Igniting the Spark: Campus Rauma’s Kickstart Keynote 2024

On a September morning, Rauma-sali buzzed with excitement as students gathered for the much-anticipated Kickstart Keynote, an event designed to motivate and inspire students as they embark on a new academic year.

Tiina Ketonen lectures in Rauma-Saal. In the foreground is the audience.
Tiina Ketonen shared a message on the transformative potential of simply saying "yes."

This year’s keynote, delivered by Tiina Ketonen a former SAMK student and current Market Supervisor at Jujo Thermal Ltd. Ketonen shared a message on the transformative potential of simply saying “yes.”

Ketonen spoke about the opportunities she had been given simply by saying yes, such as the opportunity of gaining international work experience, traveling around the world, making new friendships, and how these experiences deeply impacted both her professional and personal life. She also reflected on her transition after graduating from SAMK in 2013, describing how the gap between graduation and diving headfirst into working life was both intimidating and exciting.

Drawing from personal experiences, Ketonen captivated the audience by exploring how embracing opportunities, even those that seem daunting or outside one’s comfort zone, can open unexpected doors to growth and success. With this message, the event not only set the tone for a semester full of possibilities but also encouraged students to approach their academic journeys with courage and an open mind.

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SuomiAreena events take place across Pori. The photo shows a panel discussion from a few years ago in the courtyard of Pori City Hall.

SAMK at SuomiAreena, in themes of space technology, expertise and a sustainable future

SAMK will participate in SuomiAreena in Pori from 23 to 26 June 2026. SAMK will be contributing both the Kansalaistori (Citizen square) programme and SuomiAreena’s Suuri avaruuspäivä (Big Space Day) which will explore the opportunities offered by space technology and Finland’s role as a future success story in the sect

Former NASA astronaut Tim Kopra (right) and NASA HUNCH Program Manager Scott Rodriguez listened to students presenting their space-related projects during their visit to SAMK.

International space industry guests visited Pori – see the photo gallery

Former NASA astronaut Tim Kopra, NASA HUNCH Program Manager Scott Rodriguez, and Consul General of Finland in Houston Stefan Lindström visited Pori to explore the region’s potential in developing space-related education, research, and international collaboration.

Pink roses.

118 students graduated from SAMK in April

Altogether 118 students graduated from SAMK in April. 16 of them graduated with a Master’s degree.