I am overcome by nostalgia when I walk near the University. I remember the lectures of Hannu Riikonen, professor of comparative literature, which were fascinating and inspiring. Outwardly Riikonen resembled Professor Calculus, with his tuft of a beard, but he had a reputation as a riveting speaker who could light a fire under his audience. Riikonen was also very strict with his exams, and rambling answers did not get you far. The answers had to be succinct and to the point. I also remember the encouraging personality of Anna Makkonen, who was the supervisor on my bachelor’s dissertation.

I chose the Study of Religions as my minor, which is when I encountered many interesting sociological theories on cults and charismatic leaders. We have later used the same theories at Skepsis, the Finnish Association of Sceptics. It would have been interesting to have continued those studies further.

I also remember the basic Study of Religions courses. Some of the participants were deeply opposed to the way the lecturer dealt with religion and god, even though different religious views were approached in a very general manner. First I was surprised by this contradiction, but I soon understood that these were theology students, whose faith made it difficult for them to accept some of the basic principles of the field.

Student meals greatly improved during my time at the University. I began my studies in the early 1990s, and back then the Fabianinkatu canteen was populated, with all due respect, by ancient dinner ladies who slammed the portion on your plate with a ladle. Things changed as my studies progressed. Better salads became available, and gourmet options were added. My most vivid recollection, however, is when garlic butter made its first appearance on the menu.