The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland
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The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland
30.04.2020
Press release: 30.4.2020
The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (ISYY) has named Aleksi Kinnunen and Brenda Nissén as the 2020 Velj’mies and Siskotyttö. The 2020 Immersed Professor is Tero Karjalainen (PhD).
The Student Union’s Kuopio Campus Board annually names two persons who are actively involved in student’s interest advocacy and the Student Union’s activities as the Velj’mies (Brother Man) and the Siskotyttö (Sister Girl). The 2020 Velj’mies is Aleksi Kinnunen and the Siskotyttö is Brenda Nissén. Both of them are well-liked actors of the Student Union and their respective Student Organisations.
Kinnunen worked as the chairperson of the ISYY Executive Board in 2019. Additionally, he has worked for two years in the Executive Board of Preemio student organisation, one of which as a Chairperson.
– Aleksi is not afraid to take a lead when it is needed, and you can always count on his help. He has also initiated many revisions in the Student Union, says the Chairperson of the ISYY Executive Board Aino Peltonen.
Nissén has worked actively in the Student Union’s Representative Council in 2018-2019. She was also organizing the Student Union’s Representative Council Elections in 2019 as a Chairperson of the Central Elections Committee and was in charge of interest advocacy in Retikka, her own student organisation in 2018.
– With her inspiring attitude, Brenda has spread a positive image of the Student Union and also attracted new actors along, says Peltonen.
As the Immersed Professor of 2020 the Student Union chose Tero Karjalainen, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), who is a Vice head of the department at the Department of Applied Physics and the Chair of the University Collegium. Karjalainen works at the Department of Applied Physics as a Research Manager. Among the students he is known being very student-friendly, cooperative and encouraging.
– Karjalainen has supported students in organizing and innovating new working life events. He was chosen as the Immersed Professor because of his positive attitude towards students and working life, states Peltonen.
Choosing the Velj’mies, Siskotyttö and Immersed Professor are a part of the Student Union’s May Day traditions. Velj’mies and Siskotyttö have the special honor of capping the Velj’mies statue at the Kuopio market square, after which the May Day celebrants will put on graduation caps.
The Student Union has chosen and immersed professors on the May Day eve at the Kuopio market square since 1974. The immersing of the professor is a unique event both in Finland and internationally.
This year the immersing of the professor and selecting the Velj’mies and Siskotyttö was broadcasted on ISYY’s Wappu Radio on April 30th. For security reasons, the events were pre-recorded.
Aino Peltonen, Chair of the Executive Board and Chair of the Kuopio Campus Board, the Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (ISYY), tel. 044 576 8404, puheenjohtaja(at)isyy.fi