A PEAK INTO KY’S

1910’s: KY’s first steps

The Helsinki School of Economics Student Association (Kauppakorkeakoulun Oppilasyhdistys) was founded on October 7th, 1911 as a student association for the first Finnish-speaking university-level business school. During its first years, the union had only around 70 members and limited financial resources. KY’s flag, student ribbon and emblem all date back to the start of the student union, and are still used to this day.

1920’s: Partying despite the prohibition

In 1923, the name of the association was changed – Helsinki School of Economics Student Union (KY) was founded. The prohibition of alcohol created its own set of challenges for KY’s active cultural sector, but thanks to clever students, one did not have to merely sip lemonade at parties.

In 1927, the student union received its first own space but the dream of an own house had started to develop in the students’ minds.

1930’s: KY Building in the horizon

Financing an own building was a long process. Several fundraisers were organised, with a raffle being the tip of the iceberg. At times the depression drove the entire construction project into a difficult situation, but willpower, hard work and a pinch of luck finally led to success and construction planning began in 1939.

1940’s: KY Building is completed

During World War II, the school’s doors were open infrequently. Even though the war had slowed down the construction project, the KY Building was finished in February 1940 and soon after, 42 lucky KY members got to move into the top floors. The war also wasn’t enough to cancel KY’s traditional events like Annual Ball, Mursujaiset and Wappu.

1950’s: To top off, smoke a Boston!

After the war, it was time to focus on rebuilding the society and economy. KY made its first achievement in commercial entrepreneurship by founding the tobacco corporation Amer-Tupakka Oy in 1950, and thanks to cunning marketing, Amer’s Boston cigarettes quickly grew to be a widely popular brand.

Also, activity in clubs started to show signs of life and KY’s sports club was in its golden age, KY often being unbeatable in academic leagues.

1960’s: The decade of Finnfocus and television

The huge export trade show, Finnfocus, held in London in 1968 is the biggest event in KY history. KY rented M/S Finnpartner from Amer, and the ship sailed to London to promote Finland and Finnish companies internationally. The project was a bold and risky investment, which ended up creating a lot of positive publicity.

During the 60’s, KY was also active in the TV business: