Finlandia University

History

Suomi College was founded on 8 September 1896 by J. K. Nikander (b. 1855, Hämeenlinna, Finland, d. 1919). During the 1880s, large numbers of Finns immigrated to Hancock, Michigan to labor in the copper and lumber industries. As a mission pastor of the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church of America headquartered in Hancock, Nikander observed that Swedish and Finnish immigrants along the Delaware River did not train new ministers, and he feared a loss of Finnish identity. The college's role was to preserve Finnish culture, train Lutheran ministers and teach English. During the 1920s, Suomi College became a liberal arts college and in 1958, the seminary separated from the college. On July 1, 2000, Suomi College changed its name to Finlandia University.

The cornerstone of Old Main, the first building erected at Suomi College, was laid on May 30, 1898. Jacobsville sandstone, quarried at the Portage Entry of the Keweenaw waterway, was brought by barge, cut, and used to construct the Old Main. Dedicated on January 21, 1900, it contained a dormitory, kitchen, laundry, classrooms, offices, library, chapel, and lounge. The burgeoning college quickly outgrew this building. In 1901 a frame structure, housing a gym, meeting hall, and music center, was erected on an adjacent lot. The frame building was demolished when Nikander Hall, named for Suomi's founder, was constructed in 1939. The hall was designed by the architectural firm of Eliel Saarinen and J. Robert F. Swanson. In addition to Old Main, the present day main campus consists of Nikander Hall, Mannerheim Hall, Wargelin Hall, Finlandia Hall, the Paavo Nurmi Center for Physical Education, the Kivi House, Hoover Center, the Finnish American Heritage Center, the Chapel of St. Matthew, and the Jutila Center.

Finlandia University has been a university of the Lutheran church since its inception. In 1988, the University became affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The curriculum, campus events, and the community explore the value of faith, vocation, and service. Finlandia University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association for Colleges and Schools (NCA-HLC). In 1996, the university transitioned from a two-year university to a four-year university.

Location

Finlandia University is in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, located in the state’s northernmost city, Hancock. Surrounded by pristine forests, the university campus is just minutes from the southern shore of Lake Superior, the largest body of fresh water on earth.

Athletics

Athletics are an important part of Finlandia University. There are 14 varsity sports at Finlandia. Women's athletics include: basketball, cross country running, golf, ice hockey, soccer, softball and volleyball. Men's athletics include baseball, basketball, cross country running, football, golf, ice hockey and soccer. Finlandia University is part of the NCAA Division III athletics.

Conference Affiliation:

Baseball: American Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA)

Men's & Women's Basketball: American Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA)

Men's & Women's Cross Country: American Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA)

Men's & Women's Hockey: Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA)

Men's & Women's Soccer: American Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA)

Softball: American Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA)

Women's Volleyball: American Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA)

Study abroad

Students in the International Schools of Business and Art & Design enjoy a variety of overseas educational exchange opportunities to study and experience life abroad.

Notable alumni

Notable alumni of Finlandia University include: