Spring Graduates of Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK) Celebrated on 3 June 2026 at Kaukametsä Hall in Kajaani

Approximately 130 graduates and their loved ones attended the celebration. By 15 June 2026, the total number of graduates during the spring semester was 364, of which 99 had completed a Master’s degree at a University of Applied Sciences and 265 had completed a Bachelor’s degree at a University of Applied Sciences.

“The graduation ceremony is an important milestone marking the end of studies and the beginning of a new chapter in life. We are happy that we were able to organise a joint celebration. This spring, we also celebrate a significant milestone, as the total number of graduates from KAMK has surpassed 10,000,” said Rector Matti Sarén with joy.

KAMK organised a large joint graduation ceremony for the first time in a long while. The ceremonial speech was given by Rector Matti Sarén, who emphasised that the graduates are those who will together build a better tomorrow, and thanked them for their perseverance and sense of community.

“You have taken on a great challenge and completed it, even though there were difficult courses and setbacks along the way. You did not give up, but asked for and gave help. That is something I want you to remember: you don’t have to do everything alone. Great things are achieved together.”

The musical performances at the celebration were provided by a band of students from KAO Conservatory and KAMK student Lam Nhat Linh. Graduate speeches were given by Mikko Kemppainen, who had completed a Master’s degree in Technology Management, and Bataduva Kiringodage Gayani, a graduate from the English-language Tourism programme. Closing remarks were delivered by Acting Mayor of Kajaani, Joni Partanen.

Topics of the Year’s Theses: Preventing Waste in Restaurants, Career Changes Among Highly Educated Professionals, and Managing Construction Projects

Outstanding theses were awarded at the ceremony. This spring, three works received the “Thesis of the Year” award. The selection emphasised applicability in working life.

Udani Chathurika Kande Kapuge’s English-language tourism thesis “The key barriers that prevent restaurants in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka from adopting sustainable food waste management practices” examines restaurant owners’ and managers’ views on barriers to sustainable food waste management in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province. The results show that food waste management often remains overshadowed by customer satisfaction and reputation, and its promotion is hindered by structural, economic, and operational factors. Although the problem is recognised and there is willingness to address it, actions must not disrupt daily business operations. The work demonstrates the high-level competence of international students and is excellent in qualitative execution.

Pirkko Tervo’s Bachelor of Business Administration thesis “Korkeakoulutetut alanvaihtajat” (“Highly Educated Career Changers”) investigated from which fields and to which fields highly educated professionals in Finland change careers. Based on the survey, most career changers are women who start new studies before the age of 35 and usually transition from working life. The most common career changes are from health and welfare fields to engineering. This well-executed quantitative study provides current information that can be utilised, for example, in planning conversion and continuing education programmes.

Mikko Kemppainen’s Master’s thesis in Technology Management “Rakennushankkeen johtaminen Kajaanin kaupungissa – luottamushenkilöiden ja viranhaltijoiden yhteistyön kehittäminen päätöksenteossa” (“Construction Project Management in the City of Kajaani – Developing Cooperation Between Elected Officials and Civil Servants in Decision-Making”) developed a model for improving decision-making and cooperation in Kajaani’s construction projects. The model includes, among other things, a property review, a multi-year investment programme, clearly defined decision points, and early presentation of cost and impact information. The strength of the work lies in its practical recommendations that support smooth decision-making in the municipal sector.

The theses are available at:
https://www.theseus.fi/handle/10024/918440
https://www.theseus.fi/handle/10024/905038
https://www.theseus.fi/handle/10024/912748

KAMK congratulates all graduates of the spring semester 2026 and wishes them success in the future.

Further information:
Matti Sarén, Rector, matti.saren@kamk.fi, +358 44 7101 600