Tuula Teeri

"My very own Otaniemi story began when I was warmly welcomed by all the Aalto students-to-be on the 1st of April 2009. I was given student overalls, haalari, covered in badges bearing symbols from our three founding universities. I was given a tour of all the secret meeting places underground here in Otaniemi, in Töölö and in the Arabia campuses.

I swore to always defend and speak out for Aalto students come rain or shine. I have tried my very best to keep that promise, and I always will.

The day was awesome – a memorable beginning to something exciting and inspiring, something very important: the promise of a meaningful future.

On that day, I received a plate with an engraved text: Welcome to the technology village – Tervetuloa teekkarikylään. We have come a long way since then – yes, we are still here in the technology village but it is rapidly transforming into a city, a city that is already home to all our different disciplines and also to our partners and friends."

Tuula Teeri, President of Aalto University