The most important source of support for Finnish culture in the United States |
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Did You Know...
The private, non-profit liberal arts college was founded as Suomi College in 1896 by the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church, or Suomi Synod. Juho Kustaa Nikander was its first president. Philip Johnson, the institution's 16th president, assumed that post in 2007.
The campus is home to the Finnish American Heritage Center, which houses the Finnish American Historical Archive, The Finnish American Reporter newspaper, Finlandia University Gallery, and Martha Wiljanen Community Hall.
Click here for a timeline with more info and fun facts about the only institution of higher learning in North America founded by Finns.
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GREETINGS
With the start of fall, we welcome cooler weather, the leaves changing colors and the upcoming holidays. It’s a great time to look ahead to the end of the year and plan for the future.
We are doing the same at Finlandia Foundation. We are looking forward to supporting many students with our scholarship awards, and worthy projects through our grants program. Your gifts make all of this work possible.
But, because so much of our revenue depends on your yearly gifts, it is hard to predict how much support we can give each year to these well-deserving recipients.
I ask you to consider doing more than making a gift to FFN. Instead, consider making a multi-year pledge. With this commitment, you will have an even greater impact on our grants and scholarships, and enable us to more effectively predict each year how much support we can offer.
Your multi-year pledge will make a difference, now and in the future. We are grateful for all of the support you provide.
Anne-Mari Paster
President
ampaster @ rcn. com
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Update on Finnish Room at U of Pittsburgh |
Creation of a Finnish Nationality Room at the University of Pittsburgh has been the goal of that city's FFN chapter for many years. The effort is led by Seija Cohen, chair of the Pittsburgh Finns.
As the rendering (left) depicts, the design evokes a traditional Finnish farmhouse, and features the unique log construction of Finland. Frank Eld, an expert on the building method, is a consultant on the project.
The Finnish room would join 30 classrooms that reflect the cultures of nations from Africa to Yugoslavia in the Cathedral of Learning, a soaring tower that was completed in 1936.
Fundraising is in its final stages, and $200,000 in additional funds are required by January 31, 2022, to make the Finnish Nationality Room a reality.
Donations may be made online directly at giveto.pitt.edu/finnishroom. To donate by mail, please make a check payable to University of Pittsburgh (in memo, write Finnish Room) and mail to Attn: Records Management, Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement, University of Pittsburgh, Park Plaza, 128 North Craig Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15260.
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Finlandia Foundation Online Auction November 1-7! |
FFN efforts to increase its scholarship funds to meet a growing need will be aided by an online auction, November 1-7.
Generous donors have already contributed treasures such as the Toikka bird from iittala's 140th Anniversary year re-launch of the original Flycatcher (right), from Nordik's carefully curated selection of quality Nordic goods.
Information on the auction and additional items, which range from works of art to lodging, books and gift cards, will be shared at FFN social media and the website: FinlandiaFoundation.org
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FFN Grant Spotlight: Lost Songs Found
Minneapolis-based musician and songwriter Jonathan Rundman has published his first book, Lost Songs of the Suomi Synod.
His ethnomusicological memoir is a collection of 28 songs from the Finnish-American Lutheran tradition.
"Some of these songs have not been heard or sung in North America for a century, and some have never before appeared in English," he says.
This project is the recipient of a grant from FFN.
501(c)(3) organization, is matched dollar-for-dollar by the Paloheimo Foundation (up to $100,000 annually).
Thank You! Kiitos!
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New Programs @ FFN YouTube
After a summertime hiatus, My American Dream is back with host Michel Wendell and UCLA Stem Cell Biology Professor Hanna Mikkola, M.D., Ph.D. Dr. Mikkola is especially interested in researching blood stem cells work toward a cure for leukemia.
Also new on the FFN YouTube channel: a recital showcasing the talents of the 10 students, instructed by five faculty members, who participated in the virtual Soiva Music Camp in June.
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October 19: Inheritance Webinar
October 26: Virtual Joint Chapter Meeting
November 1-7: FFN Online Auction
February 1: Scholarship and Lindfors Law Scholarship application deadline
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Your online shopping can benefit FFN! Amazon will direct .5% of your qualifying purchases to FFN. Click: AmazonSmile
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