raise her sons.

From 2000 to 2009 Pam worked as the microbiology supervisor in the Clinical Laboratory at Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital, Laurium, Mich. Also at Aspirus Keweenaw, Pam was the clinical teaching supervisor for Northern Michigan University Medical Technician Laboratory student interns.

In 2004, Pam earned a secondary education teaching certificate at Michigan Technological University. She is currently working on a MBA in healthcare management through Western Governors University.

Pam resides in Laurium with her two sons, Curtis and Bryce. She enjoys gardening, collecting depression-era glassware, watching local youth hockey, traveling, and being a life-long learner.

"What I enjoy most so far about my position at Finlandia is the friendly atmosphere of the entire campus," Pam says. "I feel like I have been working here for quite some time as everyone is so friendly and extremely helpful!"

Contact Pam Audette at 906-487-7367, pam.audette@finlandia.edu, or visit her office in Mannerheim Hall.

Women of Niskavuori
Delights Four Audiences

Hancock – October 26, 2009

The Finlandia University fall play was performed this past weekend at the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock.

There were evening performances Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and there was a sold-out matinee performance yesterday afternoon.

The play, "Women of Niskavuori," was written in 1936 by Hella Wuolijoki. It is a well-known Finnish play and since the year 2000 has been staged over 40 times in this country. It is believed that this was the first production of the play performed in English. Wuolijoki often wrote under the pseudonym of Juhani Teruapaa.

Hella Wuolijoki, 1886-1954, was one of the most colorful personalities in 20th-century Finland. She was a powerful and wealthy woman who headed up successful lumber and petroleum businesses on the one hand, and wrote left-wing plays on the other.

"The Women of Niskavuori" is the first of five plays that Wuolijoki wrote about Niskavuori, and all deal realistically with the problems encountered by strong women. One of her plays, "Juurakon Hulda," was adapted into the film, "The Farmer's Daughter," with Loretta Young and Joseph Cotten, which reportedly won an Oscar. She is credited as being one of the three most-performed playwrights in Finland, along with Aleksis Kivi

Her most famous internationally known play is "Herra puntila and His Man Mattii co-authored with Bercht which was performed at the Finnish American Heritage Center last fall.

The play was directed by Melvin Kangas who also produced and directed last year’s outstanding performance.

Melvin and his wonderful cast did a terrific job in translating this Comedy-Drama into an English performance that so many people could understand, feel and enjoy. The central charachters of the paly were

Lovissa Niskavuori, Niskavuori's elderly mistress, played by Pam Pouttu

Aarne Niskavuori, Lovissa's son, played by Pasi Lautala

Martta Niskavuori, Aarne's wife, played by Kaisa Randolph

All the actors and actresses of the cast did a wonderful job in portraying their characters and the ups and downs of emotions of this play.

Ilona Ahlgren, The new school teacher, played by Meghan Pachmayer
The play's story is one of power, complicated love relations, and conflict between the traditional and the modern. Set against the background of the Niskavuori family estate, the play is the first part of a four-part saga in the vein of "Upstairs, Downstairs." Her most famous intemationally known play is "Herra puntila and His Man Mattii co-authored with Bertolt Brech! which was performed at the Finnish American Heritage Center last fall. She is best known in her native Finland for "the Niska- vuori Saga" of which our play, "Women of Niskavuori" is the first of the series. It was written in 1935. She often wrote under the pseudonym of Juhani Teruapaa.

Gerard Brown: Seeing and Reading

HANCOCK, MI -Seeing and Reading, an exhibition of artwork by Philadelphia artist Gerard Brown will take place at the Finlandia University Gallery, located in the Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock, from October 26 to November 27, 2009. An opening reception for the artist will take place at the gallery Thursday,October 29th, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. An artist talk will begin at 7:15 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Brown will be exhibiting a series of gouache paintings titled The Whiteness of the Whale, which reference Herman Melville's 1851 novel Moby Dick. Brown makes paintings that sit at the intersection of seeing and reading. His paintings invite viewers to examine the idea that pictures can be read. The notion of the image as a form of text was central to much of the art making and theory of the late 20th century. By employing various writing systems (Braille and others) as building blocks of pictures, Brown invites the viewer to be a reader and the reader to be a viewer in hopes that something might be gained in the space between these parts of our selves. "A photograph of a person or a city is one form of description, and a poem about that person or place is another," he observes, "but what happens when these two perfectly adequate forms of description are turned on one another?" Describing Brown's work in an upcoming brochure, art critic Tom Csaszar notes, "The Whiteness of the Whale presents us with two layers of small circles overlapping and fusing with each other into one pattern that moves across the paper looking sometimes structured and sometimes random, and in a true sense it always is both." Csaszar continues, "While there are numerous ideas and intellectual responses to Brown's work, it is on the level of direct and immediate pleasures and impressions that Brown's surfaces are ultimately read. They can then be re-read as various suspensions and interruptions of meanings in order to make their sense more visible." Brown received a Master of Fine Arts in Painting and Drawing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Boston University of Fine Arts. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Art at the Tyler School of Art at Temple University in Philadelphia. His work has been exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions throughout the east coast and Chicago. Brown has also been actively involved in art criticism and arts writing and has worked for clients including the Pew Fellowships in the Arts, the Philadelphia Exhibitions Initiative of the Pew Charitable Trusts, the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, and the Philadelphia Department of Recreation Mural Arts Program. Brown will be on Finlandia University campus the week of October 27-30, 2009 where he will provide individual critiques to students and will present a public talk at his opening reception. The Finlandia University Gallery is in the Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy Street, Hancock. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday 12 pm - 4 pm or by appointment. Please call 906-487-7500 for more information.

Cameron Williams Named Acting Provost

HANCOCK, MI - Finlandia University President Philip Johnson recently
announced that Dr. Cameron Williams has been named acting provost for the university.

As acting provost, Williams is responsible for oversight of the academic
dimensions of the university, including administrative duties relating to
instruction and faculty. Williams directs Finlandia's Physical Therapist
Assistant program and serves as co-dean of the College of Health Sciences.

Williams is a lifetime resident of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He
completed a doctorate in physical therapy at Simmons College in 2005, and
also holds a master's degree in community healthcare administration from
California College for Health Sciences and a bachelor of science in physical
therapy from Northern Illinois University.

He is an active member of the Michigan Physical Therapy Association (MPTA), and for 15 years has been a delegate to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

Dr. Jeanne Rellahan, Finlandia University provost from 2005 to 2009, has
retired from her position as provost.

Williams can be contacted at 906-487-7368 or cam.williams@finlandia.edu.

North Wind Books to Celebrate 10 Years

Hancock - October 7, 2009

HANCOCK, MI - Finlandia University's North Wind Books celebrates its 10th
anniversary this October.

To thank the community for their support, the bookstore will celebrate with
a storewide 10% off sale the entire week of October 12, and with cake and
refreshments on Friday, October 16 from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m.

North Wind Books was opened in October 1999 after Peter and Patricia Van
Pelt, who had operated the bookshop at their home in Eagle Harbor for nine
years, invited Finlandia to purchase at cost the remaining North Wind Books
stock. At that time, the Van Pelts donated to the college the bookshop's
shelving, mailing list, supplier contacts, name, logo, and goodwill.

Since then, North Wind Books has enlarged its floor space and selections of
books and gifts. The book shop has added Finlandia University logo wear and
gifts, an entire room of children's picture books and young adult fiction,
and Finnish design items for the home. In 2005, an addition was constructed
for the sale of textbooks and school supplies.

Alana Nolan, manager of North Wind Books, says she is looking forward to
serving the Copper Country community and beyond for many decades to come.

North Wind Books is located at 437 Quincy St., Hancock. For additional
information, contact Alana Nolan at 906-487-7217 or visit
www.northwindbooks.com."

Cushingberry To Present Seminar Friday
HANCOCK, MI - This Friday, October 9, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., George Cushingberry, head of the Michigan House Appropriations Committee, will present a seminar in the Maki Library computer lab in Finlandia University's Wargelin Hall. Community members are invited to attend this free seminar. It is part of an interdisciplinary 15-week distance learning course, "The Dynamics of Political and Social Action." Mr. Cushingberry says the class is intended to equip students with knowledge about the methods, motifs, metaphors, meaning, and meanderings of the interrelationships of life, science, and philosophy. Cushingberry has served several terms in the Michigan House of Representatives. His current term ends in 2010. From 1987 to 2002, Cushingberry served on the Wayne County Board of Commissioners. For additional information, please contact Terri Martin at 906-487-7512.

Pie Social Raises Needed Funds

Saturday afternoon the "Old Main" at Finlandia U. was the scene of a Pie Social. After finishing up on a story in Ironwood I traveled to Hancock to partake in the fundraising event. The fundraiser was being held to raise funds for window replacement in the historic building. The event will took place on the enclosed front porch and the first floor of Finlandia's Hoover Center.

Don Peryam of Hancock his "Sander's Club" have arranged and completed numerous repair,

maintenance, and beautification projects on Finlandia's campus. He and his volunteers have already raised approximately half of the funds needed to make the repairs.

Peryam and local bakers Norma Nominelli, Hazel Tepsa, and Nancy Fenton made about 50 homemade pies for the fundraiser.

Poor weather conditions did not dampen the appetites or the enthusiasm of those attending the fundraiser. A lot of pies were already eaten by the time I arrived mid-afternoon. I was assured that the remaining fare was as delicious as the first ones consumed by those visiting the old mansion. Pies and beverages were served on the building’s wonderful veranda.

Each window and its installation costs approximately $600. An entire window can be donated in memory or in honor of a loved one or a special event, and an inscribed plaque will be attached to the window frame. Peryam is hoping to wrap up the windows fundraising project by November 1; the windows will be installed next spring.

Read more information about Vaino A. Hoover and the building named in his honor.

Nordic Film is this Thursday
HANCOCK, MI – The Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center begins its 2009-10 Nordic Film Series Thursday, October 8, at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., with the Finnish film, “The New Mankind.” The film is directed by Klaus Häro, who also directed popular Nordic Film Series selections, “Mother of Mine” and “Invisible Elina.” “Uusi Ihminen” is set in Sweden in 1951 as a new society develops; a society where there is no room for the socially and mentally weak. The main character, Gertrud, is a 17-year-old girl from a very poor family who, against her will, is committed to a work home for young women. There is no charge to attend the film, but donations are accepted. For information, call 487-7549.

Finlandia’s Nic Polzin is WIAC Offense Player of the Week
Karen Johnson, Exec. Director of Communications Date: September 17, 2009 Finlandia’s Nic Polzin is WIAC Offense Player of the Week HANCOCK, MI – Finlandia University men’s soccer midfielder Nic Polzin, Duluth, Minn., has received Athlete of the Week recognition in the offense category from the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) for the week of August 31 to September 6, 2009. Polzin opened the scoring this season for the Lions with a nifty free kick goal this week. On September 1 against Northland College, Polzin scored on a 25-yard free kick to the right side of the net to tie the game going into the half. The goal gave the Lions an opportunity to stay in the game and force an eventual overtime period. Polzin also played an important role in creating scoring opportunities in other matches against St. Norbert College and Defiance College (Ohio). Finlandia University is an affiliate member of the WIAC. For additional information about the Finlandia University men’s soccer program, please contact Sean Yahn, interim head soccer coach, at 906-487-7326 or sean.yahn@finlandia.edu.

Finlandia Welcomes New Campus Chaplain

Date: August 24, 2009

HANCOCK, MI – Finlandia University President Philip Johnson is pleased to announce that Soren Schmidt has accepted the call to serve as Finlandia University chaplain.
Soren comes to Finlandia with rich and varied experiences in Christian ministry, including 20 years of achievement in leading, developing, and implementing creative and educational faith-building programs
“Soren will bring a mature energy that will serve our campus community very well. He is very familiar with Lutheran higher education and the 90-plus congregations of the Northern Great Lakes Synod,” said President Johnson.
“I believe you will find Soren to be a very good Finlandia fit, able to genuinely and fully embrace our religious diversity while celebrating our distinct Lutheran heritage.”
Schmidt, originally from Escanaba, is a Suomi College alumnus (’94). He earned a B.A. in music at Dana College and a M.A. in education administration at Northern Michigan University. Since 2000, Soren has been the Outdoor Ministry program director at Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp near Crystal Falls, Mich. As university chaplain, he will be installed as a Licensed Lay Ministry professional.
René Johnson, who served as interim campus pastor for two years, will continue to serve as a full-time member of the faculty, focusing her attention on the curricular and co-curricular aspects of Servant Leadership and delivering the SCAS Christian Vocation concentration.
Contact Soren Schmidt at 906-487-7239 or soren.schmidt@finlandia.edu.

TRiO Academic Support

TRiO Academic Support
Available to Eligible Finlandia Students

HANCOCK, MI – New students enrolled this fall at Finlandia University may qualify for a full range of academic support services through the institution’s TRiO Student Support Services program. All services are free to those who qualify.

Fully funded by a U.S. Department of Education grant, the TRiO Student Support Services program annually provides up to 180 eligible Finlandia students with academic counseling, tutoring, career assistance, copy center services, a laptop loan program, and a variety of other services.

Students may be eligible for TRiO Student Support Services if they are first generation college students, have financial need or a disability.

For more information and to find out if you qualify, call 906-487-7296 or visit the TRiO Student Support Services office in Nikander 11 on the campus of Finlandia University.

Karen S. Johnson Executive Director of Communications Finlandia University 601 Quincy St. Hancock, MI 49930

Phone: 906-487-7348 Fax: 906-487-7365 E-mail: karen.johnson@finlandia.edu Website: http://www.finlandia.edu

New this Fall at Finlandia
Medical Assistant, Radiography Programs

Karen S. Johnson, Executive Director of Communications, Finlandia University

HANCOCK, MI – August 16, 2009

The Finlandia University College of Health Sciences will offer two new associate of applied science (AAS) degree programs starting in the Fall 2009 semester: Medical Assistant and Radiography.

The Medical Assistant associate degree is a two-year, five-semester program, including one summer semester. Freshman-level students take courses including college English, math, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and computer applications.

Later, Medical Assistant students complete courses in medical office administrative procedures, medical office clinical procedures, and lab procedures. Two externships – one administrative and one clinical – are also required. The Medical Assistant associate degree prepares the student to take the medical certification exam or continue their college education toward a bachelor’s degree.

The Radiography degree program, a collaborative agreement between Finlandia and the Marquette (Michigan) General Health System (MGHS) School of Radiography, is a three-year, seven-semester program accredited through the MGHS School of Radiography.

A radiographer uses radiographic technologies (diagnostic imaging such as x-rays and ultra-sounds) to produce images of human body tissues, organs, bones, and vessels, as directed by physicians, to assist in the diagnosis of injury or illness.

In the first year of the Radiography program, students complete general education coursework at Finlandia, then apply for entry to the MGHS School of Radiography and complete clinical coursework at Marquette General Hospital. During the third and final year of the program, students complete clinical experiences either in Marquette or the western Upper Peninsula, while finishing radiography theory coursework via online or distance learning classes.
Students may apply for the Radiography and Medical Assistant associate degree programs any time. Visit www.finlandia.edu to apply free on-line or download and print an application.

Please contact Finlandia University Admissions (877-202-5491, 906-487-7208) or the College of Health Sciences (906-487-7305) for complete program and admissions information.

Finlandia BFA Ceramics Grad Combines Art and Teaching
From Karen Johnson, Exec. Director of Communications HANCOCK, MI - August 13, 2009 Colleen (Trail) Carroll of Calumet has successfully combined her love for teaching and fine art. A 2009 Finlandia University ceramics and glass design BFA graduate, Carroll will co-teach a section of Introduction to Visual and Plastic Arts (ARD100) as an adjunct instructor this fall at Finlandia. Carroll explains that ARD 100 gives freshman-level students exposure to each of the Finlandia art studios – ceramics, studio arts, fiber arts, product design, graphic design – encouraging them to discover their preferred artistic medium early in their undergraduate education. Carroll coordinated and directed this year’s Summer Arts Camp at the Copper Country Community Arts Center, Hancock, for which she enlisted the assistance of several additional Finlandia BFA students and graduates to present two week-long day camps featuring beginning and advanced art classes for youth of all ages. Carroll was employed as a work-study student in the Finlandia ceramics studio for three years, and she was a teacher’s assistant for Phyllis Fredendall, associate professor of fiber arts. Her additional work experience includes three years as a waitress at the Michigan House, Calumet, and teaching clay classes and Kids Make Art classes at the Community Arts Center. She designed the 2008 and 2009 awards for the annual City of Hancock’s annual Canal Run, and the 2008 award for the 2008 Keweenaw Cup. Her artwork been displayed at the Finlandia University Gallery and the Community Arts Center, and her pottery is available at the Studio 41 gallery in Copper Harbor, Mich. Carroll was born in Redford, Mich, and grew up in Columbia, Tenn. She completed a bachelor of science degree in interdisciplinary studies and K-8 education at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn., and taught fourth and fifth grade for two years in Tennessee. She and her husband, Scott, a graduate student at Michigan Technological University, moved to the Copper Country in 2006. Carroll’s mother was born in Calumet. For additional information about the Finlandia University International School of Art & Design, please contact ISAD dean Denise Vandeville at 906-487-7379 or denise.vandeville@finlandia.edu.

Finlandia Adds Arts & Sciences Majors

HANCOCK, MI – July 30, 2009

The Finlandia University Suomi College of Arts & Sciences has announced the start of several new degree options beginning this fall.

The three new bachelor of arts degrees, and the conversion of a four-year program to a two-year associate degree, are in response to national trends, student demand, and constantly changing job opportunities, said Judith Budd, dean of the Suomi College of Arts & Sciences.

A new four-year bachelor’s degree in Psychology offers concentration options in general Psychology or Alcohol and Drug Abuse. Psychology, rated the second most popular major in the U.S. by the Princeton Review, prepares graduates for careers related to community and social services, mental health services, vocational rehabilitation, corrections, and many other professions. A Psychology degree is also good preparation for graduate school, Budd notes.

The four-year Communications major at Finlandia offers specializations in Journalism, and Visual, Environmental, or Organizational Communications. A Communications degree can lead to careers in public relations, marketing, writing and reporting, and broadcast media, to name a few. Nationwide, communications is the eighth most popular major.

The Criminal Justice program, established in 1983, has added a four-year bachelor of arts degree option, in addition to the associate degree program, which is still offered. Two- and four-year Criminal Justice graduates can look forward to careers in local, state and federal law enforcement, corrections, private security, and related fields.

Finlandia’s Human Services major, formerly a bachelor’s degree program, is now a two-year program. The Human Services associate degree program serves students who wish to begin careers as social services professionals. Finlandia students currently pursuing the bachelor’s degree in Human Services may continue the four-year degree path.

For additional information about these new Suomi College of Arts & Sciences majors, please contact Finlandia University Admissions at 906-487-7208 or admissions@finlandia.edu.

Finlandia University
Articles of Interest

Finlandia University, founded in 1896 as Suomi College, is the only private university in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and one of 28 colleges and universities affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It is the only university in North America founded by Finnish immigrants. Located in Hancock, Finlandia University is a learning community dedicated to academic excellence, spiritual growth and service. Bachelor and associate degrees are earned by students in two schools and two colleges serving the disciplines of art and design, business, liberal studies, and health sciences. Visit our Web site at www.finlandia.edu.

Finlandia’s 2009 Sibelius Festival September 21 to 25

HANCOCK, MI – The 11th annual Finlandia University Sibelius Academy Music Festival will take place from September 21 to 25, 2009.

Classical, jazz, and folk musicians from the prestigious Sibelius Music Academy of Helsinki, Finland, will present a series of concerts, at three locations in the western Upper Peninsula and in metropolitan Chicago. A folk and jazz music workshop is also scheduled.

Duo Raisanen & Parko is a classical music ensemble. Violinist Viola Räisänen and pianist Maija Parko began their musical collaboration in 2005, and they perform frequently in Finland. Viola and Maija will perform a full-length concert September 21 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Naperville, Ill. They will also perform September 23 in Ishpeming, Mich., and September 25 in Calumet, Mich. Visit the duo’s website at www.maijaviola.com.

Folk musicians Anssi Salminen, guitar, and Markus Luomala, accordion, are Duo Luomala & Salminen. Anssi and Markus, both known as charismatic live performers, have been performing together since 2008. Their concerts include modern arrangements of traditional Finnish fiddle tunes and original compositions. View their MySpace page and listen to their music at www.myspace.com/luomalasalminen.

Duo Luomala & Salminen will co-lead a music workshop September 22, and will perform a full-length concert the same evening in Hancock, Mich. They will also perform September 23 in Ishpeming, Mich., and September 25 in Calumet, Mich.

The Thomas Juhani Turunen Trio was formed in 2008 by the three young Helsinki-based musicians. Their music combines the American jazz tradition and the classical lyricism of European jazz. The trio features musicians Thomas Juhani Turunen on piano, William Tarvainen on the upright bass, and Mikko Arlin on drums.
Thomas, William, and Mikko will co-lead a folk and jazz music workshop on September 22 in Hancock, Mich., and will present a full-length concert September 25 in Calumet, Mich. They will also perform September 23 in Ishpeming, Mich. The jazz trio’s repertoire ranges from original compositions and jazz standards to selected Finnish compositions.

The Finlandia University Sibelius Academy Music Festival is intended to promote the enjoyment and appreciation of contemporary and traditional Finnish music. The prestigious Sibelius Academy enjoys a reputation as one of the largest and most elite music academies in Europe.

Concert tickets may be purchased at North Wind Books, Hancock, or on-line at http://finlandia-university.ticketleap.com.
For additional information about the 11th annual Sibelius Academy Music Festival, please contact festival coordinators Karen Johnson (karen.johnson@finlandia.edu, 906-487-7348) or Kaisa Randolph (kaisa.randolph@finlandia.edu, 906-487-7338).

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS –

11th Annual Finlandia University Sibelius Festival Music Festival

Monday, September 21, 7:00 p.m.
Concert: Duo Räisänen & Parko, classical violin and piano
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Naperville, Ill.

Tuesday, September 22, 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Jazz and Folk Music Workshop: Duo Luomala & Salminen and the Thomas Juhani Turunen Trio
Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock, Mich.
Pre-registration requested. Cost is $25 per person. Lunch will be served.

Tuesday, September 22, 7:00 p.m.
Concert: Duo Luomala & Salminen, guitar and accordion folk music
Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock, Mich.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students with ID. Finlandia University students and children age 10 and under are free.

Wednesday, September 23, 10:00 a.m.
Concert: Duo Raisanen & Parko, Duo Luomala & Salminen, and the Thomas Juhani Turunen Trio
W. C. Peterson Auditorium, Ishpeming High School, Mich.
High school students and high school teachers attend free. Tickets are $5.00 for adults.

Friday, September 25, 7:00 p.m.
Concert: The Thomas Juhani Turunen Trio, a jazz performance, with special guests Duo Raisanen & Parko and Duo Luomala & Salminen

Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock, Mich.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students with ID. Finlandia University students and children age 10 and under are free.

Finlandia Women Top Academic Honor Roll

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: July 10, 2009

HANCOCK, MI – The Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) announced the 2008-09 Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll this week.

With an average cumulative 3.592 grade point average, the Finlandia University women’s basketball team is ranked third among the top 25 NCAA Division III teams.

The Finlandia women have received this third place national academic recognition two years in a row.

“Among all the NCAA Division teams – I, II, and III – Finlandia is eighth in the nation,” said Curtis Wittenberg, Finlandia’s head women’s basketball coach. “I’m proud of the team for working so hard. It is one of our main goals every year to make this top 25 list.”

“I always emphasize academics first,” Wittenberg said. “I know that the students’ academic success will in large part determine their future career success. All the players will tell you that I’m always harping on them to study.”

The Academic Honor Roll is based on nominations submitted by WBCA-member head coaches. It is awarded to teams throughout the nation that carry the highest grade point averages (GPA) for the entire season.

Maryville University-St. Louis and York College took the first and second NCAA Division III academic spots with GPAs of 3.625 and 3.624, respectively.

For additional information about the Finlandia University women’s basketball program, please contact Curtis Wittenberg at 906-487-7214 or curtis.wittenberg@finlandia.edu.

Finlandia Jutila Center
Renovations Begin

HANCOCK - July 6, 2009

Phase II Jutila Center Renovations Begin

Finlandia University President Philip Johnson is pleased to announce that Phase II renovations to Finlandia’s Jutila Center for Global Design and Business began June 1.

“Finlandia recognizes the importance of contributing to the economic development of the western Upper Peninsula,” Johnson says. “It is rewarding to contribute to a stronger business community, creating more job opportunities for our graduates and all Copper Country citizens.”

The second round of improvements to the former Portage View Hospital continues a multi-phase project funded by an Economic Development Authority grant awarded in 2005. Including the current $1.58 million project, a total of $4.7 million has been invested to date in renovations to the Jutila Center, including a $700,000 investment from the Smart Zone. A recent 40% Finlandia matching gift paved the way for Phase II work.

Finlandia Begins
Early Registration

Date: July 7, 2009

Early Registration this Friday at Finlandia

HANCOCK, MI - This Friday, July 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, in the Old
Main building, Finlandia University Admissions will offer early registration
services for new students.

New students who will begin classes this fall, as well as students who wish
to apply to attend this fall, can talk with Admissions counselors, complete
the application process, find out about financial aid options, and enroll in
fall classes.

For additional information, please contact Finlandia Admissions at
906-487-7208 or admissions@finlandia.edu.

Upward Bound, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture to Help Nourish High School Students this Summer

June 15, 2009 HANCOCK, MI –

This summer, from June 17 to July 16, 35 area high school
students will experience the daily routines of college freshmen on the
Finlandia University campus.

The UB summer students live in the Finlandia residence hall, attend
demanding daily classes, complete homework, meet new people, and, of course,
eat three meals daily in Finlandia’s cafeteria, the Mannerheim Café.

For more than 25 years, this ‘mock college experience’ has been part of
Finlandia’s year-round Upward Bound (UB) program, which is funded by a grant
from the U.S. Department of Education. The summer residential program is
intended to help prepare the youth for academic success and acclimate them
to the responsibilities of being on their own.

Food service during the summer UB program is funded in part through the U.S.
Department of Agriculture Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) for Children.
As an SFSP sponsor, Finlandia’s Upward Bound receives financial support for
serving healthy meals and snacks to eligible summer participants.

The SFSP is the single largest Federal resource available for local sponsors
who want to combine meals with a summer activity program, states the SFSP
Web site (www.summerfood.usda.gov). It was created to ensure that children
in lower-income areas continue to receive nutritious meals during long
school vacations.

For additional information about the Upward Bound program at Finlandia
University, please contact Lee Luoto at 906-487-7286 or
lee.luoto@finlandia.edu.

Upward Bound Car Wash,
Hot Dog Sale June 19th

HANCOCK, MI - June 15, 2009

Area high school students participating in this year's Finlandia University Upward Bound summer residential program will conduct a car wash and hot dog sale at Wal-Mart, Houghton, on Saturday, June 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The car wash will help fund a one-week bus trip to Cleveland, Ohio, at the
conclusion of this year's "mock college experience." The trip itinerary
includes tours of Notre Dame and John Carroll Universities, and visits to
the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Zoo and Rainforest, and the
Museum of Natural History.

The annual Finlandia University Upward Bound summer residential program
gives area high school students the opportunity to experience the daily
routines of college freshmen. It takes place this year from June 17 to July 16.

For additional information, please contact Lee Luoto, director of
Finlandia's Upward Bound program, at 906-487-7286.

July Reserved for Books, Authors, Learning, and Fun

HANCOCK, MI - June 12, 2009

Thursdays during July, Finlandia University's North Wind Books
will host a series of children's activities and author book signings. The
community events are free and open to the public.

For adults, four "Campus, Community, and Authors" (CCA) events will take
place. Book authors will give a 20 to 30 minute presentation about their
work with time for discussion and questions, after which they will sign
copies of their books.

For children, four "Children's Unique Books" (CUB) events will be held.
Geared to children grades Kindergarten through second, most CUB events will
feature children's book authors who will read their books to children and
engage them in an activity related to the books.

"The bookstore invites everyone to meet a variety of authors and learn
something new," said Alan Nolan, manager of North Wind Books. "Through the
CUB and CCA events, we want to provide both adults and children with
stimulating growth opportunities. We also want to promote literacy. This is
a great way to get to know different authors and genres and learn from the
authors' experiences."

All of the CCA and CUB events take place at North Wind Books, Hancock. CUB
children's events are from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.; CCA adult events are from
4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served, and a good time is
guaranteed. The schedule of events follows.

Thursday, July 9, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., a dual CCA/CUB event for adults and
children with Connie Loisel, author of Bo Bear...the Journey Begins: A
Finnish American Tale and Pentti & the Hungry Polar Bear.

Thursday, July 16, a CUB event with Paula Ellis, author of Michigan Activity
Book and The North Shore Activity Book. A CCA event with poet Lisken Van
Pelt Dus, author of Everywhere at Once, a collection of poems.

Thursday July 23, a CUB event with retired teacher Deborah Frontiera, author
of Eric and the Enchanted Leaf: A Visit with Canis Lupis, Eric and the
Enchanted Leaf: The First Adventure, and Living on Sisu. A CCA event with
Lauri Anderson, author of multiple short story collections, including his
newest, Mosquito Conversations.

Thursday, July 30, a CUB event with Finnish educator Kaisa Randolph
involving a number of children's books with a Finnish theme. A CCA event
with writer, lay minister, and musician Joy Ibsen, author of Unafraid.

North Wind Books is located at 437 Quincy St., downtown Hancock. For
additional information, contact the bookstore at 906-487-7217.

Duane Aho Named EVP
and
Chief Advancement Officer

HANCOCK, MI - June 10, 2009

Finlandia University and President Philip Johnson are pleased
to welcome Duane Aho as the university's executive vice president for
external relations and chief advancement officer effective June 1, 2009.

Aho brings twenty-two years of management and executive management
experience to Finlandia, as well as seven years of higher education
advancement experience. At Finlandia he will be responsible for all
advancement activities and serve on the president's three-member Management
Team. Aho will also supervise and support collegiate athletics, the Jutila
Center for Global Design and Business, the Finnish American Heritage Center,
and the university's Admissions Department.

"Duane's personal background, work experience, management skills, and proven
leadership have prepared him well to serve in this key executive position,"
said President Johnson. "And above all, as an alumnus he has a deep desire
to see Finlandia flourish."

Aho was born and raised in the Copper Country and has spent his professional
career in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He completed an associate degree
at Suomi College in 1971, and in 1974 a bachelor of science in business at
Michigan Technological University. Most recently, Aho was community bank
president for Citizens Bank, Hancock. He served on the Finlandia University
Board of Trustees from 2007 until May 2009.

Duane Aho can be contacted at 906-487-7349 or duane.aho@finlandia.edu.

Local Students Make Dean's List

Houghton - June 10, 2009

Students from Gogebic and Ontonagon counties earned places on the Dean's List at Finlandia University for the spring of 2009.

Making the list from Ontonagon County were: Ellen A. Bonzell, (4.00), Justin W. Buzzo, (3.94), of Ontonagon, MI and Kaitlin A. Voight, (3.86), of Ewen, MI .

Nikolas M. Patrick, (3.54), from Ironwood, MI was the sole Gogebic County Student to make the list.

Fifty-three students from Houghton County also made the Dean's List.

Click to view the entire list of Honors Students.

Finlandia University Deans List
Spring 2009

Dean’s 4.0, Dean’s, and Honors Lists

HANCOCK, MI June 9, 2009

Finlandia University is pleased to recognize its students who, in the Spring 2009 semester, earned grade point averages from 3.50 to 4.00. The Dean’s 4.0, Dean’s, and Honors lists include students who completed at least 12 credit hours in the Spring 2009 semester. Finlandia University faculty and staff congratulate these students on their academic achievements!

The Dean’s List 4.00 recognizes Finlandia University students who, in the Spring 2009 semester, completed 12 or more credit hours and earned a perfect 4.00 grade point average. The following students are on the Spring 2009 Dean’s List 4.00 (First Name, Last Name, GPA, Hometown):

UPPER PENINSULA COUNTIES

Alger County, Michigan
Jillian R. Dolkey, 4.00, Wetmore, MI

Baraga County, Michigan
Katelyn A. Maki, 4.00, Baraga, MI
Marc T. Marcotte, 4.00, L’Anse, MI

Dickinson County, Michigan
Casey Luke, 4.00, Iron Mountain, MI

Houghton County, Michigan
Melinda S. Seppanen, 4.00, Atlantic Mine, MI
Colleen M. Carroll, 4.00, Calumet, MI
Kenneth E. Tolkkinen, 4.00, Calumet, MI
Mallory E. Torola, 4.00, Calumet, MI
Beth H. Keskimaki, 4.00, Chassell, MI
Dawn M. Engman, 4.00, Dollar Bay, MI
Tabitha M. Kuopus, 4.00, Dollar Bay, MI
Philip D. Bercot, 4.00, Hancock, MI
Chelsea L. Bessner, 4.00, Hancock, MI
Jill M. Codere, 4.00, Hancock, MI
Justus C. Gau, 4.00, Hancock, MI
Ansley K. Knoch, 4.00, Hancock, MI
Frederick W. Knoch, 4.00, Hancock, MI
Roberta L. Rosenberger, 4.00, Hancock, MI
Lauren R. VanderLind, 4.00, Hancock, MI
Krystel L. Killian, 4.00, Houghton, MI
Kirsti N. LaBelle, 4.00, Houghton, MI
Jessica L. Salo, 4.00, Houghton, MI
Adam W. Jeffery, 4.00, Lake Linden, MI
Keith E. Kangas, 4.00, Lake Linden, MI
Kimberly J. Tober, 4.00, Lake Linden, MI
Alicia L. Wanhala, 4.00, Lake Linden, MI
Karen S. Anderson, 4.00, Laurium, MI
Roxanne M. McCabe, 4.00, Laurium, MI
Diana K. Sorvisto, 4.00, Laurium, MI
Jared L. Tormala, 4.00, Toivola, MI
Marquette County, Michigan
Tara M. Nancarrow, 4.00, Marquette, MIM
Allyson M. Tincknell, 4.00, Negaunee, MI
Lindsey J. Antilla, 4.00, Republic, MI

Menominee County, Michigan
Jessica J. Eichhorn, 4.00, Wallace, MI

Ontonagon County, Michigan
Ellen A. Bonzell, 4.00, Ontonagon, MI

LOWER PENINSULA COUNTIES

Ingham County, Michigan
Meisha J. Bray, 4.00, Haslett, MI

Kent County, Michigan
Christina M. Andres, 4.00, Grand Rapids, MI

Livingston County, Michigan
Amy A. Messer, 4.00, Howell, MI

Otsego County, Michigan
Andrew W. Kirt, 4.00, Gaylord, MI

St. Clair County, Michigan
Alyssa A. Suozzi, 4.00, Columbus, MI

Wayne County, Michigan
Jennifer L. Hamel, 4.00, Livonia, MI
Amanda N. Moyer, 4.00, Livonia, MI

OUT OF STATE

Jessica J. Millar, 4.00, Acton, CA
Danielle A. McKee, 4.00, Brodhead, WI
Amy B. Danielson, 4.00, Centerville, MN
Matthew J. Krueger, 4.00, Pewaukee, WI

INTERNATIONAL

Laura M. Kolehmainen, 4.00, Helsinki, Finland
Hanna R. Laukkanen, 4.00, Savonlinna, Finland
Kumiko Takahashi, 4.00, Kanagawa, Japan

The semester Dean’s List recognizes Finlandia University students who, in the Spring 2009 semester, earned 12 or more credits, a semester GPA of 3.75 or above, and no grade below a “C.” The following students are on the Spring 2009 Dean’s List (First Name, Last Name, GPA, Hometown):

UPPER PENINSULA COUNTIES

Alger County, Michigan
Jessica L. Shega-Fox, 3.83, Chatham, MI
Rachael M. Reidenga, 3.90, Wetmore, MI

Baraga County, Michigan
Chaslyn J. Duffek, 3.75, Pelkie, MI

Dickinson County, Michigan
Jordan L. Siegler, 3.89, Felch, MI
Danielle C. Wilson, 3.90, Iron Mountain, MI
Rocco A. Bertucci, 3.93, Kingsford, MI
Stephanie M. Murray, 3.93, Quinnesec, MI
Brittany M. Gagnon, 3.76, Vulcan, MI

Houghton County, Michigan
Jessie R. Arens, 3.85, Atlantic Mine, MI
Clint R. Pakkala, 3.82, Atlantic Mine, MI
Josie K. Riutta, 3.75, Atlantic Mine, MI
Michael A. Tommaro, 3.87, Atlantic Mine, MI
Nicole M. Frantti, 3.96, Calumet, MI
Pamela A. Kotila, 3.94, Dodgeville, MI
Alisha M. Carne, 3.78, Dollar Bay, MI
Claire J. Faville, 3.83, Dollar Bay, MI
Krystale Rivest, 3.93, Dollar Bay, MI
Stacy J. VanWagner, 3.93, Dollar Bay, MI
Amber L Castro, 3.77, Hancock, MI
Caitlin M. Rose, 3.92, Hancock, MI
Stephanie K. Tarvainen, 3.84, Hancock, MI
Jeffrey S. Vater, 3.82, Hancock, MI
Robin L. Vitton, 3.93, Hancock, MI
Jessica L. Voght, 3.93, Hancock, MI
Emily R. Gauthier, 3.79, Houghton, MI
Alexis A. Johnson, 3.80, Houghton, MI
Michelle L. Kuure, 3.94, Houghton, MI
Hayley M. Laban, 3.89, Houghton, MI
Ibolya S Manderfield, 3.93, Houghton, MI
Rebecca J. Nordmark, 3.79, Houghton, MI
Donald M. Watson, 3.82, Houghton, MI
Heidi A. Wingerson, 3.80, Kearsarge, MI
Jill M. Heide, 3.75, Lake Linden, MI
Becky A. Kangas, 3.85, Lake Linden, MI
Kevin M. LaRoux, 3.95, Lake Linden, MI
Bonnie J. Loukus, 3.94, Lake Linden, MI
Carrie M. Palfey, 3.93, Lake Linden, MI
Bonnie L. Johnson, 3.86, Laurium, MI
Christina J. LaBelle, 3.79, South Range, MI
Romana M. Vosecky, 3.93, South Range, MI

Iron County, Michigan
Medea A. Klima, 3.78, Alpha, MI
Jonica R. Ropiak, 3.83, Crystal Falls, MI
Charly M. Sartori, 3.87, Crystal Falls, MI
Sadie M. Hebert, 3.87, Iron River, MI

Marquette County, Michigan
Laura S. Metcalf, 3.88, Gwinn, MI
Gina L. Aho, 3.78, Marquette, MI

Menominee County, Michigan
Daniel M. Grille, 3.93, Wallace, MI

Ontonagon County, Michigan
Kaitlin A. Voight, 3.86, Ewen, MI
Justin W. Buzzo, 3.94, Ontonagon, MI

LOWER PENINSULA COUNTIES

Allegan County, Michigan
Michael T. Williams, 3.82, Allegan, MI

Isabella County, Michigan
Mariah S. Mumford, 3.93, Mt. Pleasant, MI

Kent County, Michigan
Robin M. Dunne, 3.77, Grand Rapids, MI

Livingston County, Michigan
Brent J. Nix, 3.80, Brighton, MI
Ryan P. Donovan, 3.94, Pinckney, MI

St. Clair County, Michigan
Kristy A. Coughlin, 3.75, Algonac, MI

Wayne County, Michigan
Brandon W. Vanacker, 3.79, Lincoln Park, MI

OUT OF STATE

Bradley W. Meyers, 3.93, Chino Hills, CA
Elyse A. Beebe, 3.94, Richmond, IN
Lana M. Bosak, 3.95, Underwood, MN
Jaimianne T. Amicucci, 3.94, Mahopac Falls, NY
Gloria C. Pittman, 3.80, Fairview, TX

INTERNATIONAL

Danika A. Giguere, 3.80, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Nemanja Jankovic, 3.76, Belgrade, Serbia

The Honors List recognizes Finlandia University students who, in the Spring 2009 semester, earned 12 or more credits, a semester GPA of 3.50-3.749, and no grade below a “C.” The following students are on the Spring 2009 Honors List (First Name, Last Name, GPA, Hometown):

UPPER PENINSULA COUNTIES

Alger County, Michigan
Mollie M. Schultz, 3.65, Wetmore, MI

Baraga County, Michigan
Kristen J. Collins, 3.68, L’Anse, MI
Whitney N. Sirard, 3.66, L’Anse, MI
Andrea M. Mantta, 3.67, Pelkie, MI

Delta County, Michigan
Michaela C. Boddy, 3.73, Gladstone, MI
Kyle R. Kelley, 3.68, Gladstone, MI
Lauren R. Strong, 3.54, Gladstone, MI

Dickinson County, Michigan
Benjamin G. Westcott, 3.54, Iron Mountain, MI
Susanne E. Danielson, 3.60, Kingsford, MI
Jessica R. Demers, 3.56, Vulcan, MI

Gogebic County, Michigan
Nikolas M. Patrick, 3.54, Ironwood, MI

Houghton County, Michigan
Jamie L. Kilpela, 3.72, Atlantic Mine, MI
Jodi B. Riutta, 3.50, Atlantic Mine, MI
Brandon J. Faust, 3.66, Calumet, MI
Leann R. Macomber, 3.62, Calumet, MI
Sasha M. Beyers, 3.54, Dollar Bay, MI
Eric J. Monticello, 3.61, Dollar Bay, MI
James Brey, 3.51, Hancock, MI
Janna L. Daavettila, 3.56, Hancock, MI
Tina M. Elenich, 3.65, Hancock, MI
Kathryn A. Fredianelli, 3.51, Hancock, MI
Anne C. Patrick, 3.74, Hancock, MI
Julie F. Switzer, 3.60, Hancock, MI
Haley J. Gauthier, 3.60, Houghton, MI
Serena M. Harju, 3.68, Houghton, MI
Ashley N. Harma, 3.61, Houghton, MI
Lisa A. Naber, 3.50, Houghton, MI
Rachel J. Smith, 3.57, Houghton, MI
Jenelle L. Gardner, 3.54, Lake Linden, MI
Rachel A. Kerttu, 3.54, Lake Linden, MI
Keith Anderson, 3.59, Laurium, MI

Iron County, Michigan
John C. Fish, 3.52, Iron River, MI

Kalkaska County, Michigan
Linzy L. Monticello, 3.72, Rapid River, MI

Keweenaw County, Michigan
Sheryl C. Keranen, 3.62, Allouez, MI
Donica H. Dravillas, 3.56, Copper Harbor, MI
Karen E. Koljonen, 3.66, Mohawk, MI

Luce County, Michigan
Johnna D. Taylor, 3.63, Newberry, MI

Marquette County, Michigan
Bryan J. Arseneau, 3.56, Champion, MI
Emily T. Conrad, 3.57, Marquette, MI
Bryan A. Solander, 3.64, Marquette, MI
Jennifer V. VanOverloop, 3.72, Marquette, MI
Jennette M. Katona, 3.59, Negaunee, MI

LOWER PENINSULA COUNTIES
Livingston County, Michigan
Shari D. Messer, 3.67, Howell, MI

OUT OF STATE
Ashley N. Jilek, 3.67, Rockford, IL
Brittany A. Foster, 3.63, Cloquet, MN
Annika E. Danielson, 3.50, Cokato, MN
Charles J. Fisher, 3.50, Yakima, WA
Tyler J. Gordon, 3.72, Bayfield, WI
Tara J. Vassar, 3.66, Niagara, WI

INTERNATIONAL
Jessica L. Jones, 3.66, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Eric J. Schultz, 3.72, Strasbourg, Saskatchewan, Canada

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Free Business Counseling June 9

Date: June 1, 2009

HANCOCK, MI – The Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) and Finlandia University invite area entrepreneurs to take advantage of free one-on-one business counseling sessions at the university’s Jutila Center on Tuesday, June 9, 2009.

Business consultant Roger Woods of Homer Productivity, LLC, can advise on all aspects of small business development from the initial idea through growth and expansion strategies.

Appointments are recommended and can be made by phone (906-487-7450) or e-mail (cgdb@finlandia.edu).

The Finlandia University Jutila Center is at 200 Michigan St., Hancock.

John Hubbard Exhibit Opens May 28th
John Hubbard: Recent Work Exhibit Dates: May 28 to July 17, 2009 Opening reception: Thursday, May 28, 2009, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
	John Hubbard in his studio
HANCOCK, MI – May 20, 2009 An exhibit of recent paintings by Marquette artist John Hubbard is featured at the Finlandia University Gallery, located in the Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock, May 28 to July 17, 2009. An opening reception for the artist will take place at the gallery, Thursday, May 28, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. An artist talk will begin at 7:15 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Drawing inspiration from well-known Canadian painters, The Group of Seven, and the California impressionists, John Hubbard’s recent series of landscape paintings, created during a recent sabbatical, express the rugged beauty and luminous light of the northern landscape. Closely cropped water patterns, treetops viewed from below, and the blue green light of the deep forest fill Hubbard’s canvases. Working alla prima, from the Italian “at once,” Hubbard created each painting in one sitting. He begins his process by searching the surrounding woods and photographing thousands of images, seeking to capture a fleeting quality of light that will bring authenticity to his landscape painting. “My goal as a painter is not to duplicate the photo, but to bring to the viewer those aspects of the image that are significant and to make it look not like a photo, but a painting that was done with brushes, rags, fingers and paint,” notes Hubbard. “The interest in a painting or any work of art is the unique visual formation of the marks that differ from one person to the next.”
Hubbard is also interested in conveying the inherent value and vulnerability of nature through his work. “The relation of man and nature has been explored by many artists, especially the Hudson River artists, but my concern is different in that I am fearful of man’s impact on the environment as we face global warming, and other events that may affect our world as we know it,” says Hubbard, adding that his future work will continue to explore these concerns.
	above - Spider Trees 2009, Oil on Canvas, 18” x 24”
The productive and creative momentum created in Hubbard’s recent sabbatical, and continuing intensive painting research, are significant influences in his work. In this new series of landscape paintings, Hubbard continues to refine his process as he discovers new techniques and ideas. A professor in the School of Art and Design at Northern University for nearly 40 years, Hubbard teaches drawing, painting, and printmaking. His work has been exhibited in numerous one-person and juried exhibits. Public commissions of his work include the Fredeen Art Project in Marquette and the Copper Country Mental Health Building in Houghton. John Hubbard: Recent Work will be on display at the Finlandia University Gallery until July 17, 2009. The Finlandia University Gallery is in the Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy Street, Hancock. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., or by appointment. Please call 906-487-7500 for more information.

Finlandia University Class of 2009

Hancock – May 14, 2009

Finlandia University is pleased to announce that 108 bachelor and associate degrees were awarded to the university’s Class of 2009 at Commencement exercises May 3, 2009.

Degrees conferred to Finlandia’s Class of 2009 are: 8 Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees in Elementary Education, 4 B.A.s in Liberal Studies, 1 B.A. in Liberal Studies: English; 1 B.A. in Liberal Studies: Social Science; and 5 B.A.s in Human Services; 28 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degrees; 13 Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degrees; 14 Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degrees; 12 Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees in Criminal Justice, 15 A.A.S. degrees in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA); and 7 Associate of General Studies (A.G.S.) degrees.

The 2009 graduating students, the degrees they earned, their minor or concentration, and their hometowns, Click Here

The Finlandia University
Office of Admissions has announced extended summer hours.

HANCOCK, MI -

Beginning Monday, May 11, the Admissions office will be open 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. on Fridays.

The extended hours are intended to accommodate potential students and parents who work during the day, and others who find it more convenient to complete Admissions-related university business after 4:30 p.m.

The public is invited to visit with the Admissions Team during the extended summer hours to find out more about attending Finlandia University. Campus tours will be scheduled throughout the summer.

Other services available during the extended summer hours include payment of Fall 2009 tuition deposits and, after June 1, new students can register for fall classes.

The Office of Admissions in located on the first floor of Old Main, 601 Quincy St., Hancock. For additional information, please contact Martin Kinard, Finlandia director of admissions, at 906-487-7352.

Finlandia University Commencement is Sunday, May 3

HANCOCK, MI - Finlandia University is pleased to announce that its 2009 Commencement exercises will take place Sunday, May 3, 2009, at 2:00 p.m., at the Paavo Nurmi Center, Hancock. Finlandia will award diplomas to 108 graduation candidates. A Baccalaureate worship service will take place at 10:00 a.m. Sunday, May 3, at the Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock. The Rev. Dr. Lee Goodwin, the director of the ELCA Northern Great Lakes Synod Sabbath Project, will deliver the sermon. Degrees conferred to Finlandia's Class of 2009 are: 8 Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees in Elementary Education, 4 B.A.s in Liberal Studies, 1 B.A. in Liberal Studies: English; 1 B.A. in Liberal Studies: Social Science; and 5 B.A.s in Human Services; 28 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degrees; 13 Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degrees; 14 Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degrees; 12 Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees in Criminal Justice, 15 A.A.S. degrees in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA); and 7 Associate of General Studies (A.G.S.) degrees.
The Finlandia University Class of 2009 Valedictorian is Lauren VanderLind. She has completed a bachelor of arts in Liberal Studies: English, with concentrations in philosophy and religion. If she had to name three things she's gained at Finlandia, Lauren says they would have to be confidence, a direction in life, and a voice. Lauren graduated from Houghton High School in 2003. She lives in Hancock with her husband, Blake. Her parents, Joan and Marshall Logue, live in Houghton.
Peter Van Pelt, executive director of the Pine Mountain Music Festival, will deliver this year's Commencement address. Finlandia University is pleased to honor Peter Van Pelt with an honorary doctoral degree in recognition of his sincere and substantive engagement in the life of the western Upper Peninsula.
	Alumnus speaker Jan Wisniewski is a senior fiscal analyst for the Michigan House of Representatives, overseeing the fiscal budgets of the Michigan State Police and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Jan earned an associate degree in English at Suomi College in 1993, and was awarded a bachelor of science in English and a master of public administration degree by Northern Michigan University.
For additional information, please contact the office of Finlandia University Provost Jeanne Rellahan at 906-487-7512.

English Major Lauren VanderLind is Finlandia Class of 2009 Valedictorian

HANCOCK - April 28, 2009

Finlandia University Class of 2009 Valedictorian Lauren VanderLind graduates this spring with an overall grade point average of 4.0. She has completed a bachelor of arts in English with concentrations in philosophy and religion.

Lauren began her studies at Finlandia in 2006 as an Elementary Education major. She switched to English after taking ENG 104 with Assistant Professor Timo Koskinen.

"Timo encouraged me to consider graduate school down the line, and I enjoyed the literary analysis and creative writing in the course so much that I decided English was what I wanted to focus on," Lauren explains.

"It may sound odd, but I was hit by a car that semester," Lauren continues. "If it weren't for that, I probably wouldn't have made the switch. My accident provided me with the material for the literary journalism piece Timo had assigned."

In fact, Lauren notes that writing that piece helped her deal with the trauma of the accident. She found that articulating her experience in creative writing was intoxicating.

"I knew I wanted to keep writing for the rest of my life," she says.

Lauren attended Northern Michigan University for three semesters, then took some time off to figure out what she wanted to do with her life. After about a year and a half, she decided to apply to Finlandia.

Lauren feels she has grown quite a lot during her three years at Finlandia. She notes that in different ways all of her professors have been important in her education. The same goes for the classes, most of which pertained directly to her major and concentrations. She says she's enjoyed it all.

"If I had to name three things I've gained at Finlandia, they would have to be confidence, a direction in life, and a voice," she says.

For her senior thesis project, Lauren wrote a one-woman play that she hopes to publicly perform someday. She believes its universal message will resonate with many people.

"It's entitled 'I Hate Everyone,' and expresses the struggle between my judgmental side and the part of me that strives to be a good Christian," Lauren explains. "It's about my own hypocrisy. I think that people should treat one another with kindness and respect, yet I find myself making judgments about others all the time."

Later this year, Lauren will begin to apply to graduate schools for admission in fall 2010. She'd like to complete an MFA in creative writing, and someday study for a masters degree or doctorate in religious studies.

In the meantime, she hopes to find a job where she can make use of her English degree. "I'd really like to be a tutor," she notes.

Lauren graduated from Houghton High School in 2003. She lives in Hancock with her husband, Blake. Her parents, Joan and Marshall Logue, live in Houghton. When she has downtime, Lauren says that she likes to read, listen to music, and spend time with her husband, her cat, and her friends.

Finlandia Honor Grads Announced

Honors Grads Recognized at Annual Banquet

HANCOCK, MI - April 30, 2009

Friday evening, April 17, 2009, students, family members, faculty, and staff gathered at the annual Finlandia University Honors Banquet to recognize student achievement. Finlandia faculty and staff heartily congratulate these students.

The following 2009 graduates were recognized for their academic achievements:

Class of 2009 Valedictorian: The bachelor's degree valedictorian is Liberal Studies-English graduate Lauren R. VanderLind (Calumet, Mich.).

Class of 2008 Summa Cum Laude Honors Graduates: These students earned an overall 3.9-4.0 GPA. The summa cum laude bachelor's degree candidates are Lindsey J. Antilla (Republic), Lisa M. Harden (Baraga), Andrew W. Kirt (Gaylord), Ansley Knoch (Hancock), Frederick W. Knoch (Hancock), Ashley M. Metz (Crystal Falls), Jessica J. Millar (Acton, CA), Marinda P. Tolksdorf (Houghton), and Lauren R. VanderLind (Hancock).

The associate degree summa cum laude candidates are Amber L. Castro (Hancock), Bonnie L. Johnson (Kingsford), Linzy L. Monticello (Rapid River) and Kumiko Takahashi (Chigasaki, Kanagawa, Japan).

Class of 2008 Magna Cum Laude Honors Graduates. These students earned an overall 3.700-3.899 GPA. Magna cum laude bachelor's degree candidates are Colleen M. Carroll (Calumet), Michael J. Datto (Atlantic Mine), Stacy E. Karvonen (Nisula), Krystel L. Killian (Lake Linden), Tabitha M. Kuopus (Dollar Bay), Courtney E. Loosemore (L'Anse), Casey L. Luke (Iron Mountain), Katelyn A. Maki (L'Anse), Ibolya S. Manderfield (Houghton), Audrey L. Mills (Laurium), Tammy M. Perry (L'Anse), Melissa S. Peterson (Little Lake), Vicki L. Peterson (Pelkie), Melinda S. Seppanen (Atlantic Mine), and Dorianne Vassar (Florence).

The associate degree magna cum laude candidates are Kathryn A. Fredianelli (Hancock), Takaaki Niikura (Chigasaki, Japan), Kazuki Nishiyama (Suginami-ku, Tokyo, Japan), and Christine M. Zimmer (Ontonagon).

Class of 2008 Cum Laude Honors Graduates. These students have earned a 3.50-3.699 overall GPA. Bachelor's degree cum laude candidates are Heidi R. Butler (Hoyt Lakes, Minn.), Jessica I. Coltas (Copper Harbor), Kristy A. Coughlin (Algonac), Amy J. Daavattila (Hancock), Jennifer L. Hamel (Livonia), Keith E. Kangas (Lake Linden), Medea A. Klima (Alpha), Christian B. Kurtti (Houghton), Blake R. Miller (Hancock), Karilyn K. Noll (Green Bay, Wisc.), Selena T. Patolo (Concord, Calif.), Anne C.J. Patrick (Hancock), Jonica R. Ropiak (Crystal Falls), Jordan L. Siegler (Felch), Bobbi M. Teddy (L'Anse), and Jessica L. Voght (Hancock).

The associate degree cum laude candidates are Kara E. Destrampe (Lake Linden), Brittany M. Gagnon (Vulcan), Theresa L. Jarman (Chassell), Karen E. Koljonen (Mohawk), Lisa A. Naber (Houghton), and Johnna D. Taylor (Newberry).

Sampo Society Membership is awarded to graduating students with a cumulative GPA of 3.75-4.0 who have demonstrated leadership, commitment, achievement, initiative, and involvement in the cultural and intellectual life of the campus and community. This year's recipients are Lindsey J. Antilla (Republic), Michael J. Datto (Atlantic Mine), Lisa M. Harden (Baraga), Andrew W. Kirt (Gaylord), Jessica J. Millar (Acton, Calif.), Amber L. Castro (Hancock), and Bonnie L. Johnson (Kingsford).

The Sisu Award is awarded to students who have shown courage, fortitude, and perseverance in overcoming hardship to achieve academic and personal success. This year's recipients are Brittany M. Gagnon (Vulcan), Jacquelyn A. Hakala (Pelkie), and Stacy E. Karvonen (Nisula).

Continuing Finlandia University students received the following scholarships and awards:

The Kenneth and Lois Seaton Scholarship is awarded to a Copper Country area junior/senior student in a bachelor's degree program. This year's recipient is Romana M. Vosecky (South Range).

The Philip and Loret Ruppe Community Service Scholarship is awarded annually by the Ruppe family to commemorate the service of former Congressman Phil Ruppe, a Houghton native, and his late wife, Loret Ruppe, who served as head of the Peace Corps and ambassador to Norway. The scholarship recognizes students for outstanding volunteer efforts and service to the college campus and local community. This year's recipients are Justin W. Buzzo (Ontonagon) and Katrina T. Obikwelu (Jackson).

The Samuel Westerman Scholarship is awarded to nursing students from the Upper Peninsula entering their sophomore year as full-time students. Recipients demonstrate financial need, are active in volunteer service to the university or community, and have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0-3.49. This year's recipients are Roxanne M. McCabe (Laurium) and Donald M. Watson (Houghton).

The Virginia Fund Scholarship is awarded in memory of Mrs. Richard R. Smith to a freshman woman who plans to continue as a student at Finlandia for the 2009-10 academic year. The scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement and overall contribution to campus life. This year's recipient is Agnes S. Pietila (Bruce Crossing).

The David Lauren Jokela Endowed Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a continuing student who has demonstrated leadership, service to others, a caring attitude, and 'sisu.' This year's recipient is Pamela A. Kotila (Dodgeville).

For additional information, please contact Finlandia University Provost Dr. Jeanne Rellahan at 906-487-7512.

Sense of Place
HANCOCK, MI - April 6, 2009 Author Jan Worth-Nelson will present a Writer's Journey seminar this Thursday, April 9, 4:00 to 5:30 p.m., at the Finlandia University Chapel of St. Matthew, Hancock. The topic of her seminar is "A Sense of Place." Worth-Nelson teaches creative writing at University of Michigan-Flint. She is also a poet, an essayist, and a fiction writer. She published her first novel, Night Blind, in 2006. Night Blind is the fictional saga of a ragtag bunch of Peace Corps volunteers grappling with the 1976 murder of Peace Corps volunteer Deborah Gardner in the remote and eccentric Kingdom of Tonga. Worth-Nelson was a Peace Corps volunteer in Tonga from 1976-1978. Night Blind was a top ten finalist in literary fiction for 2006 Book of the Year awarded by ForeWord Magazine. Worth-Nelson has published essays, poems, short stories, and reviews in publications including, the Los Angeles Times, the Detroit Free Press, the Drexel Online Journal, Michigan Quarterly Review, Passages North, Fourth Genre, Controlled Burn and Marlboro Review. Most recently, two of her essays appeared last fall in the Christian Science Monitor. Her poems have appeared in two editions of Contemporary Michigan Poetry, published by Wayne State Press. Worth-Nelson has a bachelor's degree in journalism, an MSW from University of Michigan, and an MFA in creative writing from Warren Wilson College. She has been teaching writing at UM - Flint since 1996. The final Writer's Journey seminar is Monday, April 20, when Suzanne Strempek Shea will talk about her recent book, "Sundays in America." The Writer's Journey seminar is free and open to the public. For additional information, please contact Suzanne Van Dam, Finlandia assistant professor of English, at 906-487-7515 or suzanne.vandam@finlandia.edu.

"Art as Activism" Subject of April 7th Lecture
HANCOCK, MI – April 1, 2009 Professional artist and teacher Helen R. Klebesadel will discuss the place in which art and activism come together at a free community lecture Tuesday April 7, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., at the Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock. Refreshments will precede the lecture at 6:30 p.m. The title of her talk is, "The Personal Is Political: Art as Activism." Klebesadel will work with Finlandia art and design students from April 6 to 8 as an artist-in-residence. From Madison, Wisconsin, Klebesadel, is director of the Women's Studies Consortium at the University of Wisconsin. In 2006 she was appointed by Governor Jim Doyle to a three-year term on the Wisconsin Arts Board. Best known for her feminist subject matter, Klebesadal's current work is centered around environmental themes and the relationship of humans to nature. She also teaches art workshops that focus on empowering participants to create art from their own life experiences. Klebesadel notes that the arts are one of the ways a culture defines what they value. Visual artists, for example, not only relay aesthetic, and sometimes personal, content in their work, they may use the content of their own lives to express their understanding of cultural, social, and political issues. Klebesadel exhibits widely and has written several publications on using student-centered pedagogies in college level art teaching. In her teaching, she says she is committed to student-centered, multicultural pedagogies. An exhibit of watercolor paintings by Klebesadel was featured this March at the Vertin Gallery, Calumet. Visit the artist's website at http://klebesadel.com. For additional information, please contact Yueh-mei Cheng, associate professor of studio arts and illustration, at 906-487-7375 or yueh-mei.cheng@finlandia.edu. Photo cutline: Artist and teacher Helen R. Klebesadel

Peter Gundersen to Lead Writer’s
Journey Seminar Thursday, March 19th

HANCOCK, MI – March 17, 2009

Peter Gundersen, Finlandia University associate professor of philosophy and religion, will present a Writer’s Journey seminar this Thursday, March 19, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. at the university’s Chapel of St. Matthew, Hancock.

Gundersen will briefly discuss the use of form in poetry, drawing on examples of the villanelle, a French poetry form introduced in the 1800s. Seminar-goers will examine several notable examples of this form, as well as one of Gundersen’s own attempts, and share thoughts on the value of form in poetry.

Gundersen has been teaching at Finlandia for six years. He was a parish pastor for 21 years prior to assuming a teaching role. Before entering Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, he spent a year in a MFA writing program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

The next Writer’s Journey seminar is Thursday, March 26, with M. Bartley Seigel who will be talking about the literary avant-garde. Seigel is an assistant professor of diverse literatures and creative writing at Michigan Tech, and the editor of PANK Magazine.

The Writer’s Journey seminar is free and open to the public. For additional information, please contact Suzanne Van Dam, Finlandia assistant professor of English, at 906-487-7515 or suzanne.vandam@finlandia.edu.

Poet Randy Freisinger to Lead Writer's Journey Seminar February 26
HANCOCK, MI - February 23, 2009 Michigan Tech humanities professor Randy Freisinger will present a Finlandia University Writer's Journey seminar this Thursday, February 26, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. at the university's Chapel of St. Matthew, Hancock. The title of his talk is, "The Straight and Crooked Figure a Poem Makes." He'll combine some discussion of his writing with readings from his published and more recent work. Freisinger, whose primary literary work is as a poet, has received numerous awards and honors. Eight of his poems have been nominated for the prestigious Pushcart Prize, and his work has appeared in numerous literary magazines and anthologies. His collection of poems, "Running Patterns," won the 1985 Flume Press National Chapbook Competition. His full-length poetry collection, "Plato's Breath" won the 1996 May Swenson Poetry Prize from Utah State University Press. Freisinger's most recent honor is the 2007 Readers Award in Poetry from New Letters Magazine. In 2008, he was awarded the MTU Distinguished Teaching Award in the associate professor/professor category. Freisinger is a professor of rhetoric, literature, and creative writing in the Humanities Department at Michigan Technological University. For 12 years he has served as associate editor for The Laurel Review, a national literary magazine. Freisinger was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, and completed undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees at the University of Missouri-Columbia. The Writer's Journey seminar is free and open to the public. For additional information, please contact Suzanne Van Dam, Finlandia assistant professor of English, at 906-487-7515 or suzanne.vandam@finlandia.edu.

Madison Artist to Speak at Finlandia
Date: February 17, 2009 Madison, Wisconsin, Artist and Professor to Discuss Art and Activism March 4 HANCOCK, MI - Madison, Wisconsin, professor and visual artist Helen R. Klebesadel notes that the arts are one of the ways a culture defines what they value. Visual artists, for example, not only relay aesthetic, and sometimes personal, content in their work, they may use the content of their own lives to express their understanding of cultural, social, and political issues. At a free community lecture Wednesday, March 4, 2009, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., at the Finlandia University Finish American Heritage Center, Klebesadel will discuss the place in which art and activism come together, especially, but not only, regarding women's issues. The title of her talk is, "The Personal Is Political: Art as Activism." As an artist-in-residence at Finlandia University from March 2 to 6, Klebesadel will work with art and design students, helping them find effective ways to articulate their ideas and perceptions in their chosen mediums. Klebesadel exhibits widely and has written several publications on using student-centered pedagogies in college level art teaching. She is a past national president of the Women's Caucus for Art, the largest and oldest multi-disciplinary women's art organization in the USA, a past member of the board of directors of the National Women's Studies Association, and a current appointee to the Wisconsin Arts Board. Visit the artist's website at http://klebesadel.com. An exhibit of recent watercolor paintings by Klebesadel, titled "The Birds, Bees, Flowers, and Trees," will be featured at the Vertin Gallery, Calumet, from March 6 to April 1. For additional information, please contact Yueh-mei Cheng, associate professor of studio arts and illustration, at 906-487-7375 or yueh-mei.cheng@finlandia.edu.

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