JU celebrates 30 years

This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of Jönköping University (JU) becoming one of the country's three foundation universities. This anniversary is being celebrated in various ways, started with the spring celebration or “valborgsmässofirandet”.

It was in the 1991 government declaration that the incoming centre-right government stated its ambition to create more independent universities and colleges. Jönköping University and Chalmers University of Technology were invited to become foundations and, with strong support from local businesses, the county council and municipalities in the region, the Jönköping University Foundation was established on 1 July 1994.

Celebrations throughout the year

The 30th anniversary celebrations will run from the spring celebration to the end of the year, centering around the Academic Ceremony in May and the student kick-off in August. The actual birthday of the institution is 1 July.

Some activities in the near future:

Valborg was celebrated in Hälsoparken in Jönköping, including speeches by JU President Måns Svensson and the President of the Student Union José Alvarado. The JU choir also performed spring-themed songs.

The week continues with inaugural lectures given by JU’s new professors on 2-3 May with the highlight being the Academic Ceremony on Saturday. More information here.

During the week leading up to the Academic Ceremony, the University Library will hold an exhibition that gives information about the ceremony, the doctors, professors, honorary doctors and the new JU President. They will also showcase some of JU's insignia, and doctoral theses plus other publications by the new professors and doctors.

During the Academic Ceremony on Saturday 4 May, the new JU President will be installed as well as 11 professors and 32 doctors, followed by a celebratory dinner afterwards at Science Park.

On 29 May, a business day will be arranged together with Jönköping Municipality. The purpose is to showcase the cutting-edge research JU conducts together with the business community in the region and nationwide. More information will be available about this event.

Double celebration - 30 and 100 years

A curiosity in this context is that Jönköping University is also celebrating its centenary this year! In 1924, a small school was created in Jönköping with the aim of training teachers. This later became the teacher training college, which has since carried out higher education degree programmes and is now called Jönköping University. But JU will humbly confine it’s celebrations to 30 years as a foundation university.