Finnish Kuksa Presented to University to Observe 70th Anniversary of Fulbright Program

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From left, Kim Needy, dean of the Graduate School and International Education; Dennis Clark, dean of University Libraries; Terhi Mölsä, chief executive officer of the Fulbright Finland Foundation; Peter MacKeith, dean of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design; and DeDe Long, emeritus director of study abroad and current vice president of the Fulbright Association.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – On a gorgeous fall afternoon in early November, a group gathered at the steps of Vol Walker Hall — home to the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design — and alongside the Fulbright Peace Fountain for a special event.

Terhi Mölsä, chief executive officer of the Fulbright Finland Foundation, made a special gift presentation to the University of Arkansas. As part of its 70th anniversary, the foundation wanted to recognize the very special relationship between Finland and Arkansas. 

"The University of Arkansas is the holder of the legacy of J. William Fulbright, whose vision of promoting mutual understanding through international educational exchange is shared by over 160 countries participating in the Fulbright program worldwide," Mölsä said. "I am so pleased to be on campus to make this special presentation of our 70th anniversary commemorative kuksa."

The kuksa — a glass art piece — was designed and made by a U.S. Fulbright alumnus to Finland, glass artist Jonathan Capps. It is modeled after a traditional Finnish, and originally Sámi, cup. 

Among those present to officially receive the gift were Kim Needy, dean of the Graduate School and International Education; Dennis Clark, dean of University Libraries; Peter MacKeith, dean of the Fay Jones School; and DeDe Long, emeritus director of Study Abroad and current vice president of the Fulbright Association. Dean MacKeith was pleased to provide the welcome and introductions as a former Fulbright Scholar to Finland.

"The Fay Jones School has enjoyed strong relationships with Finnish architecture and design culture over many years, and we are grateful to join with colleagues from across the campus in receiving this special gift and recognition from the Fulbright Finland Foundation," said Dean MacKeith. "All together, we are joined in the Fulbright Program's common vision of 'peace through education.'"

Anyone interested in applying for a Fulbright award to teach, conduct research or participate in graduate study overseas may contact Curt Rom (scholars), associate dean of International Education, at crom@uark.edu, or Jonathan Langley (students), Fulbright campus program advisor, at jtlangl@uark.edu.

About the Fulbright Finland Foundation: The Fulbright Finland Foundation is a private, independent, not-for-profit organization based in Helsinki, Finland. With the purpose of promoting a wider exchange of knowledge and professional talents through educational contacts between Finland and the United States, the Foundation collaborates with a range of government, foundation, university and corporate partners on both sides of the Atlantic to design and manage study and research scholarships, leadership development programs and internationalization services.