Tampere University’s Homecoming Day on 8 November featured a rich programme of events and activities across three campuses and Tampere Hall. The event brought together 1,500 alumni.
Homecoming Day began with a keynote seminar at Tampere Hall, showcasing a distinguished lineup of speakers. The keynote address was delivered by Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission. Panel discussions explored themes such as digital power, geopolitics, and the question of what Finland needs to continue thriving and prospering in the future.
After the seminar, alumni were welcomed back to their home campuses in the city centre, Kauppi and Hervanta, where they took part in faculty-specific activities. The programme offered a mix of joyful reunions, nostalgic moments and insights into the latest developments in research and education.
The day concluded with a relaxed and memorable gathering at Tampere Hall.
Thank you alumni for a fantastic Homecoming Day! The day was full of new knowledge, nostalgy, old friends and new connections.
Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Henna Virkkunen, delivered the keynote address, encouraging the audience to reflect on the themes of digital power and geopolitics. As Executive Vice-President, Virkkunen is responsible for technological sovereignty, security and democracy in Europe.Photo: Jonne Renvall
What is needed to ensure that Finland continues to thrive and prosper in the future? The panellists discussing this topic included Professor and CTO Heli Skottman, Professor Juho Saari, and Director General of Kela Lasse Lehtonen. The discussion was moderated by Professor Elina Kestilä-Kekkonen.Photo: Jonne Renvall
The panel discussion focused on the themes of digital power and geopolitics. The discussion was moderated by Associate Professor Rinna Kullaa (centre). The panellists included Finland’s Ambassador to Germany, Kai Sauer (left), and Ville Voipio, Chair of the Board of Directors at Vaisala and at Technology Industries of Finland.Photo: Jonne Renvall
The programme on the city centre campus featured alumni stories. Journalist and Professor of Practice at Tampere University, Pasi Toivonen, shared his career journey. Mira-Maria Heinonen in conversation with Toivonen.Photo: Jonne Renvall
The panel discussion in the Main Auditorium on the city centre campus explored ways to foster a sustainable game culture and examined how diversity in gaming can become a powerful societal asset. The panellists included Doctoral Researcher Taina Myöhänen, Communications Manager, MA Vilppu Järvinen and Researcher Essi Taino. The discussion was moderated by Professor of Game Culture Studies Olli Sotamaa.Photo: Jonne Renvall
The 60-year history of research and higher education in engineering was celebrated on the Hervanta campus. The legendary student choir Teekkarikuoro performed at the event.Photo: Aki Tulikari
The celebration reflected on the past, present and future of engineering and architecture education. Former Presidents Jarl-Thure Eriksson, Markku Kivikoski, Mika Hannula (on stage) and Jaakko Puhakka were in attendance. Vice President Jarmo Takala (front) delivered the opening address.Photo: Aki Tulikari
Professor Sofie Pelsmakers spoke about the role of architecture in addressing societal and environmental challenges during the Science Now presentations on the Hervanta campus.Photo: Aki Tulikari
Alumni gathered at the Language Centre on the Hervanta campus to reconnect in a relaxed setting and to listen to the Science Now presentations. The photo shows Senior Research Fellow Jukka Huhtamäki speaking about the use of communicative AI in platform-based knowledge work.Photo: Aki Tulikari
The Kauppi Comeback panel discussion reminisced about the lively times on the Kauppi campus and reflected on how education, research and collaboration with PIRHA are paving the way for the continued success of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology (MET). The panellists included Vice Dean for Education Nina Hutri, Professor Mark van Gils, Chief Medical Officer Sirpa Rainesalo (PIRHA) and Vice President Tapio Visakorpi. The discussion was moderated by Professor Emeritus Jukka Mustonen (left).Photo: Eino Ansio
Executive Director Nina Hutri led a tour of the Tampere Centre for Skills Training and Simulation, where the participants could experience first-hand how mannequins and robots are used to train doctors and nurses.Photo: Eino Ansio
The evening event at Park Hall concluded Homecoming Day with a programme of informal socialising, music and delicacies from around the world.Photo: Jonne Renvall
Among the performers at Tampere Hall were members of the Tampere Academic Tricking and Circus Club (TaTSi), who wowed the audience with their skills.Photo: Jonne Renvall
The result of broad collaboration
The diverse and inspirational event was the result of broad collaboration. A large number of Tampere University staff contributed to the planning and delivery of Homecoming Day, with students also playing an important role in the arrangements.
