Fulbright Finland News 2/2019

THE

visiting columnist: finnish minister for foreign affairs

ISSUE 70 VOL. 29 FALL 2019

FULBRIGHT FINLAND

History Unlike Any Other Why Fulbright Matters Now More than Ever New Fulbright-KAUTE Foundation Award

biannual magazine published by the fulbright finland foundation

FROM THE EDITOR

Critical Role of Exchanges

I

n 2019 we celebrated the 70th Anniversary of

was established to create global citizens – those

ASLA-Fulbright exchanges. In this Fulbright

who dare to address universal problems with inno-

Finland News issue – fittingly the 70th – our

vative solutions, and create meaningful change.

alumni share the impact of these exchanges on

The relevance and critical role of these exchanges

higher education and research collaboration, the

is only increasing. Miika Tomi, a Finnish foreign

society at large, and how the intellectual and cul-

service officer and Fulbright alum, argues why Ful-

tural exchanges have shaped their own careers and

bright matters now more than ever (p. 8).

lives.

Finnish-American exchanges have a history

Our invited columnist, Finnish Minister for For-

unlike any other (p. 5). But while we build on our

eign Affairs Pekka Haavisto underlines the criti-

strong roots and long history, our focus is firmly in

cal role of exchanges in international relations.

the future. Right now we are preparing to launch

He describes how people-to-people contacts have

the call for the third international Fulbright Arc-

served as building blocks for the transatlantic rela-

tic Initiative involving researchers from all eight

tionship (p. 3).

Arctic Council countries (p. 4). We are also getting

The Fulbright Finland Foundation programs

ready to announce several new partnership agree-

have changed and evolved significantly over the

ments that create entirely new Fulbright awards

seven decades, but at their core remains the endur-

and opportunities in transatlantic exchanges. For

ing belief that those who spend time immersed

these and more, stay tuned for 2020!

in another culture will have a profoundly deeper

IN THIS ISSUE

understanding of the world, build lasting relation-

Terhi Mölsä

ships and return home a more well-rounded and

Chief Executive Officer

empathetic global citizen. The Fulbright program

Fulbright Finland Foundation

10 14 17 20

“SUPERHOST” Making Most of the Host Experience GLOBAL EXCHANGES BETWEEN INTERDISCIPLINARIANS CONVERSATION WITH CULTURAL BLENDING ALUM ESTABLISHES A NEW AWARD

6

EXPLORING FULBRIGHT HISTORY

Administrative Director Immo Aakkula (center on the cover) guiding the Foundation team at National Archives of Finland.

4 News 21 Alumni News 18 Alumni in Focus: Bill Eaton 2 | www.fulbright.fi

Cover photo: Maija Kettunen

VISITING COLUMNIST

2019 – A Year of Celebrations These close people-topeople contacts from early settlers to scholars and students of our times have served as building blocks for the unique nature of the transatlantic relationship.

W

ith the first snowflakes hitting the

scholars to gain access to educational resources

ground, it is a good time to look back

that were not available in Finland at that time.

at the great year that we have had.

So far, more than 3,800 Finnish students and

The year 2019 marks both the centennial of the

scholars and more than 1,900 Americans have

Finnish-U.S. diplomatic relations and the 70th

had the chance to participate in the educational

anniversary of the ASLA-Fulbright exchange

and professional exchanges. These numbers are

program. I want to take this opportunity to

truly impressive.

express the importance of these two events.

It is reasonable to say that Fulbright Fin-

The formal relationship between Finland

land has played an important and a very pos-

and the United States began 100 years ago, on

itive role in the Finnish–U.S. relationship. On

May 7 1919, when the U.S. Secretary of State

the occasion of our 100th year of independence,

Mr. Lansing cabled Finnish Foreign Minister

the United States presented Finland with a

Mr. Holsti that the Independence of Finland

most welcomed centennial gift of an additional

had been recognized. Three weeks later, the

500,000 USD to the Fulbright Finland Founda-

diplomatic relations were established. How-

tion. This gift is an outstanding way to com-

ever, our shared history goes much further

memorate our close and deep partnership and

back in history. According to the U.S. Office of

we are truly grateful.

the Federal Register, the first Finnish settlers arrived in the United States already in 1638. That

THESE CLOSE PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE CONTACTS

is when Nordics, many of them natives of Fin-

from early settlers to scholars and students of

land or Finnish-speaking Swedes, established

our times have served as building blocks for

the colony of New Sweden in present-day

the unique nature of the transatlantic rela-

Delaware. It has been said that Finns introduced

tionship. No other link holds such significance

the log cabin – hirsimökki - to the Americans -

globally than the relationship between Europe

something that we could call early technology

and the United States. It is based on the same

transfer.

values and interests across the full spectrum of

Over the past century, our relationship has

fields – politics, economy, education, research

grown into a dynamic and strong bilateral part-

and science, culture and many more. We need

nership. Together we have contributed to the

this partnership to respond to challenges both

growing peace, prosperity, and security for

in our regions and globally. The transatlan-

our peoples and promoted democratic values,

tic relations remain indispensable also for the

including human rights, across the globe.

rules-based international order. It is in our joint interest to safeguard this relationship and to

THE YEAR 2019 also marks the 70th anniver-

keep it strong and vibrant. Finland appreciates

sary of the ASLA program. Finland was one of

the close relationship with the U.S. and values

the first nations to be offered the opportunity

the work the Fulbright Finland Foundation does

to join the ASLA-Fulbright program. The U.S.

tremendously. Let us keep these exemplary

Congress established the program, using Fin-

relations going for the next centennial to come!

land’s own loan repayments dating back to the first years of our independence. The first Finnish ASLA grantees left for the United States in

Pekka Haavisto

1950. This program allowed the students and

Minister for Foreign Affairs

www.fulbright.fi | 3

STUDIO TERHO PHOTOGRAPHY

NEWS

New Fulbright-KAUTE Foundation Award The Fulbright Finland Foundation is pleased to announce its new collaboration agreement with The Finnish Science Foundation for Technology and Economics KAUTE. The agreement launches the Fulbright-KAUTE Foundation Award. The award supports Finnish researchers and profession-

IIE Europe Award for Excellence to the Fulbright Finland Foundation

T

als in the fields of Economics and Technology to pursue research or professional projects in the U.S. The two foundations have collaborated

successfully

already

since 2016, and the new agreements

brings

the

collabora-

tion onto a new level with a joint hyphenated award.

“The Fulbright Finland Foundation highly values the collaboration with the KAUTE Foundation.

he

Institute

of

International

The award was presented by IIE Pres-

Working together we are able to

Education awarded the 2019 IIE

ident and CEO Allan Goodman to the

offer more opportunities in these

Europe Award for Excellence to

Foundation CEO Terhi Mölsä at a special

important fields,” says Terhi

the Fulbright Finland Foundation. The IIE

reception held in conjunction with the 2019

Mölsä, CEO of the Fulbright Fin-

Europe Award for Excellence recognizes

European Association for International

land Foundation.

outstanding achievement in international

Education EAIE Conference in Helsinki.

education, relevance to European higher

IIE, established in 1919, is among the

education and high impact on the Euro-

world’s largest and most experienced

pean education community.

international exchange organizations.

www.fulbright.fi Text: Emmi Jelekäinen

Third Fulbright Arctic Initiative Coming Soon

T

he highly successful Fulbright

knowledge experts are encouraged to

beginning. The program’s mid-term ple-

Arctic Initiative will soon get a

apply.

nary weeks for both rounds were orga-

third round. A new cohort of Arc-

Like the first two rounds, the third

nized by the Fulbright Finland Foundation

tic researchers will be selected through an

Fulbright Arctic Initiative will create a

in Finland, and the second round coin-

open competition launching in early 2020.

network of scholars and researchers to

cided with the Finnish chairmanship of

stimulate international scientific collab-

the Arctic Council.

Approximately 16 scholars from the eight

oration on critical topics such as energy,

Arctic Council member states will be

health and wellbeing, the environment,

selected to engage in individual and col-

and economic sustainability in the Arctic.

laborative research, in-person and vir-

Using a collaborative model to translate

tual meetings, and public engagement

theory into practice, program partici-

on important Arctic issues during an

pants will address public-policy research

18-month program in 2020-22. The pro-

questions relevant to Arctic nations’

gram is open to scholars from any disci-

shared challenges.

pline and at all career stages. Early career

Finland has had a special role in the

scholars and indigenous and traditional

Fulbright Arctic Initiative from the very

4 | www.fulbright.fi

Steve Money Deputy Director, Office of Academic Exchange Programs Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs U.S. Department of State Fulbright Arctic Initiative www.cies.org/arctic www.fulbright.fi/grants-research-postdoc-andscholar/fulbright-arctic-initiative

#FULBRIGHTFIN70

History Unlike

www.fulbright.fi/about-us/ history-unlike-any-other

T

Any Other

he history of the Finnish-American Ful-

the materials of the Special Collections at the Uni-

bright program is unlike any other. Finland

versity of Arkansas Libraries (see p. 6-7), and the

was one of the first nations to be offered the

U.S. Library of Congress, and created on its website

opportunity to join the Fulbright Program in 1947.

a page that shares in brief the exceptional history

However, the exchanges were begun with what

of Finnish-American exchanges. Included are also

is known as the ASLA Program (Amerikan Suomen

links to articles and copies of original documents

Lainan Apurahat, Finnish for “Grants from the

that bring to life this unique story, and more links

American Loan to Finland”). ASLA was created by

and materials will be added during the coming year.

the U.S. Congress in 1949 and funded by the repayments of a loan that Finland had received from the United States after the first World War. Fin-

* * *

land was the only country that paid back its debt

What did the Finnish President J.K. Paasikivi write

to the United States, which won Finland enormous

in his personal diary in 1951 about his meeting with

goodwill. The Fulbright agreement was signed in

David Hinshaw, the man behind the idea of using

1952 and the exchanges later became known as

Finnish loan payments for grants? And what were

ASLA-Fulbright.

Senator J. William Fulbright’s arguments when he

In recognition of the 70th Anniversary Year of

defended the ASLA proposal in the Senate Foreign

the exchanges, the Fulbright Finland Foundation

Affairs Committee in July 1949? Find the answers,

has explored its historical records housed at the

and much more here: www.fulbright.fi/about-us/

National Archives of Finland (cover photo) as well as

history-unlike-any-other

Kamalan ihana Amerikka!

Mitä Fulbright-vaihdot ovat ja

Anita Lehikoinen, Helsingin Sanomien toimittaja

miksi ne ovat tärkeitä? Ful-

Saska Saarikoski, Fulbright Suomi -säätiön toimi-

bright Suomi -säätiö järjesti

tusjohtaja Terhi Mölsä sekä Itä-Suomen yliopiston

osana 70-vuotisjuhlavuoten-

professori ja Fulbright Suomi -säätiön hallituk-

sa

paneelikes-

sen puheenjohtaja Piia Björn. Keskustelua juonsi

kustelun ”Kamalan ihana

toimittaja ja MTV Uutisten uutisankkuri Jaakko

Amerikka – Kansainvälisyys

Loikkanen.

ohjelmaa

tuo sivistystä!” Porin Suomi­ Areenassa heinäkuussa 2019.

Kansainvälisyydestä keskustelemassa olivat opetus- ja kulttuuriministeriön

kansliapäällikkö

Katso kooste keskustelusta https://bit.ly/2OKCRlH

www.fulbright.fi | 5

#FULBRIGHTFIN70

At the Home of Fulbright The University of Arkansas and the Fulbright Finland Foundation have a special relationship. But what connects the two?

Text and photos TERHI MÖLSÄ

F

ayetteville, the hometown of Senator J. William Fulbright and the flagship campus of the University of Arkansas, hosted an

unforgettable visit for me to reexamine and celebrate the special ties.

Born in 1905, Fulbright grew up in Fayetteville, in the hill country of the Ozarks in northwestern Arkansas. He attended the University of Arkansas and was a star player on its football team, the Razorbacks. After graduating, he received a Rhodes scholarship, which brought him from the provincial town to Pembroke College in Oxford, England, from 1925-28. Oxford was a transformational experience. It changed his worldview and laid part of the foundations for the legislation he authored as a junior Arkansas Senator in 1946 to establish

bright Finland Foundation. But there I was late Fri-

the educational exchange program that bears his

day afternoon on a flight from Washington D.C. to

name.

northwestern Arkansas along with Arkansas Sena-

Finland is among the handful of countries that

tor John Boozman, a member of the Senate Appro-

has been associated with the Fulbright Program

priations Committee. We talked about Fulbright

since the very start, and is celebrating the 70th

and the impact and importance of exchanges. The

anniversary of Finnish-American exchanges this

global Fulbright Program is fortunate to have him

year. Over 3,800 Finns and 1,900 U.S. citizens have

in Washington, D.C. as an advocate and supporter.

participated in the programs of the Fulbright Finland Foundation to date.

To celebrate the special relationship between the Fulbright Finland Foundation and the University of Arkansas, I presented to the university a glass

I MET SENATOR FULBRIGHT on his last trip abroad

kuksa. It is our 70th anniversary art piece, modeled

in 1992, three years before his death, when he vis-

after a traditional Finnish, and originally Sámi, cup

ited Helsinki and Tampere and received an honor-

and created and hand-crafted in a limited edition

ary doctorate from the University of Tampere, my

by the American glass artist and Fulbright Finland

alma mater. We had a memorable conversation. He

alum, Jonathan Capps. The memorable recognition

was well aware of Finland’s – and Fulbright Fin-

ceremony took place at a venue laden with symbolic

land’s – exceptional history and was a great friend

importance: in front of the Fulbright Peace Foun-

of Finland and “the courageous Finns”, as he put it.

tain and across from the bronze statue of J. William

Little did I know that 27 years later I would visit

Fulbright, set between Old Main, the historical

his home town in Arkansas as the CEO of the Ful-

campus center which now houses the J. William

6 | www.fulbright.fi

The Fulbright Peace Fountain on the University of Arkansas campus with the bronze statue of Senator J. William Fulbright in the background.

L. JOHNSON

#FULBRIGHTFIN70

Finland is among the handful of countries that has been associated with the Fulbright Program since the very start.

Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, and Vol Walker Hall, which formerly housed the university president’s office and now is the home of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design. The Dean, Peter MacKeith, is a distinguished alum and supporter of the Fulbright Finland Foundation, and the kuksa will be permanently displayed in his office.

This is a fully appropriate coincidence because it is the very same office J. William Fulbright had during his tenure as president of the University of Arkansas from 1939 to 1941.

I got to spend time at the Special Collections at

“The Fulbright Legacy Project is dedicated to

the University of Arkansas Libraries, which houses

promoting Arkansas higher education, business

the J. William Fulbright Papers as well as the his-

and government to the worldwide Fulbright com-

torical files of the Bureau for Educational and

munity through the lens of Senator Fulbright’s

Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of

signature program; and conversely having the

State, and the Council for International Exchange

international Fulbright communities share with

of Scholars Records. The Fulbright Finland Foun-

us their countries benefits and experience,” she

dation is privileged to have its own archive housed

says, extending an invitation for collaboration to

in the National Archives of Finland. However, the

the Fulbright Finland Foundation and to the global

papers in the Special Collections in Fayetteville on

Fulbright community.

Finnish-American exchanges since the late 1940s

My exceptional hostess and guide during my

illuminate the American side of the story and are

stay in Fayetteville was DeDe Long, Director Emer-

crucial for understanding the complete picture.

itus of the Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange of the University of Arkansas. Adding yet

“AS THE SCHOLARLY HUB IN THE UNITED STATES

another special connection to our list, DeDe Long is

for Senator Fulbright’s legacy and that of the Ful-

the current Vice-Chair and the designated incom-

bright Program, it is our honor and privilege to

ing Chair of the Board of Directors of the Fulbright

support emerging modes of scholarship drawing on

Association, a Washington D.C. based membership

these rich collections that document the history of

association for American alumni of the global Ful-

international education and exchange,” says Lori

bright program, which the Fulbright Finland Foun-

Birrell, Associate Dean for Special Collections.

dation has a continuing collaboration with.

It was inspiring to see how the University of

I was genuinely touched by the heart-felt hospi-

Arkansas and the broader Arkansas community are

tality of everyone that I met in Fayetteville, start-

working together to promote the Senator’s legacy.

ing with the President of the University of Arkansas

After a long career in the nation’s capital, includ-

system, Don Bobbit, and the university chancellor,

ing serving as the chief of staff in the Presidential

Joseph Steinmetz; the deans of the Fulbright Col-

Personnel Office during the Clinton Presidency,

lege, the Graduate School and International Educa-

Marsha Scott recently returned to her home state,

tion, and University Libraries; and all of the staff,

Arkansas, to serve as the Director of the new Ful-

faculty, and students I was fortunate to meet. We

bright Legacy Project that she established together

look forward to returning their Arkansan hospital-

with Todd Shields, Dean of the J. William Fulbright

ity, and invite our Fayetteville friends to another

College of Arts and Sciences.

special place in the Senator’s heart — Finland!

At the recognition event (l-r) Kim Needy, Dean of the Graduate School and International Education, Dennis Clark, Dean of Libraries, Fulbright Finland Foundation CEO Terhi Mölsä, Peter MacKeith, Dean and Professor of Architecture at the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, and DeDe Long, Director Emeritus of the Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange, and Vice-Chair of the Fulbright Association.

The Fulbright Finland 70th Anniversary kuksa on its stand, made from local cherry wood in Fayetteville

by Justin M. Tucker from the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design.

www.fulbright.fi | 7

MILOŠ VUJOVIĆ

#FULBRIGHTFIN70

Why Fulbright Matters Now More than Ever

O

pen any serious news source and you will

need to be built. That is why Fulbright, as the

find a long list of critical problems facing

world’s leading international exchange program, is

our world today – war, climate change,

so important today.

international refugee crises, inequality, misinfor-

Through the Fulbright Finland Foundation, I

mation, and more. With a list this extensive, it is

have witnessed how Fulbright scholars around the

hard to remain both informed and optimistic.

world have been brought together to discuss arctic

As a career diplomat, I deal with this list on a

issues along with indigenous Sámi people. In the

daily basis. Solving these challenges is not getting

U.S., the Fulbright-Amizade in Appalachia initia-

any easier.

tive unites coal-mining communities with future

During my time as a Fulbright Finland scholar at

leaders to discuss sore topics like climate change

Georgetown University, I learned about three major

and immigration. With fellow Fulbright scholars

phenomena that are disrupting our world: how we

from four continents, I am soon traveling to Israel

communicate; the nature of work; and, our rapidly

to celebrate a wedding of my dear friend – the first

changing environment.

Arab Christian ambassador.

Miika Tomi 2015–2016 ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grantee at Georgetown University Miika Tomi is a Foreign Service Officer at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. Previously he has served at the World Bank, as an adviser for the Prime Minister and as a UN peacekeeper in Chad.

How we communicate has changed. For the first time in history the majority of humankind is able to read, write, and share their ideas to a wider audience. Yet, the democratization of communication combined with the transformation of media has led to polarization.

Our jobs are not the same either. The World Bank suggests that two-thirds of all jobs in developing countries are at risk of automation. Technical transformation is happening now – self-driving cars and

The challenges we face can only be solved by factdriven and internationally collaborative solutions.

automated cashiers are no longer unimaginable. As employment is often linked to personal identity and self-dignity, automation is likely to bring further instability and increase inequality.

Fulbright has made all these experiences happen

Our living environment is changing. Climate

for me and over 380,000 other alumni. It connects

change, urbanization, and new waves of migration

leading experts from different backgrounds like

all mean that our way of life is constantly evolving –

no other program does – and only diversity can

the world looks very different now than it did two

produce the extraordinary solutions for our over-

generations ago, and I’m certain the future will

whelming challenges.

look equally (if not more) different.

Senator Fulbright once said that “The simple purpose of the exchange program...is to erode the

How can we best solve these tremendous challenges facing our world?

culturally rooted mistrust that sets nations against

The challenges we face can only be solved by fact-

cea but an avenue of hope…”

one another. The exchange program is not a pana-

driven and internationally collaborative solutions.

So, when all hope seems lost, just remember

No nation is powerful enough to solve global prob-

that there is a Fulbright scholar somewhere trying

lems alone. Bridges within and between nations

to make the world a better place.

8 | www.fulbright.fi

CURRENT GRANTEES

Exploring Best Practices in School Leadership Across the Atlantic Text MIRKA McINTIRE

Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools Travel Grant Program is an intensive professional development opportunity for Finnish K-12 school administrators launched in collaboration with the U.S. State Department’s Teacher Exchange Program Branch, the Fulbright Finland Foundation and IREX. The FLGS is a two-way program. The Foundation welcomes the second U.S. cohort to Finland in March 2020.

Find out more about the program from the participants’ blog at: www.fulbright.fi/about-us/ blog/fulbright-leadersglobal-schools-travelgrant-program-new-ideasnetworks-developing

A

tors took Tarja Mykrä, Anne-Marie Rapo,

High Visibility for Finland and Finnish Education

new pilot program for school administraand Pasi Rangell on an intensive study

The ASCD Educational Leadership conference also

tour to the U.S. in November. In addition to a visit

brought extensive positive visibility for Finland

to the Columbia Heights Educational Campus and

and Finnish education. The U.S. Fulbright Leaders

expert briefings, the Finnish school leaders par-

for Global Schools program alumni shared lessons

ticipated in and presented at the Association for

learned during their 10-day intensive study of the

Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)

Finnish education system, and explained how the

Conference on Educational Leadership in National

program informs their practices as they continue

Harbor, Maryland.

to increase student autonomy and sense of commu-

They led a session titled “21st Century Leader-

nity within their education systems.

ship in Finnish Schools” focusing on the impor-

While the funding for international profes-

tance of Leading by Trust as one of the cornerstones

sional development opportunities for school lead-

of the Finnish school system.

ers beyond Europe is limited in Finland, there is

With more than 140 sessions on offer, the dele-

great interest among school administrators to also

gation was able to survey various themes in school

explore lessons from the U.S. as Finnish schools

leadership such as principal effectiveness, school

are getting larger and more multicultural, and the

and district management, instructional strategies

demands for principals are changing.

as well as personal and professional development.

“The rapidly changing world challenges teachers

The networking and collaboration opportunities

and school leaders to invest on their professional

were countless, with over 2,000 attendees, includ-

learning. Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools

ing nine U.S. Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools

Travel Grant Program gave me diverse perspectives

program alumni, who were excited to continue

to how personalized learning models can be built.

sharing best practices with their Finnish colleagues.

Professional learning empowers teachers to take

“Principals need more conference and school

an active role in their growth. It is a responsibility

observation trips like this! Collaboration with

of school leaders to support this growth at a school

American colleagues has been extensive and ben-

and individual levels,” says Tarja Mykrä, Director

eficial to both sides. It is also wonderful to be able

of Development and Member of the Management

to offer our own presentation of the Finnish school

Team of Mercuria Business College in Vantaa

system and its unique nature,” says Pasi Rangell, Principal of Seminaari School in Hämeenlinna.

www.fulbright.fi | 9

INTERNATIONALIZATION SERVICES

“SUPERHOST”

Making Most of the Host Experience Finnish hosts play a significant role for U.S. grantees before and during their adventure in Finland.

Text LEASA WEIMER A summary of ideas developed during the workshop www.fulbright.fi/ workshop-best-practiceshosting-us-students-andvisiting-scholars.

P

ractices for hosting U.S. Fulbrighters vary in

also clarified what is especially expected of the

Finnish higher education institutions, and

host organizations.”

while some U.S. students and scholars are

well prepared for their stay in Finland, others have

Two-way Bridge

to establish their own networks and get adjusted

An overview of Fulbright Finland Foundation ser-

in the new academic and cultural environment

vices, resources, and guidance for hosts was fol-

very independently. As a way to further develop

lowed by an interactive panel discussion with hosts

and nurture the host-grantee relationship, the

and former grantees.

Fulbright Finland Foundation organized a work-

“Visualize the host-grantee relationship as

shop for Finnish hosts in August 2019 with support

a two-way bridge, where the host and grantee

from the U.S. State Department’s USAStudyAbroad

exchange and share their culture and professional

office.

insights,” Leasa Weimer encouraged the partici-

The workshop brought together hosts of U.S.

pating hosts and panelists. “At the same time, the

students, teachers, and scholars from Finnish

host serves as a bridge to further develop inter-

higher education institutions, and provided them

nationalization at home efforts by facilitating

with an opportunity to share and discuss best

opportunities for the U.S. grantee to meet and

hosting practices. Leasa Weimer, an experienced

interact with other staff, students, and university

scholar-practitioner in the field of internation-

initiatives.”

alization of higher education and also a new Ful-

Anu Härkönen, Head of International Affairs at

bright Finland Foundation staff member facilitated

Turku University of Applied Sciences, drew atten-

the workshop.

tion to the importance of hosting international

“The event gave insight on the network of current grantees in Finland, as well as valuable

10 | www.fulbright.fi

guests from the national and institutional perspective.

benchmark information on how other host uni-

“It would be very useful to share best practices

versities handle their support services for arriving

and work more together with other Finnish uni-

grantees,” says Marja Nyberg, HR Coordinator of

versities hosting Fulbright grantees. After all, it is

the International Staff Services from the Univer-

in everyone’s interest that the grantees enjoy their

sity of Jyväskylä. “The introductions gave insight

time in Finland. It would be great, if the grantees

on Fulbright Finland’s role in the process, and it

had the chance to get more contacts from higher

PHOTOS: INARI AHOKAS

INTERNATIONALIZATION SERVICES

education institutions from all around Finland.

For this the coordination and help of the Fulbright Finland Foundation is needed,” she says.

Hanna Pöyliö, University Teacher at the University of Jyväskylä and Project Coordinator at Niilo Mäki Institute, has been a ‘superhost’ for

Visualize the host-grantee relationship as a two-way bridge, where the host and grantee exchange and share their culture and professional insights.

several grantees over the years and she shared her top tips for ensuring grantees have a positive experience. “It’s like a hobby for me,” Hanna confessed as she talked about how she invites her grantees to participate in Finnish traditions with her family.

John Broussard, Professor of Finance at the Estonian Business School, spoke from his experience in Finland as the 2016-2017 Fulbright-Hanken Distinguished Chair in Business and Economics.

Key takeaways

He focused in on the importance of host communication, particularly in educating the grantee about the jewels of the university, region and the Finnish work-life balance philosophy.

Good Hosting Practices Contribute to Positive Experiences The panel of experts agreed that educating hosts (both administrative staff and faculty members) about best hosting practices has a positive impact on U.S. students’ and scholars’ study or research period in Finland. Positive experiences can increase the likelihood of long-term trans-Atlantic collaboration between Americans and Finns.

The panel discussion laid the foundation for a workshop that challenged the participants to brainstorm concrete ideas to help current and future hosts make the most of the experience.

Best practices were shared between new hosts and hosts with a proven track-record of going beyond

• Think of the hosting responsibility in three phases: pre-arrival (6 months to 1 day before arrival), welcome (1-2 weeks after arrival), integration (remainder of visit)

• Design a ‘hosting team’ that includes academic staff, human resources staff member and a staff member from the international office

• Ensure that the grantee has the academic calendar • Schedule a pre-arrival video call to prepare them for their arrival, discuss both host and grantee expectations, the feasibility of their project with current local context, and get to know one another

• Upon arrival, schedule a welcome coffee to introduce the grantee to research team/department

• Throughout grant period, serve as a conduit connecting the grantee with key individuals in their discipline at their home institution and in other Finnish institutions

basic procedures in helping U.S. students and visiting scholars to feel welcome, get settled, and connected with professional networks.

www.fulbright.fi | 11

U.S. GRANTEES IN FINLAND

Inside View to the Finnish Parliament

A

s a part of the Fulbright Finland Thanks-

grantees were given “Finnish soft power” – a pair

giving events, the U.S. Fulbright scholars

of woolen socks.

and students were invited to the Par-

liament of Finland for a private lunch. Member

Thanksgiving with Fulbright

of Parliament Joonas Könttä gave an insight-

As the tradition goes, during the Thanksgiving

ful briefing to the U.S. Fulbrighters, explaining

events the grantees also learned how to play Finn-

the political system of Finland and how it differs

ish floor ball, and got to visit the Fazer chocolate

from the U.S. system. The grantees were eager to

factory in Vantaa to learn about Finland’s most

learn more about current issues of public debate

famous chocolate and experienced an all-you-can-

in Finland as well as the characteristics of Finnish

eat chocolate tasting at the end of the tour. Ful-

election campaigns. The group also discussed the

bright Bicentennial Chair Scott Buchanan with his

importance of truth and facts in the era of disin-

wife Kelea and daughter Mary Claire hosted a pot-

formation.

luck dinner at their home featuring all the dishes

The group was able to sit in on the Plenary Ses-

expected on the Thanksgiving table, giving the

sion of Parliament, followed by a tour of the Parlia-

grantees a chance to spend Thanksgiving together

ment building. As a gift from the Parliament, the

with their Fulbright Finland family.

Member of Parliament Joonas Könttä briefed the U.S. Fulbright scholars and students on Finnish Parliament, political system and issues of current public debate. Head of the Parliament’s International Department Katriina Kuusinen (right) was an ASLA-Fulbright grantee in 1981 at the Claremont Graduate School.

The current Fulbright Bicentennial Chair Scott Buchanan and his family hosted the Fulbrighters for a Thanksgiving potluck dinner.

Museokortti: Discovering Finland through Museums

A

t the arrival orientation, all U.S.

and free to stop by at a museum whenever

Fulbright grantees receive their

convenient.

U.S. Fulbright fellow Brittany Perry found the card useful in getting inte-

own museokortti, a card that gives

Finland has a broad and diverse net-

grated into the Finnish culture: “Having

the grantees one year of free access to over

work of excellent museums for the U.S.

access to so many museums makes me

300 museums in Finland.

grantees to discover. Fulbright is a cul-

feel like a local. All of the hidden treasures

Founda-

tural diplomacy program, and in addition

of each city I visit as I travel in Finland are

tion funds the cards for the grantees to

to providing new and enjoyable opportu-

really beautifully showcased in a way that

encourage them to experience and learn

nities for the grantees while they are in

it would be hard to discover otherwise,”

as much as possible about the local soci-

Finland, the card also helps them prepare

she says.

ety, history, culture and arts during their

for their role as ambassadors of Finland

stay in Finland. With the card it is easy

upon their return to the United States.

The

Fulbright

12 | www.fulbright.fi

Finland

www.museot.fi/en

FULBRIGHT FINLAND

AMERICAN VOICES SEMINAR 2019

What Makes the American Voices Special?

Text MALLA LEHTONEN Project Researcher, John Morton Center for North American Studies, University of Turku

U.S. Fulbrighters Catia Confortini, David Carranza, Karl Haapala, Benjamin Lear, and Lois Presser discussed how different cultures have changed the American cuisine. Dr. María A. Gutiérrez Bascón (left), postdoctoral research at the John Morton Center chaired the session.

At this year’s American Voices Seminar, we learned that the expression “bless your heart” isn’t necessarily as positive as it sounds. In the U.S. South, it entails multiple nuances and layers, which can be difficult to discern. We also heard about the adventures of “Florida Man,” the protagonist of many incidents that have baffled local law enforcement as well as the general public around the world. And from a presentation exploring different styles of

with the Fulbright Finland Grantees

making pizza across the U.S., we learned that the debate over which is best can be as fierce as it is

www.fulbright.fi/about-us/ events/american-voicesseminar

Connect

unresolvable.

Compared to traditional scholarly affairs, the annual American Voices Seminar is refreshingly different. What sets it apart is the warm atmo-

For the academic year 2019-2020, the Fulbright Finland Foundation awards over 100 grants for U.S. and Finnish students, scholars, and professionals.

sphere and the clarity of expression. There’s laughter – and lots of it – and the presentations and conversations flow free of academic jargon. The

Find the grantee lists online: www.fulbright.fi/about-us/grantees

seminar is a great chance for North American Studies (NAMS) students at the University of Turku to hear about various places, practices, and phenomena related to U.S. society and its regional cultures.

The informal and often humorous presentations

forward to future seminars. The diversity and mul-

offer insights that the students may not get from

titude of perspectives and voices make this event

traditional lectures and course readings.

truly special.

This year the John Morton Center for North American Studies (JMC) had the honor and plea-

The annual American Voices seminar in Turku

sure of joining the organizers of the event, the Ful-

provides an opportunity to learn about various

bright Finland Foundation, and the University of

aspects of U.S. society and culture through the

Turku’s Department of English. The occasion offers

experiences of American Fulbright grantees cur-

exciting new prospects, and we are already looking

rently in Finland.

www.fulbright.fi | 13

STEVEN McALPINE

ALUMNI

Global Exchanges Between Interdisciplinarians Text KIRSI CHEAS

I

nterdisciplinary approaches have gained in

participants with different backgrounds, prompt-

popularity in research and in education. The

ing us to ask new kinds of questions and leading

premise of interdisciplinary studies is that

us to discover meaningful connections between

complex problems, such as climate change or global

seemingly distant ideas.

inequality, cannot be understood, let alone solved,

In 2017, I became affiliated with the Association

by means of any academic discipline alone. By inte-

for Interdisciplinary Studies (AIS), an organization

grating ideas from diverse disciplines, experts can

established in the United States in 1979. AIS invites

gain more multifaceted views on the world’s press-

and facilitates dialogue and collaboration between

ing problems and come up with sophisticated, sus-

diverse disciplines, paving the way for more versa-

tainable solutions. The need to expand our notions

tile and flexible learning environments in the U.S.

of knowledge was also accentuated by J. William

and around the globe. During my first Annual AIS

Fulbright, founder of the Fulbright program. In

Conference at the University of Maryland at Balti-

his words: “We must dare to think ‘unthinkable’

more County in 2017, I immediately sensed a gen-

thoughts. We must learn to explore all the options

uinely open atmosphere that reminded me of the

and possibilities that confront us in a complex and

Fulbright events I have had the pleasure to attend

rapidly changing world.”

over the years. Hence, I was not surprised to find

In line with Senator Fulbright’s statement, I

that many of AIS’s founding and leading members,

argue that Fulbright activities are extraordinary

such as Professor Julie Thompson Klein, are also

in their capacity to enhance our interdisciplinary

Fulbright alumni.

learning and research skills. The Fulbright activ-

I realized that the impact of the Fulbright experi-

ities I have been involved in – dozens of orienta-

ence on the development of interdisciplinary skills

tion and enrichment programs in Helsinki, in New

deserved more attention in the AIS community. In

York City, and elsewhere in the U.S. – have system-

October 2019, the 41st annual AIS conference was

atically exposed me to the thoughts of Fulbright

organized at the University of Amsterdam, the

grantees and alumni specialized in fields different

Netherlands, under the theme “Interdisciplinarity

from my own, ranging from arts to economics and

in Global Contexts.” This was the first time ever

from engineering to education. The organizers of

that the AIS conference was organized outside of

these activities – the Fulbright Finland Foundation,

North America. The conference’s principal orga-

One To World, and the Institute for International

nizers, professor Machiel Keestra and program

Education – have made conscious effort to connect

manager Linda de Greef were delighted about my

14 | www.fulbright.fi

In the photo (from left to right): Merel van Goch, Kirsi Cheas, and Andi Hess, participants in the Fulbright panel at the 41st AIS conference in Amsterdam.

Kirsi Cheas is president of the ASLA-Fulbright Alumni Association, founding member and president of FINTERDIS – The Finnish Interdisciplinary Society, and newly elected at-large board member of the international Association for Interdisciplinary Studies (AIS).

ALUMNI proposal to organize a panel discussion featuring Fulbright alumni from different countries and with different backgrounds, this way also celebrating the bridge AIS was now building across the Atlantic.

Fulbrighters Establish Interdisciplinary Initiatives It was easy to find enthusiastic panelists within

Fulbright activities are extraordinary in their capacity to enhance our interdisciplinary learning and research skills.

AIS: Dr. Merel van Goch, currently Assistant professor at the Department of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, was

increase the level and quality of interdisciplinarity

a visiting Fulbright scholar at Yale University in

in our home countries upon our return. This is also

2013, with a focus on experimental psychology. Ari

an expectation inherent in the Fulbright program

Lindeman, Research manager at the South-East-

– while in the foreign country, we are supposed to

ern Finland University of Applied Sciences, was a

share our knowledge gained in our home country

Fulbright student at the University of South Florida

and learn from the new environment, and then

between 2000˗–2003, integrating business stud-

bring that new knowledge back home with us.

ies and philosophy. Andi Hess works as instructor

There was also consensus among the partic-

at the Faculty of Leadership and Interdisciplinary

ipants that the Fulbright program had provided

Studies at Arizona State University. The planning

us with leadership skills, which proved helpful in

of the session was supported by fore-mentioned

our efforts to pave the way for more open learning

Professor Klein, who eagerly shared her experi-

environments in our home countries. All Fulbright

ences as a visiting Fulbright Professor in Nepal.

alumni in the room – panelists and audience mem-

I saw the panelists and Fulbright alumni in

bers alike - had been involved in the establishment

the audience nodding in agreement as soon as

of new interdisciplinary initiatives in our home

they heard Ari’s opening words: “The Fulbright

countries following our Fulbright term abroad.

experience awarded me the luxury of becoming

We reached the conclusion that it was extremely

an interdisciplinarian.” Indeed, the word “lux-

important for us to stay active as Fulbright alumni

ury” resonated with many of us. Joint discussion

and keep in touch with one another, as we were able

revealed that there were significant differences

to understand each other’s aspirations in a way that

between ways in that interdisciplinary studies

others, who had not previously experienced inter-

was organized in our countries of origin, but all

disciplinarity in the Fulbright community, could

of us had struggled. Given the hardships we had

not. As a collective, we will be more able to recog-

been through, we never took the genuinely open

nize and address the kinds of changes that need

atmosphere and free exchange of ideas in the Ful-

to be made in our educational institutions, so that

bright activities for granted. But we also got used

they can better respond to the needs of interdisci-

to it, to the extent that we felt that we had to try to

plinary scholars now and in the future.

Fulbright Teacher Brings Elements of Finnish Education to New Mexico

L

eslie Baker immersed herself in

play. She now teaches 2nd grade students

Finnish school-life and society

at Taos Charter School in New Mexico and

during her semester in Finland on

has put her lessons from Finland into

the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in

practice: “I’ve been giving my kids more

Teaching program. After 50+ classroom

breaks and longer breaks, so they play

visits, hours of observing Finnish teach-

more, and they’re getting along better. I

ers in training and several interviews with

can see it. They’re developing their social

university professors in Finland, Leslie

skills so when they come in they’re better

incorporates lessons from Finland into

able to learn.”

her work in the United States and keeps sharing them with a wider audience.

She was impressed by Finnish students’ collaboration skills and attributes these competences to the regular breaks and also to early schooling’s emphasis on

Read Leslie’s story in Taos News: https://bit.ly/339E75R Applications are now accepted for the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching program for spring 2021. www.fulbright.fi | 15

FULBRIGHT IMPACT

Building with Your Own Hands In addition to his architecture studies at the university, Pekko Sangi got invaluable practical experience by building wooden cabins for a summer camp.

Pekko Sangi 2018–2019 Fulbright Finland Partnership Award for Graduate Studies – The Johnson Scholarship Awardee University of Colorado Denver

THE MOST MEMORABLE PART OF MY Fulbright

before me and Taisto Mäkelä, Associate Profes-

Finland grant year at the University of Colo-

sor and Director at the College of Architecture

rado Denver was the Design Build program. This

and Planning at the University of Colorado Den-

year’s Colorado Building Workshop project, led by

ver personally visited Tampere University. Those

architect Rick Sommerfeld, was located in Tho-

connections made me feel warmly welcomed to

reau, New Mexico. 30 students from seven dif-

the U.S. even before I arrived. The Finnish Ful-

ferent countries designed, prefabricated, and

bright Welcome Network was also an import-

Fulbright Finland Partnership Award – The Johnson Scholarship www.fulbright.fi/ partnership-awardcu-denver

built six wooden cabins and an outdoor kitchen

ant resource: a local Fulbright Finland teacher

in only five months during the spring of 2019.

alumna contacted me soon after my arrival and

The cabins were designed for the children’s sum-

drove me immediately to the Rocky Mountains.

mer camp of Cottonwood Gulch located in high

During the year I met a great number of young

desert terrain. The building process on site took

people in Denver from all over the country,

18 days.

and many of them had Finnish or other Nordic

Building everything with our own hands was the biggest value of this experience; it enabled us

U.S. as a Finn was even more meaningful.

to learn things that theoretical studies would have

It feels great to remain as a part of the Fulbright

never taught us. Not only did we get an amazingly

Finland family after my time abroad. I decided to

valuable experience about architectural drawing

join the ASLA-Fulbright Alumni Association’s Ful-

sets and construction, but also about entrepreneur-

bright Buddy program. I’m glad to be able to share

ship and the whole process and market in our field

the hospitality and to show my home country to

as we worked in cooperation with real companies.

the U.S. grantees, and to help them get the most of

I knew a few of my fellow Finnish architecture students had received the same scholarship

16 | www.fulbright.fi

heritage. This made me feel that coming to the

their time in Finland.

LOTTA LEMETTI

ALUMNI

Conversation with Cultural Blending Lotta Lemetti 2015-2016 Fulbright Finland Undergraduate Grant Lotta Lemetti’s photographic project Kekta has claimed international recognition as it has been exhibited in New York, Los Angeles and Italy. It won the Culture section of Latitude Life APS’s International Photography Competition and ended up as the First Place Winner of the overall competition bringing Lemetti the Photographer of the Year 2018 title.

For an even more encompassing experience, Lotta Lemetti created a video, in which she asked people to read lines of poetry in Finnish, corresponding with the scenes that they were portraying. https://bit.ly/2Yt0frr

W

e live in a global age and the fluidity

THAT EXCHANGE OF IDEAS and being immersed

of immigration today challenges us

between two cultures myself lead me to my thesis

to reconsider the old ways of thinking

project Kekta. I wanted to explore in a visual form

about national identity. People are no longer bound

what cultural blending between Finnish and Amer-

by geographical borders of countries and only a few

ican looks like. I started by identifying the building

places on earth can be said to remain monocultural.

blocks of Finnish culture and the identities of Finn-

Bigger metropolitan cities are starting to resemble

ish people. That lead me to two significant works

a ‘human mosaic’ where we are moving from mul-

of cultural heritage: our national epic Kalevala and

ticulturalism, which emphasizes the coexistence

Aleksis Kivi’s Seitsemän Veljestä (Seven Broth-

of different individual cultures to polyculturalism,

ers). I took these stories and created scenes that

which indicates the integration of cultures.

are inspired by the immemorial beliefs of unity

I got to experience this first hand during my

between humans and nature, and cultural tradi-

Fulbright Finland grant period in New York and

tions that have been passed on for generations in

later living here in Los Angeles. Big metropolitan

the form of oral folk tales. I photographed them in

cities are in a process of constant social, psycho-

American landscapes with people around the world

logical and cultural change due to the blending

who now live in America, creating a new narrative

between cultures. For me, coming from Finland

of polycultural identity.

which still remains fairly homogeneous, living in

Studies show clear correlations between cities

that kind of environment changed my perspec-

with the largest amounts of immigrants and the

tives on immigration and cultural exchange for

largest number of creative industries. A cultur-

good.

ally diverse environment can produce more cre-

Even just within the Fulbright commu-

ative thinking, which more likely leads to artistic

nity, that I got to know during my years at The

practices later in life. When cultures are brought

New York Film Academy, we had grantees from

together the interactions between members of

all over the globe: Indonesia, Egypt, Lithu-

these groups create new ways of thinking. Com-

ania, Spain and Hungary to mention a few. I

munication, understanding and respect are the

learned so much about the world by talking and

first steps towards a more equal world and artists

exchanging ideas with them and listening to

in global cities are the frontline messengers for

their perspectives. We had all come to Amer-

cultural change. At its best encounters and collab-

ica because of our love for arts and storytelling,

oration between cultures help us to understand and

whether it be in a visual or written form. Their sto-

increase racial equality in the post-colonial world

ries would carry a part of them and their heritage

and draw new, more creative ideas in arts, poli-

within them, while drawing inspiration from their

tics and science by pulling from larger archives of

new surroundings here in America.

knowledge and inspiration.

www.fulbright.fi | 17

Fulbright alumnus and international trade specialist Bill Eaton reflects on his experiences living and studying in Finland, learning the Finnish language, and the ongoing impact of Fulbright on his life and career.

An Investment Still Bearing Fruit Text LOUISA GAIRN Bill Eaton 1984–1985 U.S. Fulbright Fellow University of Helsinki

18 | www.fulbright.fi

H

ailing from West Chester, Pennsylvania,

refreshingly positive. He credits his early immer-

Bill Eaton first set foot in Finland as a

sion in Finnish society and everyday life as key to

17-year old exchange student on a Rotary

learning the language, as well as a certain innocence

Club program in 1979. He did not realize it then,

about the fearsome reputation of Finnish grammar.

but this initial plunge into Finnish life would lead

“I learned Finnish as a child would, informally, by

to a lifetime of friendships and professional links

talking with friends. I didn’t have to face the fear

with Finland, including a Fulbright postgraduate

of how difficult the grammar was before I started.

scholarship in Helsinki. At high school, inspired

I was the first exchange student in my lukio, and the

by meeting foreign exchange students and hosting

first foreigner many of my classmates had met. I

one from Mexico, Bill decided to try out studying

was welcomed into my host family, and encouraged

abroad himself. “I had applied to the exchange pro-

to learn Finnish as quickly as I could. Finland was a

gram just to go somewhere. I liked winter sports,

different place forty years ago, and Oulu was a small

so I thought a Nordic country might be a good fit. I

town without a lot of international exposure in those

like to tease Finns that I was the only one who men-

days. Being a foreigner in Finland is different now,

tioned they’d like to go to Finland!” he recalls.

and English is much more widely spoken.”

“Finland was new to me, so when I arrived

“I knew that I would get a skewed perspective on

together with one hundred other Americans and

Finnish culture and history if I didn’t learn Finn-

Canadians, I didn’t know what to expect.” After an

ish. I learned the language better than most of the

orientation week, Bill took the train north to Oulu.

other exchange students, and was able to get by

“I met my host family at the station, and thus began

reasonably well by the end of the school year. But I

a terrific year. I attended Finnish high school at

didn’t yet have the language skills to get a job or do

Kastellin lukio and went on Rotary-sponsored trips

research in Finnish.”

to Lapland and Leningrad. At the end of my year I

This experience inspired Bill to seek out more

toured around Sweden and Norway, went back to

international opportunities as a student at Colgate

Finland for midsummer, and then on to continen-

University, NY, and during his junior year abroad

tal Europe. It was a fabulous experience for a small

he returned to Oulu and continued developing

town American.”

his knowledge of Finnish language and history.

Foreigners in Finland sometimes bemoan the dif-

“I decided to study at the University of Oulu, since

ficulty of learning Finnish, but Bill’s experience was

my previous host father, Vilho Lantto, was a

ALUMNI IN FOCUS professor there. I took a class with Martti Ursin, who

“The value of the Fulbright program is that it

taught Finnish diplomatic history, was also a mem-

sends so many people to such important places

ber of parliament and later edited the local paper. I

to develop a future set of capabilities for Ameri-

took a Russian class in Finnish, and spent my time

cans to understand countries abroad, but also for

translating among English, Finnish and Russian!”

representatives from so many countries to have

Bill wanted to return to Finland for postgrad-

a greater depth of understanding of U.S. society.

uate study, and was accepted to the University of

For instance, the investment that was made in me

Helsinki after taking an entrance exam written in

thirty-five years ago is still bearing fruit.”

both Finnish and English. He returned to the U.S. to

“As I began my career, I sought out opportu-

complete his undergraduate degree, and applied for

nities with Finnish firms, most referred by Finn-

a Fulbright scholarship to Finland.

ish-American attorney and Fulbright Finland

Determined to keep his language skills alive

alum Tom Lippo, and later worked with small and

in the meantime, Bill had to improvise. “It wasn’t possible to continue Finnish at university back in the U.S., so I subscribed to the Oulu paper Kaleva, which arrived in my university mailbox by boatmail about six weeks late. I would sit in the back of the class and read 6 or 7 week-old newspapers, just to keep up my Finnish skills,” he recalls.

Bill describes his excitement on arriving in Helsinki in 1984 to start his Fulbright year researching Finland’s international trade and, thanks to a Finnish Ministry of Education grant, living in student housing alongside Finnish students and other Fulbrighters. “The great thing about the flexibility of Fulbright, was if I found a topic of interest I was free to pursue it for a couple of weeks. I didn’t have to follow a professor’s syllabus, but I could develop my own research. One focus was Finland’s interesting

medium-sized Finnish companies who didn’t have

and unique trading relationship with the USSR.”

internal capabilities to research the U.S. market,

Returning to the U.S., he studied for a Masters in

to help them figure out entry strategy, make con-

International Relations at Johns Hopkins Univer-

tacts, or plan their launch. I was drawn to work

sity School of Advanced International Studies and

with Finnish companies because of my time in

an MBA in Multinational Management at the Uni-

Finland, and familiarity with the business culture

versity of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. “I would

and society. The projects I’ve enjoyed the most have

say the Fulbright integrated a lot of the themes that

involved Finnish firms.”

Bill Eaton interviewing Senator J. William Fulbright at a discussion forum he organized at the School of Advanced International Studies SAIS of Johns Hopkins University in 1986.

interested me as an undergraduate, and set the tone for what I wanted to pursue at graduate school.

BILL CONTINUES TO CULTIVATE his links with

I was always a bit torn between history and political

Finland, serving on the board of the Finnish Amer-

science on the one hand, and economics and busi-

ican Society of the Delaware Valley, which brings

ness on the other. It helped me to integrate those

together Finns, Finnish descendants and friends,

divergent interests into a career path, and set up a

and as a member of the Finlandia Foundation,

good portion of what I would later do in my profes-

National Capital Chapter. “I was away from Ful-

sional life.”

bright for many years. During a sauna at the Finn-

Studying at Johns Hopkins in Washington, D.C.

ish Embassy in Washington, a Finn at the World

enabled Bill to continue links with Fulbright, par-

Bank, and former grantee to the U.S., told me about

ticipating in events at the nearby Fulbright Alumni

the Friends of Fulbright Finland alumni network,

Association, then run by Harriet Mayor. “At that

and I’m so happy to have found a way back into all

time, I was managing the SAIS Review, a foreign pol-

of this.”

icy journal. We decided to start a discussion forum

Recently, Bill visited Finland for the first time in

with seminal figures in Washington. The first per-

years. “It was a joy to be there and great to reconnect

son we invited was Senator Fulbright, who came up

with the Fulbright Finland Foundation team and old

from his law office about six blocks from our school,

friends. I was also able to spend time with each of my

for a seminar with questions from the audience.”

original host families in Oulu. We have kept in regu-

“We talked about his experiences through history, and the current state of affairs. I discussed the

lar contact over the years, so we were able to pick up where we left off, with plenty of stories to tell.”

importance of the development of the Fulbright

Does he have any advice for someone consid-

program, and asked anyone to stand if they had

ering studying abroad or applying for a Fulbright

received or were about to go on a Fulbright. Of the

scholarship? “Do it without question. There’s so

forty-five people in the room, about one third stood

much to be learned, not only about foreign culture,

up. I think that made an impact on the senator. He

but also about one’s self, and one should never pass

knew the program was his crowning achievement.”

up an opportunity for that.”

www.fulbright.fi | 19

DONORS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Thank you Donors Make a Difference Text SUZANNE LOUIS

D

Foundation expand exchanges

Centennial Fund Supports Fulbright Finland Grants

onors help the Fulbright Finland between Finland and the United

The Fulbright Finland Centennial Fund

States and bring together the best scien-

was launched in 2016 to honor the 100th

tists, academics, educators, artists, and

anniversary of Finland’s independence.

future leaders in the two countries.

Donations to the Fund are used in full to

Alumni and friends of Fulbright Finland play a central role in this endeavor.

support grants to students, scholars, and professionals.

Whether it is establishing a scholarship,

Most recently the Fund has received

bequeathing artwork, adding Fulbright

contributions from Mike Loovis, Cecelia

Finland to one’s will, or making a dona-

Lynch, Peter MacKeith, Donald Mathews,

tion to the endowment funds, all gifts are

Peter Matthews, Patrick Miller, Terhi

return to Finland to continue and expand

clear reminders that the Fulbright experi-

Mölsä, Margaret and Gerry Schueman,

their original Fulbright projects and col-

ence in Finland is like no other.

Carol Tenopir and Gerald Lundeen, Wil-

laboration.

This year the Fulbright Finland Foun-

liam Woityra, and David Yoken. We thank

Most recently the Fund has received

dation has been the recipient of generous

them all for making the decision to share

contributions from Annette Jones, Kay

gifts from many partners, friends, and

in the Fulbright Finland mission.

Kohl, Kenneth Kolson, Suzanne Louis, Mark Miller, Amanda Stronach, and Carol

alumni, and we take this opportunity to you to all who made their donations on

Friends of Fulbright Finland Alumni Enrichment Fund

Giving Tuesday, December 3, 2019. Thank

The Friends of Fulbright Finland Alumni

you for joining in this worldwide initiative

Enrichment Fund is an endowment sup-

through your gift to Fulbright Finland.

porting grants for the U.S. alumni to

convey our gratitude to all! A special thank

Tenopir and Gerald Lundeen. Thank you to our generous alumni!

Work with Us www.fulbright.fi/work-us

Alumni Donation Establishes a New Award The Fulbright Finland Foundation has

Grant, currently completing his final year

established a new grant made possible

of Master’s studies in architecture at Har-

by a long term pledge agreement with an

vard University.

alumni donor. The new award is called the

“Fulbright Finland Foundation offers an

Fulbright Finland Centennial Travel Grants in

indispensable program for Finnish society.

Architecture, Design and the Visual Arts, and

Its propensity for fostering critical initia-

it can be awarded to the Foundation’s cur-

tives in practically all academic fields is

rent grantees in Architecture, Design or

unique among all Finnish foundations. In

The new grant was made possible by a

the Visual Arts. The purpose of the award

my case, this support was paramount, as

donation made to the Fulbright Finland

is to provide additional support allowing

architectural studies at the Master’s level

Centennial Fund by a U.S. alum of the

the grantees to engage in travel required

lack funding aid from most other poten-

Fulbright Finland Foundation, Profes-

by the study project.

tial sources in Finland. Fulbright Finland’s

sor Peter MacKeith, through a long term

The first grant was awarded to Henrik

support has enabled me to develop new

donor agreement.

Ilvesmäki, a 2018-2019 ASLA-Fulbright

design methodologies for future technolo-

Graduate Grantee and also recipient of

gies without forgetting a critical viewpoint

the 2019-2020 Fulbright Finland Renewal

towards the inevitable shifts that they will

20 | www.fulbright.fi

Henrik Ilvesmäki bring to the building industry,” Henrik says.

For more information about the Centennial Fund: www.fulbright.fi/serve/fulbright-finland-donationform-2019

ALUMNI

Friends of Fulbright Finland Alumni Council

Mike Loovis and Doug Maynard. The Council serves the alumni of the Fulbright Finland Foundation programs living in the U.S. through discussion of current and new projects that work to keep alumni

F

engaged in their Fulbright Finland experiends of Fulbright Finland Alumni

Oregon and Casie Hermansson 2013 Ful-

rience. Council terms are two years and

Council, now in its 5th year, wel-

bright-University of Turku Scholar and

membership is on a voluntary basis. A call

comes on board two new members,

2016 Friends of Fulbright Finland Enrich-

for new members is made each Spring.

Barbara Mossberg, 1982 and 1990 Bicen-

ment Awardee, resides now in Pittsburg,

tennial Chair in American Studies, Uni-

Kansas. They join continuing Council

versity of Helsinki, now living in Eugene,

members Yvonne Allen, Phil Alperson,

www.fulbright.fi/friends-fulbright-finland/ friends-fulbright-finland-alumni-council

Inspired

by Finland Martha Horst, spouse of 2015-2016 Fulbright Bicentennial Chair Lane Crothers, recently had the premiere of her new work Ukko for orchestra by the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra. The work draws upon her family’s experience of visiting a stone-age archaeological site in Oulu with the Fulbright Finland Foundation and U.S. grantees during their year in Finland.

Dr. Horst is a Professor of Music Theory and Composition in the School of Music at Illinois State University.

Alumni Ambassador in Action in New Jersey

She is teaching an advanced analysis

Fulbright Finland teacher alumna Argine

Study Abroad Fair at Montclair State Uni-

seminar on Sibelius’ Symphony No.

Safari spent five months in Finland

versity in New Jersey to inspire students

VII this semester; her appreciation for

during the spring 2019 with her son Areg.

and staff by promoting Fulbright oppor-

and understanding of Sibelius’ cultural

Since their return to New Jersey, they

tunities in Finland.

context grew tremendously as a result

have been actively sharing their Fulbright

of the year she and the Crothers family

Finland experiences in their community.

spent in Helsinki.

In addition to multiple activities and presentations, Argine participated in the

If you would like to promote Fulbright Finland in your institution, find the Fulbright Finland Ambassador materials at: www.fulbright.fi/friendsfulbright-finland/fulbright-finland-ambassadors

In Memoriam Ragnar Backström The Fulbright community in Finland is

of the Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge

deeply saddened by the passing of Rag-

Museum. We remember his extraordinary

nar Backström, one of the first Finns to

positive energy and life-long commit-

receive an ASLA-Fulbright Award. In 1951

ment to Fulbright in Finland. In August

the Award took Mr. Backström to Berkeley,

2017 he gave a talk at the ASLA-Fulbright

where he specialized in international eco-

Alumni Association’s Welcome Event for

nomic relations, export marketing, ocean

new U.S. Fulbright grantees, sharing his

transportation, and personnel adminis-

Fulbright experiences in the 1950s. His

tration. He was an exemplary Fulbright

efforts and enthusiasm have inspired

ambassador and eagerly opened doors

not only international but also intergen-

for innovative ideas to bring back home.

erational dialogue about the impact and

Later in his career he taught interna-

potential of the Fulbright program.

tional transport and shipping economics to future sea captains at the Navigational Institute of Kotka, and served as director

Text: Kirsi Cheas, President, ASLA-Fulbright Alumni Association www.fulbright.fi | 21

FULBRIGHT FINLAND FOUNDATION / FULBRIGHT SUOMI -SÄÄTIÖ

Appointment News from the Board T

William Couch

he Fulbright Finland Foundation wel-

service to Hannu Seristö and T.J. Gru-

comes William Couch, the Counselor

bisha, who have completed their board

for Press and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Helsinki, and Kaarle Hämeri,

Kaarle Hämeri

terms.

The

Finnish

board

members

are

Chancellor of the University of Helsinki,

appointed by the Ministry for Education

on the Fulbright Finland Foundation

and Culture, and the American members

Board of Directors.

by the Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy

The Fulbright Finland Foundation con-

in Finland.

veys a sincere thank you for dedicated

FULBRIGHT FINLAND FOUNDATION 2019

(l-r) Mihkel Vaim, Inari Ahokas, Leasa Weimer, Heidi Tiainen, and Pierce Cosgrove.

112

grantees, 52 Finnish and 60 U.S. grantees

1,8

million euros awarded as grants

Welcome New Team Members Fulbright Finland alumna Leasa Weimer

Heidi was interning at the Foundation as

started in August as Assistant Director of

part of her studies in the spring of 2019.

Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives. She

Pierce Cosgrove is an international

works to develop the current and create

master’s student from Canada currently

new partnerships in addition to managing

pursuing his degree in European and Nor-

events throughout Finland

the U.S. Scholar Distinguished Chair and

dic Studies at the University of Helsinki.

Finnish Senior Scholar programs. Leasa

With his personal career path interests in

has a PhD in international higher educa-

higher education and diplomacy, Pierce

4400

tion policy and continues her research in

has greatly enjoyed making the many

this area.

excellent networking connections that he

74

client contacts and event participants

Heidi Tiainen joined the Fulbright Finland team in August as Program and Events

has made since the beginning of his time as the office intern.

Assistant. She is a recent graduate of Lau-

To work with new major projects, Inari

rea University of Applied Sciences, where

Ahokas and Mihkel Vaim continue at the

she studied hospitality management with

Foundation as temporary Program Assis-

specialization in events and service design.

tants.

FULBRIGHT FINLAND NEWS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Terhi Mölsä EDITORS Maija Kettunen (Managing Editor), Suzanne Louis DESIGN AND LAYOUT Tanja Mitchell, Grafee EDITING OFFICE Fulbright Finland Foundation, Hakaniemenranta 6, FI-00530 Helsinki, FINLAND TEL. +358 44 5535 286 E-MAIL office@fulbright.fi ISSN 2489-2149 (print) ISSN 2489-2157 (online) COVER Scandia White 200 g/m² PAPER Scandia White 115 g/m² PRINT CIRCULATION 800 PRINTED BY Erweko Oy ONLINE www.fulbright.fi/fulbright-finland-news-magazine Fulbright Finland News on Fulbright Suomi -säätiön sidosryhmälehti, joka ilmestyy kaksi kertaa vuodessa painettuna ja verkkoversiona. Artikkeleissa ilmaistut mielipiteet ovat kirjoittajien omia. Aineisto vapaasti lainattavissa, lähde mainittava. // Fulbright Finland News is a biannual magazine published by the Fulbright Finland Foundation in print and online. Opinions expressed by authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Fulbright Finland. Reproduction allowed, source must be cited. // While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the material in this publication, Fulbright Finland does not accept liability for any errors or omissions.

EDITORIAL COUNCIL Kirsi Cheas, Postdoctoral Researcher, John Morton Center for North American Studies, University of Turku; Janne Hokkanen, Director for Study and International Affairs, Lappeenranta University of Technology; Joan Kluwe, Senior Planner, URS Corporation; Helena Liikanen-Renger, Press Counselor, Embassy of Finland, Washington D.C.; Mike Loovis, Professor Emeritus, Cleveland State University; Ilja Orre, Consultant, Bain & Company; David Yoken, Senior Music Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences.

22 | www.fulbright.fi

FULBRIGHT FINLAND FOUNDATION

THE FULBRIGHT FINLAND FOUNDATION is an independent not-for-profit organization based in Helsinki, Finland.

Its purpose is to promote a wider exchange of knowledge and professional talents through educational contacts between Finland and the United States.

The Foundation collaborates with a range of government, foundation, university and corporate partners on both sides of the Atlantic to design and manage study and research scholarships, leadership development programs and internationalization services.

Finland-America Educational Trust Fund The Fulbright Finland Foundation is financially supported by the Finland-America Educational Trust Fund.

Board of Directors

Fulbright Finland Foundation’s

Vision

is to empower the minds that will find global solutions to tomorrow’s challenges by fostering academic and professional expertise and excellence in leadership.

Fulbright Finland Foundation Board of Directors Finnish Members: Piia Björn Professor, Special Education University of Eastern Finland Chair Kirsimarja Blomqvist Professor for Knowledge Management, School of Business and Management, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT Kaarle Hämeri Chancellor University of Helsinki

Finnish Members: Paula Parviainen Director General of Communications, Department for Communications and Culture, Ministry for Foreign Affairs Chair Jaana Palojärvi Head of International Relations Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture American Members: Ian Campbell Deputy Chief of Mission American Embassy Vice-Chair William Couch Counselor for Press and Cultural Affairs American Embassy Director General / Säätiön asiamies: Terhi Mölsä Chief Executive Officer Fulbright Finland Foundation

Timo Korkeamäki Professor of Finance Hanken School of Economics American Members: William Couch Counselor for Press and Cultural Affairs American Embassy Itonde A. Kakoma Programme Director Leadership team Crisis Management Initiative CMI Ethan Tabor Deputy Counselor for Press and Cultural Affairs American Embassy

David Yoken Senior Music Lecturer Arts Academy, Turku University of Applied Sciences Vice-Chair Ex-officio: Terhi Mölsä Chief Executive Officer Fulbright Finland Foundation Honorary Chair: Ambassador of the United States to Finland H.E. Robert F. Pence

Fulbright Finland Foundation Office Office: 044 5535 286, e-mails: firstname.lastname@fulbright.fi b Inari Ahokas Ohjelma-avustaja (ma.)

Program Assistant (temp.)

044 700 6170 b Pia Arola Johdon assistentti Executive Assistant 044 5535 278 b Emilia Holopainen Ohjelmakoordinaattori Program Coordinator 044 7035 284 b Emmi Jelekäinen Ohjelma-asiantuntija Program Specialist 044 5535 275

b Maija Kettunen Viestintä- ja tapahtuma­ koordinaattori Communication and Events Coordinator 044 5535 277 b Karoliina Kokko Vastaava ohjelmapäällikkö Senior Program Manager 044 5535 268 b Suzanne Louis Projektikonsultti (osa-aikainen) Project Consultant (part-time) b Mirka McIntire Ohjelmapäällikkö, Opettajavaihto- ja koulutusohjelmat Manager, Teacher Exchange and Education Programs 044 5535 269

b Terhi Mölsä Toimitusjohtaja Chief Executive Officer 050 570 5498 b Heidi Tiainen Ohjelma- ja tapahtuma-avustaja Program and Events Assistant 044 7153 023 b Mihkel Vaim Ohjelma-avustaja (ma.)

Program Assistant (temp.)

044 734 2939 b Leasa Weimer, PhD Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships & Initiatives 044 716 9482

www.fulbright.fi | 23

FULBRIGHT FINLAND FOUNDATION

Fulbright Finland Foundation Hakaniemenranta 6 FI-00530 HELSINKI FINLAND

Calendar November

28.–29.11.

Thanksgiving and Enrichment Program for American Grantees

December 13.12.

Fulbright Finland Foundation Board of Directors Meeting 23.12.2019–6.1.2020 Fulbright Finland Office closed

January Fulbright Finland Foundation Board of Directors Annual Meeting 22.–24.1.

Arrival Orientation for U.S. Fulbright Finland Grantees

February

7.2.

North American Studies Roundtable

March 11.–21.3.

Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools Program 18.3.

Media Literacy Seminar, Helsinki Central Library Oodi

May 13.5.

Pre-Departure Orientation for Fulbright Finland Foundation Awardees to the U.S. and Fulbright Finland Award Ceremony

16.–17.3.2020 Fulbright Forum on Education, Innovation, Science and Art University of Helsinki and Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences

Fulbright Forum provides a unique opportunity to hear about the research and projects that the current American Fulbright scholars, teachers, and graduate students are doing in Finland.

The first seminar day focuses on Education. The second seminar day includes a wide array of topics from Marketing to Environmental and Health Sciences.

The seminar is organized jointly by the Fulbright Finland Foundation and the University of Helsinki and Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences.

Fulbright Finland Foundation is part of the global network of over 160 countries participating in the Fulbright Program.

Fulbright Finland Foundation is part of the worldwide EducationUSA network of over 400 advising centers.

Fulbright Finland Foundation is a Generation Study Abroad Commitment Partner.

www.fulbright.fi Ífulbrightfin Úfulbrightfinland Îfulbright finland