Everyone who has attended university surely has memories of at least one teacher or administrator who has left an indelible mark in a particularly positive way. Tuula Linnas, who worked at Savonia University of Applied Sciences and its predecessors for over 30 years and is now enjoying retirement, is one of these legends.

Linnas taught former business and administration subjects and continued in the field when it changed its name to business. Linnas’s career at Savonia had several titles: teacher, head of the marketing education program, deputy rector, head of the department of business studies, and international business coordinator.

Her memories go back to the prehistoric era of universities of applied sciences. A new and splendid Savonia University of Applied Sciences was established in 1992 on the foundation of existing trainers.

– I remember a meeting where we marveled at the fact that in Germany, there’s something called a university of applied sciences, and soon we would become one, Linnas laughs.

With decades of work experience, Linnas is well-qualified to comment on the competence of Savonia graduates.

– People have done well in their lives and are working in their respective fields. Many have even started their own businesses. All the students were great people from the very beginning, but Savonia has been able to help them get started in their lives and careers.

A New and Daring International University

As a bold and challenge-loving individual, Tuula Linnas jumped into the new world of universities of applied sciences along with others, even though the beginning was somewhat chaotic.

Internationalization became one of Savonia’s most important themes right from the early 1990s, and Linnas played a role in its development.

– It started small. We coordinated our own international activities and partner institutions abroad. Joining the EU in ’95 made things easier as mobility between countries became more straightforward, Linnas explains.

In 1994, Savonia began its first English-language international business studies program in Varkaus.

– In business, marketing was an important subject for us because it’s very universal. The principles of marketing apply regardless of the country or nationality, Linnas explains.

‘It Was Enjoyable Work’

Tuula Linnas, who spent most of her career at Savonia, remembers her former employer and students with great warmth.

– Savonia has always had a democratic spirit among the staff and students. It was enjoyable work. Being able to do a variety of tasks adds energy to the job. I never once thought about changing employers, Linnas says.

The impact Linnas left on her students is evident, especially in the way people still contact her even years after her teaching career.

– Just a while ago, student who graduated a long time ago suggested that we go to lunch with some old teachers. It’s always nice to meet former colleagues too. This was a workplace where I made lifelong friends, Linnas concludes.