Lecturer of the Year
In 2006 Finlandia Foundation National (FFN), the premier network of Finnish-American organizations in the United States, introduced its Lecturer of the Year (LOY) program for the purpose of sharing the history and culture of Finland and Finnish America with audiences across the U.S.
Since its inception, FFN chapters have hosted LOY on topics ranging from the Winter War to Jean Sibelius, the architecture of the Saarinens, and folk music traditions.
2026 LOY: JAY SMITH
John (Jay) E. Smith is a trained public historian, researcher, and archivist dedicated to making history accessible, engaging, and relevant. With a passion for bridging the gap between academic scholarship and community storytelling, he serves as a thoughtful mediator between professional research and public curiosity. Through dynamic presentations, interactive GIS story maps, evocative writing, and hands-on research support, Smith brings the past to life for diverse audiences.
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, his work shines a light on figures like John Morton—a founder of Finnish descent whose decisive vote for independence helped shape a nation—reminding us that courage and conscience often begin at home.
2025 LOY: EERO KILPI
Eero Kilpi is a leading advocate for Finnish sauna culture in North America, serving as a founding member and former President of the North American Sauna Society, President of Finlandia Foundation New York Metropolitan Chapter, and a recognized voice on sauna tradition featured in The New York Times and Forbes, while co-hosting The Upper Bench podcast to explore sauna’s art, science, and global significance.
2024 LOY: HANNA PYLVÄINEN
Hanna Pylväinen, author of The End of Drum-Time, a 2023 finalist for the National Book Award for fiction. Set in the 1851 world of Sámi reindeer herders, religion, beliefs, faith and love, is Lecturer of the Year for 2024.
PAST LOY
In 2006 Finlandia Foundation National introduced its Lecturer of the Year program featuring experts on a variety of topics related to Finland and Finnish America. Writer Suzanne Matson was LOY 2023.