The president of Finland, Tarja Halonen, will visit Duluth in July as part of a Finnish heritage celebration, the University of Minnesota, Duluth, announced today.
Finland's president coming to Duluth
June 19, 2008 at 9:32PM
Halonen will attend FinnFest 2008 and be awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree for public service presented by Chancellor Kathryn Martin and university regents on July 25 at the DECC Arena.
The honorary degree is the highest award conferred by the University of Minnesota, recognizing individuals who have achieved acknowledged eminence in cultural affairs, in public service, or in a field of knowledge and scholarship.
Martin said that Halonen's "outstanding leadership on behalf of the rights of women, and workers, and the poor have made her an international role model; and she is truly deserving of this high award."
The theme for Finnfest 2008, scheduled for July 23-27, is "Sharing the Spirit of Finland." The festivities will include entertainment, lectures, displays, exhibitions, concerts, athletic events, worship services and a banquet.
According to the 2000 U.S. census, Minnesota has the largest percentage of people of Finnish heritage of any state. Also, the Duluth area has the largest percentage of Finns living in any urban center in the country (29,602, or 12.14 percent).
Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482
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