Aalto University Student Union (AYY) Board has elected bowler Juhani Tonteri as Aalto Athlete 2014. Tonteri is a fresh Finnish Champion in men’s general bowling division. He has undertaken demanding electrical engineering studies at Aalto University and has received high grades. In addition, throughout his studies, he has been an open, helpful student who encourages his fellow students. Tonteri is a member of the Metropolitan Area Sports Academy (URHEA).

Aalto University’s Provost Ilkka Niemelä and AYY Board Member Pauliina Mäkkeli awarded Aalto Athlete before the start of Aaltokymppi race on Sunday, 21 Sept 2014.

Aalto Athlete has been elected since 2010. The award requires that a student has been successful in one’s sport on a national or international level or particularly during this year. Another requirement is that a student elected as Aalto Athlete has succesfully progressed in studies. The elected student also has to be a fair and honest member of the community. AYY Board elects Aalto Athlete based on nominations.

Previous Aalto Athletes:

• 2013: Team Gymnast Marianne Vikkula
• 2012: Taekwondoka Joonas Heikkinen
• 2011: Synchronised Ice-skater Venla Kuuluvainen
• 2010: Swimmer Katja Lehtonen

RELEASE, 23 SEPT 2014
Aalto University Student Union
For immediate release

Aalto University Student Union (AYY) nominates student of architecture Lauri Lehtoruusu to the Board of the National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL) for the year of 2015.

Currently, Mr Lehtoruusu acts as the chairperson of AYY Board. Previously, Mr Lehtoruusu has acted as the chairperson and vice chairperson of the Guild of Architecture, as well as a member of AYY’s Representative Council and the editor-in-chief for May Day magazine Äpy.

”In the year of parliamentary elections, we need an active student movement to take initiative,   defend free high-quality education and require an adequate income. Students are the hopes of the future and we have to raise fresh initiatives to the public debate,” envisions Mr Lehtoruusu and continues: ”Next year, I want to participate in the building of a positive image for students and the forward-looking student movement!”

When acting in AYY, Mr Lehtoruusu has proved that he has the basic requirements for student advocacy: motivation and the will to study issues. “This year, Lauri has tackled all the challenges with enthusiasm, bringing new solutions instead of being set in the old ways,” AYY’s Secretary General Janne Koskenniemi describes. ”In addition, Lauri has been a great colleague and the leader of the Board!”

SYL will elect the Board for the year of 2015 at its union meeting in Korpilampi, Espoo, on 21-22 November. SYL represents the Finnish university students at the national level and takes a position on education policy, social policy and international affairs.

Further information:

Candidate for the Board Lauri Lehtoruusu, lauri.lehtoruusu@ayy.fi, 050 520 9420

AYY Secretary General Janne Koskenniemi, janne.koskenniemi@ayy.fi, 050 520 9415

Who will represent you for the next five years in the European Parliament? Who agrees with you on the management of the economic crisis? Who has the keys to solving Europe’s energy policy? Whose side are you on in the battle against the climate change? Who will find work for young people in Europe? What will the EU become when it grows up? Join AYY’s great euro election debate, participate in the discussion and remember to vote in May!

Aalto University Student Union AYY will organise the EU election panel in English at Design Factory in Otaniemi at 5pm on Thursday, 8 May 2014. Doors will open at 4pm, when you can meet the representatives of political parties. Themes of the interactive panel include European employment and economic policy, climate and energy policy, as well as the future of the European Union.

The panel includes experienced parliamentarians and keen challengers:

• Antti Kaikkonen, Centre (Anneli Jäätteenmäki has unfortunately cancelled her participation)
• Janne Paalijärvi, Pirate Party: “Respect privacy, end the spying!”
• Jyrki J.J. Kasvi, Greens: ”Civil Digital Futures for Europe”
• Li Andersson, Left: ”LOVE Europa & STOP #talouskuri #työttömyys #co2 #rasismi”
• Silja Sandelin, Swedish People’s Party (Marcus Rantala has unfortunately cancelled his participation)
• A candidate from Finns Party (Sampo Terho has unfortunately cancelled his participation)
• Sari Essayah, Christian Democrats: “Let the good work continue!”
• Sirpa Pietikäinen, National Coalition Party: “Get it together, loose it alone”
• Timo Harakka, Social Democratic Party (independent): “Putting Europe to work – protecting people, not banks”

The discussion will be led by Juhani Mykkänen.

Come to challenge the candidates or follow the panel via the live stream (http://new.livestream.com/accounts/6845410/events/2975277?query=&cat=event). You can also follow the discussion at Twitter with the hashtag #EUdebate. You can also find the event on facebook at facebook.com/ylioppilaskunta/events

Event: AYY’s EU debate: The Grand Debate on the Future of Europe

Time: Thursday, 8 May 2014, 5pm–7pm. Come and meet the representatives of political parties at Design Factory before the debate from 4pm onwards.
Location: Aalto Design Factory (Betonimiehenkuja 5, Otaniemi Espoo)
Social media: #EUdebate

Further information:

AYY’s Specialist for International Affairs Milla Ovaska, 050 520 9446 or milla.ovaska@ayy.fi