Finlandia University

Finlandia University is a private, not-for-profit, HLC accredited, co-educational liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The school is located in Michigan’s northernmost city, Hancock, and was founded in 1896 by Finnish immigrants as Suomi College.

Finlandia University is the only institution of higher learning in North America founded by Finns, a fact that’s evident throughout Finlandia’s campus.

FinnU is home to the cultural center of Finns in North America, the Finnish American Heritage Center. In addition, the university hosts a unique curriculum and library of resources focused on nordic studies, several Finnish exchange students and interns each year, and the Finnish American Reporter, a monthly newspaper celebrating Finnish American heritage.

As we imagine and plan for Finlandia University’s 125th birthday in 2021, we draw upon the courage and imagination of those who have loved and led this learning community for well over a century. Our first thoughts are of gratitude and praise for those who have gone before and served so unselfishly—often in the midst of great adversity—her educational mission. We today, lead both humbled and inspired by their deep commitments and perseverance.

Our visioning activities over the past two years and more have reaffirmed that Finlandia’s best self lies within. Plan 2021 does not so much seek to import strategic novelty as it does stir us to deeper and more deliberate expressions of our best self.