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Second grade Finnish language teacher Maija Stadius introduces her
class and explains what they will be doing. |
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Many Finnish background grandparents are also in attendance, as the
second grade class sings three songs in Finnish. |
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And as a special treat, the class performs a dance for the honored
guest (seated R).
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Immensely enjoying the occasion, the Prime Minister happily poses with
Maija Stadius’ second grade Finnish language class for photos. |
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And then it’s on to Suomi College’s graduation ceremonies, as
here, President Robert Ubbelohde (podium left) invites Reverend Bayard
Brown-Beach, Chaplain (podium right) to perform the Invocation.
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Dr. Ubbelohde invites Parliamentarian Klaus Hellberg to address the
audience. |
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The Commencement Address for the Suomi College Class of 2000 was
delivered by Finland’s Prime Minister, the Honorable Paavo Lipponen. |
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In honor of his visit, Prime Minister Lipponen has an Honorary Doctor
of Law Degree bestowed upon him by Dr. Ubbelohde (L) and Suomi College
Board of Trustees Chairman Gloria Jackson (R).
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A reception was later held at the Finnish -American Center where here,
Dr. Lipponen chats with Hancock City Manager Glenn Anderson and his
wife Mary Lou.
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Prime Minister and party left Hancock to return to Finland on
Saturday, a day in which no formal activities were planned. A truly
momentous occasion, the visit by Finland’s Prime Minister, Dr. Paavo
Lipponen, and Parliamentarian Klaus Hellberg, will be remembered for a
long time. As a historical note, the then President of Finland, the
Honorable Urho Kekkonen, visited Hancock in August of 1976. |
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