Opening of the University 2011

School year started at Oulu University with a "bang" at the opening ceremony the 5th and we were invited.. Well all curious and little excited (perhaps they have a special reason for the invitation) we made our way to the Saalastin Sali (Saalasti Hall) to hear our Rector say how great the new reform that has come is. Hear the Student body president call the Uni and the Town complete failures and hear from the staff rep. how the reform sucks. In conclusion Rector was boring, student body president was offensive and staff rep whiny. The music was confusing to me as at every point it seemed the same.. The Mozart 100something something.. and allegro/pianissimo/presto... sounded like cheese to me.. Although it was nice, the baby woke up before it was all over. He was a good sport that day and was fairly quiet through the festivities. Here he is all dressed to impress..

Later in the evening we took part in the evening Gala, thanks to Niilo and Nora for taking care of the baby, we had little time to celebrate together with 400 other members of the Oulu importants..

It was a day of celebration, which always has seemed so strange, as the medical school has been open already for a month before opening of the University and because our campus is 5 miles south. Now that we have experienced it we can graduate knowing how the rest of the students kick off the year "up north".

P