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There is much to celebrate at the Ģ��ֱ�� in 2023. Along with the 160th anniversary of the University and the 60th anniversary of the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, the Faculty of Information Technology will also celebrate its 25th anniversary as an independent faculty. The Faculty of IT has celebrated this significant year with a variety of events throughout the autumn. The events have included expert lectures and project presentations, a patch-making competition, and a garden party. The year was launched with an opening ceremony on 8 September 2023 in the main University building.

The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome by deanPasi Tyrväinen. He addressed the faculty's remarkable journey over the past 25 years. There had been a wide range of events from joy to sorrow. In his speech Tyrväinen remembered the late Professor of Practice Martti J. Kari, who passed away at the of August, and held a moment of silence in his memory.

25 years have also seen a lot of development. The Faculty of Information Technology at the Ģ��ֱ�� has experienced a rise in both the number of degree programmes and international rankings. There has been downfalls, but the Faculty has survived all the challenges on its path.

“Currently our faculty is doing better than ever before,” Tyrväinen said, and added that he is looking forward to the future with confidence.

Glimpses of the history and the future

The first Dean of the Faculty of IT, Professor Kalle Lyytinen, joined the celebrations with a video message from the United States. He recalled the Faculty's starting point at a separate Department of Information Sciences and a section of applied mathematics and computing at the Department on Mathematics. Today there is one united Faculty of Information Technology, which is one of the two largest university-level providers of IT education in Finland.

“When we look back we can be proud of the legacy we built and just wonder with fascination,” said Lyytinen and continued: “I wish all the best for the next 25 years of the faculty and I’m sure it sure that it will be as successful as the first one!”

The event continued with keynote speech by Dr. Janne Järvinen (Mission Lead, Digitalization), followed by interactive panel discussion. The panel discussion brought together experts to explore emerging trends and advancements in IT education. The panel members included Dr. Janne Järvinen, Prof. Jaakko Järvi (Dean of the Faculty of Technology, Univerity of Turku); Prof. Raija Hämäläinen (Associate Editor of Educational Research Review and Professor at JYU), and Prof. Marja-Kristiina Lerkkanen (Vice Head of Research, JYU).

Awards ceremony

The IT Faculty awarded eight people for their outstanding service at the IT Faculty and for their contribution to the IT sector.

• Timo Tiihonen, Professor 
  Dedicated to the Long-Term Faculty Support in Diverse Capacities, Including Notably as Vice Rector and Vice Dean.

• Pekka Neittaanmäki, Professor, Emeritus 
  Life's work in utilizing Information Technology for the advancement of the University, the Central Finland Region, and Finnish Society. 

• Kaisa Miettinen, Professor
  For pioneering work in developing methods to support multi-objective decision-making. 

• Vesa Lappalainen, Senior University Lecturer
  For outstanding contributions to the advancement of educational systems, both within our esteemed faculty and on a national scale, exemplified by the innovative development of systems such as Korppi and TIM. 

• Leena Hiltunen, University Teacher
  Having exhibited a significant influence on the education of information systems science, notably garnering substantial outcomes in thesis supervision consistently over successive years. Leena also played pivotal role during the Covid pandemic and in coming up with solutions how to overcome the challenging situation. 

• Ville Seppänen, Senior Lecturer
  Having exhibited a significant influence on the realm of education across diverse roles, notably garnering substantial outcomes in the domain of thesis supervision consistently over successive years. 

• Eija Hatanpää, Head of Student and Academic Affairs
  In acknowledgment of her steadfast dedication and substantial contributions to the continuous enhancement and growth of faculty education, demonstrated through unwavering commitment during periods of transition. 

• Pasi Tyrväinen, Dean
  As Dean and Vice Dean, Pasi Tyväinen has carried significant responsibility for the faculty and has taken it forward, fostering a strong sense of community.

The celebrations of the Faculty of Information Technology continue throughout the academic year. From talks by renowned experts to workshops and celebrations, there are exciting events in store.