My Best Memory from the University of Helsinki

One of my best experiences at the University of Helsinki was when, as a fresher, I opened a textbook for the first time. It gave me a strong sense that I had become part of something with a very long historical tradition. I had the same feeling when I received my Master’s Degree at the graduation ceremony. The University of Helsinki is the oldest university in the country, and that is one of the reasons these rituals are particularly festive and memorable.

I have warm memories of student politics and of serving as a curator for the Satakuntalainen student nation. It was great fun to be involved in the student nation and the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY). The most vivid single memory is perhaps participating as a board member of the HYY in the ceremony to put a cap on the Havis Amanda statue on May Day in 2000.

By Written by Tero Juutilainen. Translated by Tomi Setälä, revised by Matthew Billington.

Matti Hirvola

Matti Johannes Hirvola
Born December 17, 1974, Pori

MA 2004 (General History), University of Helsinki

Project leader (Public relations and communications expert) at SAK, 2015–
Special advisor to Minister of Finance Antti Rinne, secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) ministers’ group, 2014–2015
Senior advisor and partner at Miltton Networks, 2013–14
Special advisor to Minister of Finance Jutta Urpilainen, 2011–13
Head of Communications for SDP, 2006–11
Training and organisation secretary at SDP, 2006
General secretary of the Advisory Council for Youth Affairs at the Ministry of Education, 2004–05
Information officer for the Socialdemocratic Youth in Finland, 2002–04
Board member of the National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL), 2001
Board member of Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY), 2000

Photo: Matti Hirvola
Written by Tero Juutilainen
Translated by Joe McVeigh