Opening of the Academic Year brought the Centria community together – communities are at the heart of becoming an expert
Centria University of Applied Sciences celebrated the opening of the academic year on Wednesday, 2 September in Kokkola. The day brought the Centria community together through music, a joint parade and a park picnic for students.
The Opening of the Academic Year at Snellman Music Centre offered students and Centria staff an opportunity to meet one another, get to know new people and build networks right from the start of the academic year. A sense of community and interaction also play an important role in becoming an expert, and this was a key theme highlighted by Centria’s Rector and CEO Tapio Huttula in his opening speech.
– Becoming an expert requires not only strong subject-specific knowledge but also good interaction skills and the ability to learn. This is why different communities and networks are so important. Networks are where connections and contacts are made and where you build your professional reputation through the way you work with others. Expertise can be developed and maintained together with other experts. From this opening day onwards, we are here to support you along your learning path and on a journey of continuous learning that will continue throughout your career, Huttula said.
Shared occasions such as the Opening of the Academic Year are one way of building the Centria community and strengthening students’ networks. At the same time, they bring students together with representatives of working life and other regional actors. The event was made possible by Avain Säästöpankki, with whom Centria has a long-standing partnership.
– At Avain Säästöpankki, it is important for us to be involved where the future of our region is being built. This cooperation also energises us at the bank and strengthens our belief that this is a region where it is worthwhile to study, work and build a business. Our message is: We serve – you live, says Susanna Järvenpää, Business Director at Avain Säästöpankki.
Centria’s Rector and CEO Tapio Huttula and Susanna Järvenpää, Business Director at Avain Säästöpankki
Cooperation between higher education, working life and other regional actors also plays an important role in helping students find their place in a changing world of work. Networks, encounters and practical cooperation give students opportunities to develop their expertise and build connections already during their studies.
The Opening of the Academic Year also turned attention towards the future. In a changing world of work, it is impossible to predict all the skills that will be needed in the years ahead. This is why Centria aims to build sustainable degrees that provide students with a strong foundation for continuous learning.
– We build sustainable degrees that equip you with the strongest possible meta-skills to navigate future changes and build sustainable careers through continuous learning, Huttula continued in his speech.
The musical highlight of the day was provided by Aaro “Arppa” Airola together with Mikko Pellinen’s band. The concert was organised in cooperation with the Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra. With his warm and engaging stage presence, Arppa quickly drew the audience into the performance, and the sing-along sections gave the entire hall a chance to become part of the concert.
Arppa together with Mikko Pellinen’s band and in cooperation with the Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra
After the concert, the Centria community joined a parade from Snellman Music Centre to Länsipuisto Park. The cheerful procession was led by dancers from Samba el Gambo, while local residents were able to enjoy the colourful parade along its route.
At Länsipuisto Park, the day continued with a park picnic organised by Student Union Copsa. Students had the opportunity to meet Copsa’s partners and local sports clubs and learn about the wide range of recreational activities and services available in the region. The participants were welcomed by Stina Mattila, Mayor of Kokkola, and music was provided by DJ Seben. The Opening of the Academic Year concluded with an afterparty at Calle Nightclub.
The event was organised by Centria University of Applied Sciences and Student Union Copsa in cooperation with Avain Säästöpankki. The event was made possible by Avain Säästöpankki.