Hanken begins its’ 108th academic year with a one-million-euro donation from the Erling-Persson Family Foundation

As a result of the donation from the Swedish Erling-Persson Family Foundation, the fundraising campaign HANKEN RETURNS has now raised over 6 500 000 euro. This is the foundation’s second donation to Hanken. 

- We have observed how well Hanken has administered raised funds and the effects of this. The results show that donations to the university have direct effects on both education and research, as well as on the society at large. Research and development are absolutely crucial for the future of countries, and with this donation we hope to contribute to continued progress, says the Chairman of the Foundation, Stefan Persson.

The Foundation’s motivation follows the main points of the speech held by Rector Karen Spens during the Opening of the Academic Year at Hanken.

- Great changes and challenges stand before the universities of the future. Collaboration in terms of both research and education is needed to face and tackle these challenges. With the help of innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit, we can also contribute to getting Finland back on its feet, Rector Spens pointed out in her speech.

According to Rector Spens, universities have to find complementary sources of funding to support their activities.

- It is with great joy and gratitude that Hanken accepts this significant donation from the Erling-Persson Family Foundation. We feel both humble and honoured to receive this donation, which demonstrates trust in Hanken, says Rector Karen Spens.

The Erling-Persson Family Foundation was established in 1999 in memory of Erling Persson and his many achievements. The economic base of the Foundation lays in donations from Stefan Persson, Chairman of H&M. The foundation supports economic and medical research as well as projects that promote the development and wellbeing of children and young people.   

The fundraising campaign HANKEN RETURNS will continue until 30 June 2017 and has, with this donation included, so far raised more than 6,5 million euro. The aim of the campaign is to secure Hanken’s unique position as Finland’s only independent business school.

For more information, please contact
Head of Fundraising and Donor Relations
Camilla Wardi, camilla.wardi@hanken.fi, tel. +358 (0)40-560 59 64.