The next doctoral conferment ceremony of the University of Eastern Finland will be held in Joensuu in early June. Preparations for the event began last spring, and things are getting more and more hectic as the summer approaches. This year, the traditional celebration will see some changes, and is also expected to be more visible in the city.
“I believe the biggest change is our decision to switch from a religious conferment service to a non-denominational event, so as to keep up with the times. The University of Eastern Finland is a multicultural university, and we want to show our respect to all worldviews. The trend is the same in other Finnish universities as well,” says Elisa Sulkinoja, Coordinator of the Doctoral Conferment Committee.
Details about the content of the non-denominational event are yet to be disclosed but, according to Sulkinoja, surprises can be expected in the form of light and music. The programme is currently being planned in collaboration between the university and its partners.
Since the event will be held in Joensuu Conservatory’s new concert hall and not in a church, there will be some changes to the doctoral procession as well. The procession will walk from the university to the market square along Siltakatu, returning to the conservatory along Koskikatu.
“Two other big events are also taking place in Joensuu on the same weekend, so the procession will be our contribution to the university’s visibility in the city.”
Festive elements
In Joensuu, the festivities have traditionally begun with a ceremony where the honorary doctors plant commemorative trees in the Conferment Ceremony Garden in Linnunlahti. The garden, however, is already full, and it is not possible to get space for new trees by June.
“So, we are planning a new kind of festive ceremony for the honorary doctors, but since this is still a work in progress, I’d rather not reveal further details at this time. Joensuu is known as the forest capital of Europe and this is why we have wanted to hold on to the theme of trees, which has required a lot of creativity.”
Music also plays a major role in doctoral conferment ceremonies. According to Sulkinoja, plenty of effort has been made along the way to ensure that the musical programme of the upcoming event is more diverse than before.
“It has been a pleasure to notice that there are various bands and ensembles in our area who would like to perform in our event, and we can indeed look forward to a great musical experience.”
Like in previous years, special attention has also been paid to the menu, and the organising committees have had an opportunity to taste different menu options for the banquet and ball, for example.
“Where possible, our menu considers sustainable choices, without forgetting local foods.”
Another change that almost took place this year pertains to the last day’s excursion, i.e., the traditional conferment cruise. When the planning started last spring, no suitable cruise vessel was available in Joensuu, and transporting one there would have been all too expensive.
“In the end, social media showed its power, and a suitable vessel for the excursion was found through social media. As a result, people attending the doctoral conferment ceremony next summer will get to enjoy an excursion, as a cruise vessel will take them to the restaurant Utran uittotupa for lunch on Saturday.”
Pieces of the preparation puzzle are falling into place
So far, a total of 43 doctorate holders have registered for the doctoral conferment ceremony, and many of them will be attending with a plus one. This year, honorary doctorates will be conferred upon 14 individuals whose names will be revealed soon.
“All sorts of things come up when preparing for three days of celebration. Some of the changes we’re making this year also mean that the programme needs to be built from scratch. Plenty of work has already been done, and this work continues. With so many people involved in the event, each piece of the puzzle must find its place,” Sulkinoja says.
It has, in any case, been a pleasure to be organising the event; after all, it is it is a joyful celebration.
“Collaboration between different parties has been smooth, and everyone is excited about the upcoming event. This makes things a bit easier for next autumn, as we will start similar preparations in Kuopio.”
The doctoral conferment ceremony will be held on the Joensuu Campus on 6–8 June 2024. Further information on the event, including its programme, is available at: https://www.uef.fi/en/conferment-ceremonies The next doctoral conferment ceremony on the Kuopio Campus will be held on 5–7 June 2025.
