Equality and Diversity Award 2024 to lecturer Anne Koskela
Koskela has been a pioneer in Finnish as a second language education at the University of Oulu since the mid-1990s. She has developed the S2 study path, which aims to teach Finnish language and culture while also facilitating participants’ integration into Finland, Oulu, and the university community. Koskela has, for instance, been one of the founders of the Working Life Finnish basic studies while also working actively in the joint project of the Universities of Lapland and Oulu which prepares immigrants towards Finnish-language university studies (kohti yliopistoa -project). Koskela also actively supervises the traineeships of students from the S2 subject and integration training.
As a teacher, Koskela has received a wealth of positive feedback from both students and staff. She has inspired many language learners to pursue their Finnish studies further, and encouraged them to use the language actively and continuously. As higher education institutions become increasingly international, Anne Koskela has made a significant contribution to the integration and employment of international experts in Finnish society and in our work community.
Honorable mentions to dean Paula Rossi and solution designer David Delahunty for advancing equality and diversity
The Equality and Diversity Committee awarded an honorary mention to Paula Rossi, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, for leadership that supports staff wellbeing. Rossi has made everyone involved in the faculty’s activities feel valued within the faculty and university community, regardless of their career stage, language or cultural background. Rossi is easily approachable for both staff and students, and she values personal communication. Under Rossi’s leadership, enhancing community spirit and cohesion has become a key focus of the Faculty’s strategy and upcoming action plan.
In addition, the Equality and Diversity Committee awarded an honorary mention to solution designer David Delahunty for supporting international students and staff in settling in Oulu. Delahunty has provided guidance to the international community on Finnish society, culture, and everyday life, and has organised social events for international students and staff to network. He has been praised for his ability to find individualized solutions in challenging situations related to adapting to a new country and environment.
The recipients of the award and honorable mention were selected from candidates nominated by members of the university community. The awards were issued by the chair of the Equality and Diversity Committee, vice rector Taina Pihlajaniemi at the Children’s Day at Work event on November 22, 2024.
The University of Oulu has issued the Equality and Diversity Award since 2009. The goal of the award is to promote the achievements relating to equality and diversity and to increase awareness on the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion among the university community.