The Finnish Studies at the University of Washington and the Tetri Matching Challenge of 2011

The Finnish Studies at the University of Washington and the Tetri Matching Challenge of 2011 The Finnish Program at the University of Washington is about 20 years old. Since the early 1990’s the program has grown into a program of three years of Finnish language instruction complemented by classes of Finnish culture, folklore and history as well as active student exchange. In 2009 Finnish became a major. Students choose to major in Finnish for example to gain competitive edge as well as to thoroughly familiarize themselves with aspects of their ethnic heritage. As a relatively new program the Finnish Studies have not yet built a significant endowment base – unlike the other Nordic languages at the university’s Scandinavian Studies department which have funds ranging from one million to well over two million dollars. This year, however, a generous donor, Mr. Eero Tetri donated $100,000 to support the instruction of Finnish language. His substantial gift will significantly help build the program’s endowment base which needs solidifying at the time of dwindling state support. On top his $100,000 donation Mr. Tetri promised to match all donations made to the program by the end of the year up to $50,000. The opportunity to significantly improve the security of the Finnish instruction and provide more scholarships to top students is more attainable now than ever. Please consider donating to show your support! Your gift will automatically double, and if you have a corporate match even quadruple. Giving a joint gift as a couple may even produce a double match by the employer and Mr. Tetri both! Mr. Tetri has agreed also to match pledges made for 2012. There is no better time to donate! Your gift, in whatever amount is right for you, will help Finnish instruction thrive at the University of Washington, introduce Finnish descendants and other Americans alike to Finnish culture, and create new friends for Finland. A small country like Finland can never have too many friends. Please contact lecturer Aija Elg (aijaelg@u.washington.edu) if you have any questions regarding the University of Washington ’s Finnish program, the Tetri matching challenge or the attached form providing information about how to make a gift. Mirja Covarrubias tel: +1-310-452-1161 e-mail: mecovarrubias@verizon.net