Bulletin: Student Act of the Year Award to students at Humak University of Applied Sciences
The National Union of Students in Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences – SAMOK has chosen Humak University of Applied Sciences students Jarmilla Liimatainen, Anna Löhönen, Pekka Kangasniemi, and Alina Jäppinen as the recipients of the Student Act of the Year Award. Jarmilla Liimatainen, Anna Löhönen, Pekka Kangasniemi and Alina Jäppinen.
HUMAKO’s Tampere team has combined low-threshold student activities, community spirit, and tangible good deeds in an exemplary way by organising, among other things, charity bingos. The initiative, which began through the proactivity of four students, raised over 800 euros for mental health work and crisis support on its very first occasion in February 2026. The team did not leave their success as a one-off experiment, but expanded the concept in October 2026 to larger premises in order to support Cancer Foundation Finland’s Pink Ribbon campaign and increase the donation sum.
The award jury particularly recognises the team’s ability to turn an individual event idea into a continuous, long-term, and evolving operating model. Charity bingo offers students an easily approachable way to meet and spend time together. From a simple and fun concept, they have created an impactful whole that strengthens the student community and brings about meaningful good outside of studies as well.
“We are truly honoured by this recognition! Going forward, we want to continue creating opportunities for students to make a difference and do good together. A warm thank you to all participants and partners who made the event possible. Together, we demonstrated that an event organised by students can both build community and support vital mental health work,” say the winners of the Student Act of the Year Award.
“HUMAKO’s Tampere team’s event is a wonderful concept that deserves recognition. The event brings together community and charity in a way that inspires others, too,” says Suvi Savola, Board Member of SAMOK. Suvi Savola.
Nominations for the Student Act of the Year were collected during the autumn from members of university of applied sciences communities. The final selection from the submitted proposals was made by a jury assembled by SAMOK. This year’s jury included Lauri Kujala, President of STTK Students, Kasper Laaksonen, President of Akava Students, and Erika Jääskeläinen from C.L. Seifert. Lauri Kujala, Akavan opiskelijoiden puheenjohtaja Kasper Laaksonen sekä C.L.Seifertin Erika JääskeläinenIn addition, Board Member Suvi Savola sat on the jury on behalf of SAMOK. The award was presented in conjunction with SAMOK’s General Assembly in Helsinki on 30 October 2026.
The aim of the award is to highlight the important role students play in society and the university of applied sciences community, and to give greater recognition to all the good that students accomplish alongside their studies.
Further information:
Suvi Savola
Board Member of SAMOK
[email protected]
050 360 9376
