Knowledge and tradition in focus at Academic Ceremony

On Saturday, 29 November, Jönköping University (JU) held its Academic Ceremony with the installation of professors and the conferral of doctoral degrees at Kulturhuset Spira.

“For a researcher, there are few days that mean as much as the Academic Ceremony. Here, after many years of hard work, you receive your doctoral hat – visible proof that you have completed your doctoral education and contributed new knowledge to the world,” says Måns Svensson, President at JU.

The Academic Ceremony with inauguration of full professor and conferral of doctoral degrees at Jönköping University normally takes place every eighteen months. This year, around 600 guests gathered at Spira to celebrate together.

The purpose of the ceremony is to recognize academic achievements and strengthen the ties between the university, society and the business community.

During this year's ceremony, five new professors were installed. Thirty-six doctors and two honorary doctors were awarded their degrees.

See the list of External link, opens in new window. all those who were installed and promoted during this year's academic ceremony.

“It's a big day for them, for us and for the whole of Jönköping County, which will benefit from the expertise and energy that is now growing here,” says Måns Svensson.

Watch videos with the new honorary doctors Joakim Paasikivi, military strategist and retired lieutenant colonel in the Swedish Armed Forces, and Peter Björkman, Light Planning Manager at Fagerhults Belysning.

Festive ceremony with award presentation

The traditional ceremony was accompanied by music from the academic choir Jönköping University Vocal Ensemble (JUVE).

Awards were also presented during the ceremony. This year’s Pedagogical Prize was presented to Elisabet Sandblom, Assistant Professor at the School of Education and Communication, and the Per Risberg Memorial Fund scholarship was awarded to Sofi Fristedt, Associate Professor at the School of Health and Welfare. Cenneth Lundkvist, AV technician at University Services, and Pia Bülow, Professor at the School of Health and Welfare, received this year's Badge for Merit.

After the ceremony, guests mingled in the foyer of Spira before it was time for a banquet with nearly 400 guests at Science Park Towers. A three-course dinner was served, and guests were entertained by Thomas Di Leva, among others. Banquet participants were also treated to a humorous Christmas-themed surprise when the three wise men unexpectedly took to the stage and provided plenty of laughs.

See the slideshow from the evening:

Here is what some of the new professors and doctors had to say about the evening

Anna Johnsen, Doctor of Nursing, School of Health and Welfare

How are you feeling today?

“Today, I feel nothing but joy. It's a bit different from the actual defense, which was quite stressful. Sharing this day with friends, family and colleagues feels absolutely fantastic. It's an honour to be part of this ceremony and take part in the tradition with the hat, ring and everything that goes with it. It feels amazing in a way.”

Annika Engström, Professor of Work Organization, School of Engineering

What do you think of the ceremony?

“I really like the ceremony and that we take it seriously. It feels like it's serious, but at the same time there are elements of humour. I appreciate it very much and am happy to be part of such a fine tradition.”

What would you say to someone considering an academic career?

“Go for it! You start somewhere and then take small steps. There are quite a few small steps to take, but you can't expect to do great things the first time around; you have to take it one step at a time.”

Karen Ann Blom, Doctor at the School of Education and Communication

How do you feel tonight?

“It feels great today. When I defended my thesis, there were so many emotions involved and I was very tired. That's why it feels good that the Academic Ceremony comes a little later, when you've had time to settle down. I also appreciated that awards were given to other JU colleagues during the evening. You can really feel that there is a wonderful JU spirit.”

Prince Chacko Johnsen, Doctor of Business Administration at Jönköping International Business School

What does this evening mean to you?

“I appreciate that Sweden is one of the countries where they really hold a formal and festive ceremony to celebrate academic achievements. It gives extra substance and meaning to the doctoral degree. When I look back on my doctoral studies at JU, this will be one of the days I really remember. It's also incredibly nice to be able to share the evening with family and friends.”

Dinesh Sundaram, Doctor of Science, School of Engineering

How did you experience the evening and what are your plans for the future?

“It was a fantastic ceremony. My parents and friends are very proud of me. I was moved when I received the hat because it means so much to me. Now I look forward to continuing my work as a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Materials and Manufacturing at the School of Engineering.”

Mikko Ranta, Professor of Business Administration, Jönköping International Business School

Any thoughts on the title of professor?

“The title means a lot to me, but I've never really thought about the history behind it. It was nice to learn more about the diploma, the ring and the hat; I felt very proud. I come from Finland and I know that the ceremony is similar there, but there are some differences. In Sweden, you have the doctoral ring, we have a sword.”

What are your plans for the future?

“I have just started working at Jönköping International Business School, so now I am trying to learn how things work here and I am really happy with my job. My wife and I really like Jönköping and look forward to discovering more of the city and the region.”

See a slideshow with the doctors and professors: