Designer Jesse Ukkonen is Metropolia's Alumni of the Year 2024

Designer Jesse Ukkonen has distinguished himself in areas such as strengthening diversity and inclusive working methods.

Jesse Ukkonen has been selected as Metropolia University of Applied Sciences’ Alumni of the Year 2024. Ukkonen graduated from Metropolia's Digital Design degree programme in 2017. At that time, the degree programme was called Digital Communication.

"Of course, I am extremely honoured to receive the Alumni of the Year award. I was originally selected to Metropolia from the waiting list, so there has been some luck involved in my career as well. Getting recognition like this gives you confidence in your career and makes you feel seen," says Ukkonen. He has also been awarded Graphia's Junior of the Year in 2024. Currently, he works as a principal product designer at software company Qvik.

The Alumni of the Year was chosen from a shortlist of four nominees, including Meri Pekkanen from Helsinki City Health and Social Services, Amin Hassan from Gofore and Heidi Lihr from Helsinki City.

The Alumni of the Year 2024 will contribute to future skills in their work

The Alumni of the Year is a positive and active Metropolia ambassador with a university degree from Metropolia, who has excellent skills in finding solutions in their field. They are boldly innovating in their field and building a sustainable future in their career.

The selection is made by the Metropolia management group on the basis of nominations. The selection process will focus on the candidate's willingness to make a difference in his or her field, his or her responsible approach to work and his or her active involvement in Metropolia.

Heidi Rontu, Vice President of Education at Metropolia, says that Ukkonen's selection was influenced, among other things, by the fact that he has repeatedly spoken about the importance of diversity.

"Bringing diversity to the fore creates a mindset that moves our world forward. Ukkonen has a proven track record in accessible, people-centred and inclusive digital design. His work promotes key skills and values for the future, such as equality and creating a sense of belonging. He has also been a student activist and has continued to visit as an alumni to speak to students on several occasions," says Rontu.

More information:

Heidi Rontu
Vice President of Education
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
heidi.rontu [at] metropolia.fi (heidi[dot]rontu[at]metropolia[dot]fi)