National Union of Students in Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences – SAMOK has selected Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences student Theo Bloemen as the recipient of the Student Act of the Year Award for his exemplary work for international students and inclusiveness.

During his studies and especially during the past year, Theo Bloemen has spoken courageously on behalf of international students. In Haaga-Helia, he has launched an idea to create guidelines to improve the understanding of Finnish health care and study welfare services among international degree students and exchange students, so that everyone is better able to access the services they need.

In the past year, he has also acted as the 2nd vice-chairperson of the Board of the Student Union Helga, and made sure that both Helga and the Finnish UAS student movement understand the importance of inclusiveness of international students.

“I am beyond thankful for receiving this. I believe that we, whether student unions, educational organisations and government can create not only a safe, but a thriving environment for all of us. Now is not the time to isolate ourselves but rather open up and share who we are, and be proud of our cultures and our vibrant differences that can bring so much to our field,” says Theo Bloemen, winner of the Student of the Year Award.

“The jury was unanimous in its choice of the winner. We appreciate Theo Bloemen’s courage and the concrete steps he has taken to improve the position of international students at his own university,” says Sanni Koivuluoma, Vice President of the SAMOK Board.

During the autumn, the Student of the Year was collected from members of the higher education community. The final selection was made by a jury assembled by SAMOK. This year’s jury included Mio Kortelainen, President of the Finnish Student Sports Federation (OLL), Valtteri Mäyrälä, President of the STTK Students’ and Pauliina Ryökäs, President of the Akava Students’. In addition, SAMOK’s vice president Sanni Koivuluoma sat on the panel on behalf of SAMOK. The prize was awarded in connection with SAMOK’s General Assembly in Jyväskylä on 31.10.2024.

The aim of the award is to highlight the important role of students in society and the higher education community, and to give more recognition to the good that students do alongside their studies.

For more information:

Sanni Koivuluoma
Sanni Koivuluoma, vice president of the SAMOK Board
[email protected]
050 536 0539