Dr. Phillip Johnson Says Goodbye to Finlandia University and Staff, Pinnow Starting on Friday

After 15 years Dr. Phillip Johnson made his final address to university staff last Thursday. He spoke before staff, during the university’s last 125 anniversary celebration in the Martha Wiljanen Hall. He spoke of the university’s ever evolving nature since it’s inception in 1896 by Finnish immigrants. Starting off as a school to teach immigrants how to work and live in the United States, today the school prepares students for a new workplace and environment. President Johnson left his thoughts with the Latin phrase Semper Reformanda, meaning always reforming; it is based on the idea of higher education’s goal of looking for new and evolving ways to educate, and prepare students. Over past few weeks Johnson has worked closely with President-Elect Timothy Pinnow. President-Elect Pinnow is set to take over the role of president of Finlandia Pniversity starting this Friday.