School of Business Ceremonial Conferment

The Laurel Wreath Weaving is the first of the events in the conferment. During this event, the promovendis bind a laurel wreath, which they receive on their chest during the Act of Conferment. In addition to the binding of laurel wreaths, there are musical performances and a buffet dinner.

According to tradition, master promovendis lays a wreath at the Hietaniemi Cemetery as part of the ceremonies.

The main event of the conferment is the Act of Conferment. During this ceremony, the conferrer inducts the promovendis as full members of the academic community. The conferrer is selected from among the professors with the longest length of service at the School of Business. The conferrer at the 16th Ceremonial Conferment was Professor Matti Keloharju from Aalto University School of Business. In 2022, the Act of Conferment was held at Aalto Töölö.

After the Act of Conferment, a ceremonial procession moves towards the Temppeliaukio Church. Master of Ceremonies leads the procession. The Master of Ceremonies in 2022 was Professor Nina Granqvist from Aalto University School of Business. The symbols of the Master of Ceremonies include a staff and a red ribbon.

After the Act of Conferment, attendees can attend a religious service or a non-denominational event. The Conferment Church Service was held at Temppeliaukio Church led by Bishop Teemu Laajasalo. The non-denominational event took place in the Botta Hall. Both events feature speeches and musical performances.

The Conferment Dinner was held at Kalastajatorppa. During the Conferment Dinner, we heard excellent speeches from e.g. masters, doctors, and the rector. In the picture, Aalto University's rector, Ilkka Niemelä, is giving a speech at the School of Business Conferment Dinner in 2022.

After dinner, it's time for the conferment ball, where the dances are rehearsed in the spring before the conferment. According to tradition, the first dance is the polonaise. In 2022 the Boston Promenade was performed.

The last event of the conferment is traditionally the Gratista's Herring Luncheon. The event is organized by the promovendi committee in collaboration with the conferment office. It is the final opportunity to celebrate achievements in this magical event! In 2022, the evening concluded with a performance by Spekti!