Ceremonial address by vice-chancellor Peter Aronsson at Linnaeus University’s Academic Ceremony in Växjö on 30 January 2026
februari 4, 2026
During Linnaeus University’s Academic Ceremony on 30 January 2026 in Växjö, the vice-chancellor of Linnaeus University, Peter Aronsson, delivered two speeches. The first was a ceremonial address given at the academic ceremony, and the other a speech delivered at the formal dinner for specially invited guests held after the ceremony. Both speeches are published here in full.
Ceremonial address during the academic ceremony
We have been entrusted with an academy – Linnaeus University. A university is both a tangible reality and an ideal, the bearer of a hopeful vision that the free pursuit of knowledge creates a better world through:
- Teachers and researchers who freely seek new knowledge, collaborate with a critical eye and collegial responsibility, providing the best conditions for meeting the demands of our time and creating a better, sustainable future, while making research perspectives and findings useful in education.
- Students who freely and knowledgeably pursue their education and learning, making the most of their inherent potential and helping to meet external challenges in working life and the building of society.
- Through free exchange with others in the wider world – regionally, nationally and globally – creating and connecting our strongest forces for the greatest benefit.
- Staff and students together becoming active, knowledgeable and committed citizens of the academy, carrying these virtues forward for the benefit of themselves, the society and the future we ultimately serve.