The ongoing 375 Humanists project is part of the 375th anniversary of the University of Helsinki. The festivities of 1990 in turn coincided with Päiviö Tommila’s tenure as rector. The 350th anniversary of the University was celebrated with great ceremony, the rector naturally partaking in the festive spirit. On October 9, Tommila opened the National Celebration with a speech whose words in defence of university education are still relevant amidst the festivities of 2015:

“A university performs its duties for future generations. That is why supporting and respecting the work of universities everywhere is the same as building the future of all countries. When considering the future of a nation, there is no better investment than maintaining high standards of education and research. This in turn has to be a matter of honour to every country, because—to quote Federico Mayor, the Director-General of UNESCO and a former university rector—“the success of a university is often reflected in the success of its country.”

In 1990, the University of Helsinki also hosted the General Conference of the International Association of Universities, which brought distinguished guests to Finland from over 400 universities around the world. Tommila says that his rector colleagues have afterwards reminisced about the anniversary procession, which was caught in heavy rain. Preparations for unpredictable weather had, however, been made, and to the surprise of the guests, the parade quickly turned into a sea of umbrellas when the University provided shelter for the entire procession.

The carnival which opens the academic year, and which has now become a tradition, was also organised for the first time in 1990, when Tommila was the rector. At the event, organised on September 11, Rector Tommila expressed the hope that the occasion would initiate a new academic carnival tradition. After 25 years, it seems safe to say that his wish came true and that the tradition has maintained its vitality.