The University of Eastern Finland’s third doctoral conferment ceremony began on the Joensuu Campus today. The festivities started with the Rector’s reception, followed by an event aimed at the honorary doctors in the Linnunlahti Conferment Park, where the honorary doctors’ commemorative plaques were attached on logs of deadwood, and they collectively planted “seeds of knowledge” in a pot.
The honorary doctors’ commemorative plaques were attached on logs of deadwood, which play a role in supporting biodiversity, as deadwood serves as nutrition, habitat and breeding ground for various species. In addition, deadwood stores carbon, and the humus they form acts as a temporary carbon storage. Deadwood is an integral part of natural ecosystems. By fostering biodiversity, both the University of Eastern Finland and the City of Joensuu want to contribute to nature’s adaptability.
The planting ceremony, in turn, is a symbolic act by which the honorary doctors planted seeds of knowledge to grow for future generations of researchers.
Receiving an honorary doctorate is a capstone to an academic career
In the doctoral conferment ceremony, honorary doctorates will be conferred upon scientifically or socially distinguished individuals. An honorary doctorate is the highest distinction the university may confer upon a person.
Professor Emeritus Michael H. Epstein, who will receive an honorary doctorate in educational science, has been collaborating especially with researchers of special education at the University of Eastern Finland.
“The collaboration with UEF faculty began almost 20 years ago and remains one of the most enjoyable partnerships in my career.”
According to Professor Emeritus Epstein, receiving an honorary doctorate is an honour that would not have been possible except through the help of many individuals. In addition to his family and friends, he highlights the role played by University of Virginia mentors and professors, colleagues at Northern Illinois University and the University of Nebraska, research collaborators and publishers – and colleagues and friends at the University of Eastern Finland.
“I often recount to others that Finland is like a second home to me and my wife. All of my travels to Finland have been among the enjoyable and productive trips of my lifetime. I have found the Finnish people to be among the most welcoming, friendly and happy people I have interacted with in my travels. In addition, I have found the faculty of the University of Eastern Finland to be among the best collaborators and proactive researchers with which I have worked during my professional career.”
The festivities associated with the doctoral conferment ceremony will continue today, with the programme including a concert, a hat-fitting ceremony, a conferment ceremony rehearsal and a buffet dinner and an evening party.
For further information, please contact: Coordinator of the Doctoral Conferment Committee Elisa Sulkinoja, elisa.sulkinoja@uef.fi, +358 50 432 9982
