METKA’s 18th anniversary was celebrated on Saturday March 14th. In addition to food, drinks and speeches, METKA traditionally also awarded meritorious actors at the anniversary celebration.
Student association of the year – Trombi ry
Trombi’s activities are consistent, high-quality, and community-building. In 2025, the association focused particularly on sports events, such as Jätekuntoon, and reached out to international students through the Career Insights event. Trombi members happily involve others in their activities, promote alcohol-free events, and expand the association’s activities beyond their own field. This long-term and versatile contribution deserves recognition.
Teacher of the year – Taku Kaskela
Taku Kaskela is a dedicated and skilled teacher who genuinely cares about their students’ learning, well-being, and future career opportunities. They bring relevant guest speakers to courses, organizes educational experiences, and shares their expertise honestly and impartially. Taku’s presence, transparent communication, and sense of humor make teaching inspiring and student-centered, earning them recognition for their outstanding teaching work.
Staff member of the year – Suvi Ollikainen
As the Myyrmäki Campus Coordinator, Suvi Ollikainen has significantly promoted opportunities for student associations to operate. They handle room reservations quickly and encouragingly, and their warm and proactive approach makes the campus a genuinely positive environment for student activities.
Active student of the year – Tomi Sirviö
Tomi Sirviö has long served as a reliable security guard at METKA events and as an active member of the student association. They are always ready to help and works with dedication to ensure that events run smoothly and safely.
Advocate of student rights of the year – Vilma Niemistö
For the past two years, Vilma has exemplarily developed and promoted Demoni’s advocacy work. They have brainstormed campaigns, increased visibility and student participation, and always handled advocacy matters with perseverance and in the best interests of the students. Vilma’s long-term contribution has brought continuity and valuable expertise to the organization’s activities.
Event of the year – MetalAppro (Demoni ry)
MetalAppro is a new and innovative event concept that offers participants an enjoyable and well-organized appro experience. The event promotes interdisciplinary networking among students from different fields and universities.
Tutor of the year – Soffe Koskinen
From the very beginning, Sofia Koskinen has created a safe and supportive atmosphere in the classroom, actively participated in events, and consistently offered help and guidance to students. They have shown a genuine interest in tutoring and student well-being.
Head tutor of the year – Ronja Alander
Ronja has been a key force on their team, increasing the social media visibility of tutoring, actively participating in joint projects, and ensuring that orientations run smoothly through close collaboration with guidance counsellors.
The Phenomenon of the year – EV-TV
By 2025, MysteRy’s EV-TV (advocacy TV) will have significantly raised awareness of advocacy work and highlighted students’ rights in an understandable and accessible way. The videos have played a key role in increasing the visibility and recognition of advocacy work.
Golden Badge of Merit – Juuli Ärttö
Juuli has made a significant and long-term contribution to the student community at Metropolia. They have served as a tutor, a member of MysteRy’s board, a representative in METKA’s council, and as a board member of METKA in several positions of responsibility. Juuli’s broad expertise and long-standing commitment have made them a highly respected influencer. Through their own example, they have demonstrated how one can progress in an active student career, while also supporting and being readily available to help other students across organisational boundaries.
Silver Badge of Merit – Sanni Lehtinen
Sanni Lehtinen served as the Executive Director of METKA during 2024-2025 and made a significant impact on the organisation’s activities. Sanni developed operating practices, improved access to information, and increased transparency as well as the involvement of the representative council in decision-making. Sanni invested in workplace well-being, community spirit, and professional supervision, creating a supportive atmosphere. She supported elected representatives in all situations and ensured the smooth running of operations. Sanni has been an exemplary and exceptional contributor to METKA’s activities.
Silver Badge of Merit – Tekla Kosonen
Tekla Kosonen has held several key positions at METKA between 2020 and 2023, including serving as a board member on the advocacy team, as board chairperson, and as a student representative on the board of Metropolia University of Applied Sciences Ltd. They have been a reliable and active leader, implementing significant reforms, such as the consolidation of Administrative Procedure, and promoting METKA’s activities with a long-term perspective despite challenging years.
Silver Badge of Merit – Janne Levänen
Janne served on METKA’s Board and as a member services specialist from 2020 to 2023, and participated in METKA’s Speksi. They have extensive experience in student union activities and has carried out their duties reliably and successfully, being active and approachable among students.
Silver Badge of Merit – Mari Purhonen
Mari Purhonen is a long-time specialist in communications and advocacy at METKA. They are responsible for social media, graphic design, and the visual production of events, and they maintain METKA’s consistent visual identity. In advocacy work, Mari is a reliable and knowledgeable support, participates in campaigns, trains student trustees, and maintains open communication with Metropolia staff. They also handle internal office communications and provides constructive feedback. Mari always performs their work efficiently and to a high standard.
The photos of the cocktail party will be published soon on METKA’s Flickr account. The photographer was Jere Hippeläinen.
This post is also available in .