Recipients of diplomas and roses 2025

Record Number of Nominations for “Roses to the ÅAU staff” – Language Teachers Stand Out 

This year, the Student Union of Åbo Akademi University received a record 131 nominations for the traditional “Roses to the ÅAU staff” diplomas. The large number of nominations reflects the strong commitment, time, and energy that many members of Åbo Akademi’s staff devote to their teaching – something the students clearly wanted to recognize.

A particularly high number of this year’s nominations went to the university’s language teachers – a group that stands out for their ability to transform otherwise demanding subjects into something students genuinely look forward to. The nominations highlight not only their pedagogical skills, but also the way they create joy in learning through warmth, understanding, and presence. Their respectful and patient approach to each student has been a key reason why many of them were nominated.

Students had the opportunity to submit nominations along with a short motivation, which the ÅAS board carefully reviewed when selecting this year’s recipients. Common themes across the nominations included the teachers’ attentiveness, flexibility, and their deep understanding of students’ varying needs, both academic and personal. The ability to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment was repeatedly mentioned as a central reason for receiving a rose.

This year, ÅAS has chosen to award 15 roses, as a recognition of the meaningful contributions these individuals make to the student experience. This marks the 30th consecutive year that the Student Union has honored Åbo Akademi University’s staff members with roses.

From left to right: Melina Lindholm, Svea Välimäki, Malin Johansson, Niko Sandberg, Katarina Ohls-Ahlskog, Emilia Melén, Sofie Lehtovaara.

This year’s recipients are:

Åbo:

Malin Johansson, University Teacher in German
Marjaana Laaksonen, University Teacher in Spanish
Katarina Ohls-Ahlskog, University Teacher in French
Harriet Klåvus, Head of International Affairs
Pia Roos-Mattjus, Senior University Lecturer in Molecular Biology
Martin Gustafsson, Professor of Philosophy
Lotta Collin, Senior University Lecturer in Swedish
Jenny Isaksson, University Lecturer in Biochemistry
Albert Weckman, Doctoral Researcher

Vasa:

Alex Mäkiharju, University Teacher in Education
Katie Fagerström, International Coordinator
Jonas Sandberg, Study Advisor
Christel Björkstrand, Lecturer in English

Other:

Mary Henriksson, Staff at Kårkafé Asa – for the idea behind the Ramen Bowl

Questions can be directed to:

Emilia Melén
Chair of the Board
The Student Union of Åbo Akademi University
+358 50 401 3524
so@studentkaren.fi