Kristina Pentti-von Walzel new chair of Hanken's donation committee

Hanken’s donation committee supports the School's various fundraising activities at a strategic level. The committee plans fundraising campaigns and works more generally when there is no active campaign.

Kristina Pentti-von Walzel has worked with Hanken's fundraising in various roles for over 15 years, starting from Hanken's first major fundraising campaign, Hanken 100, in 2009-2011. She has been a member of the donation committee for ten years.     

“Donations from alumni as well as other stakeholders, companies and foundations are generally of great importance to any university, and they are even more important for a small, stand-alone business school like Hanken. Donations not only provide more financial freedom but are also an important way to interact with and engage external partners in the School's operations and future,” says Pentti-von Walzel.

According to Pentti-von Walzel, the current difficult global economic situation is the main challenge for fundraising. Nevertheless, she is optimistic about Hanken's future.

“Hanken has a clear and explicit mission - what it does and for whom. The School has evolved with the times, successfully identifying and building on its strengths. Hanken also has exceptionally committed alumni, who support their alma mater in various ways. This is unique.”

The term of office of the donation committee runs from 2025 to 2027. The other members of the committee are:

Christoph Vitzthum, Chair of the Board of Hanken School of Economics
Mikael Frisk, Chair of the Hanken Support Foundation
Carl Haglund, CEO of Veritas
Maria Östergård Käld, Senior Advisor for LocalTapiola Asset Management Ltd

Mira Aarnivuo, alumni relations and fundraising manager, acts as secretary to the committee. Rector is also invited to all committee meetings.

If you want to read more about fundraising at Hanken, you can visit our website: Hanken fundraising