The award recipients were the success story, project operator, publisher, communicator, teacher, and SAMK person of the year. A new award, the Together OK!, was also presented.
SAMK’s staff day was celebrated yesterday, marking the start of the new academic year. During the event, SAMK employees who had distinguished themselves during the year were awarded. The awards were presented in seven different categories, highlighting the achievements of staff and students as well as community spirit.
The significant increase in the number of degrees completed in Rauma was awarded as the success story of the year. This development is the result of determined work.
Senior lecturer Johanna Huhtala was selected as the project operator of the year. She is known for her innovative views and strong motivation. Her areas of expertise include substance abuse and gaming addiction, adult social work, and social phenomena such as homelessness and crime. Huhtala consistently takes projects from preparation to implementation.
Principal lecturer Heikki Koivisto was awarded the publisher of the year. In 2024, SAMK produced 20 A-level publications, three of which Koivisto participated in. He also published a professional and popularized publication. Koivisto has a long history of publications, including numerous scientific conference publications and professional texts in the field.
The communicator of the year award went to senior lecturer Nina Leppälammi. She has made social services education and its development widely visible through various channels. She has produced and proposed content for SAMK’s communication channels, written for the Samkarit blog and news articles, and actively shared and positively commented on other publications.
New award: Together OK!
Based on a vote by the Student Union SAMMAKKO, lecturer Petri “Rummu” Rummukainen was selected as the teacher of the year. Students described him as an encouraging and inspiring teacher who creates a good atmosphere and encourages students to try new methods. During his long career, Rummukainen has strengthened the community spirit on the Fine Arts campus and enriched its celebrations with his musical talents.
Information specialist Susanna Savinainen from the librarywas selected as SAMK person of the year. Savinainen is a warm-hearted and helpful professional at the Rauma campus library who excels particularly in providing support to international students in learning Finnish and settling into campus life. Her friendly and calm manner creates a pleasant atmosphere in the library.
A new award, the Together OK!, was also presented. The award went to NLO23SR, a group of logistics students in Rauma, known for their exceptional team spirit, enthusiasm for their field, and commitment to their studies. The award was also given to the industrial environment team, where appreciation, openness, and humour create a working community with a positive atmosphere also conveyed to the students.
SAMK Staff Day
SAMK holds an annual staff day to discuss current issues and reward distinguished SAMK employees. This year, the day focused, e.g., on SAMK’s promises. The keynote speaker was psychologist and trauma psychotherapist Hanna Markuksela, whose topic was “Cognitive fitness.”
