Their love story is a blend of serendipity, transatlantic adventure, and a generous dash of Swedish nostalgia. Two young Americans boarded the same plane to Sweden to study in Lund in 1976. This past summer, 48(!) years later, Eric Rodli and Laurie Rodli (formerly Thor) returned to visit the city where not only their relationship sparked for the first time, but also where they went on their honeymoon. But it wasn’t love at first sight…this story begins with a casual “hello.”
Eric Rodli (UC San Diego, Economics & Political Science) and Laurie Thor (UC Berkeley, Economics & Film Studies) joined a long-standing transatlantic exchange with Lund University. They first met on a charter flight from Los Angeles to Sweden in June 1976 for KV’s intensive Swedish Language program. Both had left previous relationships behind, and among 34 students, they started as friends, until, as Eric recalls, the cold weather changed that. “The truth is that we remember meeting each other on the charter plane flying from Los Angeles to Sweden in June of 1976, on our way for an intensive Swedish Language summer program,” he explains. We then saw each other quite a bit that summer as part of our group of students, but we were just friends. She and I both had left a girlfriend and a boyfriend back home. However, we joke that after a long Swedish winter, our relationship changed.”
Eric Rodli and Laurie Rodli outside Lund University with a friend in 1976
Married in 1981 and honeymooning in Lund
When Eric and Laurie discovered that Lund wasn’t just a place on a map, but where their paths converged, the spark ignited into a full-blown love story, culminating in a wedding back in the US in 1981. They even returned to Lund for their honeymoon. Laurie built a successful legal career before choosing to be a full-time mom to their three kids, while Eric worked in the entertainment technology world in Los Angeles. Now, they are both 69 years old and can afford to travel more.
Finally inside Lund’s Grand Hotel
This past summer, Laurie and Eric had another nostalgic “homecoming” to the city where it all began. Sure, the city had evolved, with modern developments popping up here and there, but the timeless charm of its historic quarters remained just as they remembered. “It was very special to be back. Obviously, Lund and the University hold a special place for us. Lund had changed a lot; there was so much more development, but the older parts of town were as we remembered them. This summer, we stayed at Lund’s Grand Hotel, neither one of us had ever even been inside it in the ’70s. We were poor students when we were there and sadly never enjoyed the great bar,” they recall.
Laurie Rodliformerly known as Lauren (Lauri) Thor, at Mårtenstorget in Lund 2024 and 1976Eric Rodliat Mårtenstorget in Lund 2024 and 1976
The Language of Love – Swedish?
One of the many joys of their Swedish experience was the very useful “secret language” they developed; a playful way to discuss matters like Christmas gifts right under their children’s noses. Both Eric and Laurie did their best to maintain their Swedish over the years. Eric highlights that “after 2 weeks in Sweden, it came back. I was able to speak with my 97-year-old second cousin of my mother… that was very meaningful.”
Happy Valentine’s Day to all our alumni
Today, Eric and Laurie’s story reminds us of the magic born from unexpected meetings and the adventures that unfold, many right here on the campuses of Lund University. Do we dare call Lund the city of love? At least for today, we might just give Paris a run for its romances. 😉
A big thank you to Eric and Laurie for sharing their story and Happy Valentine’s Day to all our alumni — here’s to love, laughter, and memories that never fade!
If you have a story to share, don’t hestitate to give us a shout at info@alumni.lu.se
Please note that the feature image has been digitally altered to remove an individual for visual composition purposes.
Malena Ivarsson is a name that almost everyone in Sweden (at least those born before 1980) will recognise. As the country’s most well-known sexologist, she changed the way Swedes talk about intimacy. As the host of the groundbreaking TV show Fräcka Fredag (Cheeky Friday), she brought open discussions about sex and relationships into Swedish living rooms at a time when such topics were still considered taboo. But her career began long before she became a familiar face on television. Her journey is one of curiosity, dedication and commitment to helping people understand themselves and each other better.
Photo: Private
From Lund to a life in sexology
Malena Ivarsson was born in Lund and spent her early childhood in Skåne before moving to Stockholm at the age of seven. But her academic journey brought her back to her birthplace when she chose to study at Lund University, where she enrolled at the School of Social Work (Socialhögskolan), part of the Faculty of Social Sciences. Her time at Lund University in the early 1970s was marked by an atmosphere of activism and social change. “It was unconventional. Large group meetings. Agitations. We were going to change society,” she recalls. It was a time when students were deeply engaged in discussions about politics, equality and social justice, values that would later become central to her work in sexology.
At the time, sexology as an academic discipline did not yet exist at Lund University. Instead, Ivarsson focused on social work, gaining a broad understanding of human behavior, psychology and social structures. Her education provided a solid foundation for her later specialisation in relationships and sexuality.
After earning her social work degree, she remained in Skåne, working at a social services office in Malmö for several years. But it was in 1979, when she took a position at a youth clinic, that her career took a decisive turn. “That’s where I started my training in sexology,” she explains. Her work with young people dealing with questions about sexuality, identity and relationships sparked a passion that would define the rest of her career.
A unique path
Determined to deepen her knowledge, Ivarsson pursued further studies in sexology, at a time when there were few formal education paths in the field. She undertook intensive courses through RFSU (the Swedish Association for Sexuality Education) and the National Board of Health and Welfare. However, it was a three-year diploma program offered by the Danish Sexological Association at Rigshospitalet (the Danish National Hospital) in Copenhagen that truly cemented her expertise. “This, in turn, has led to me now being one of the few who are Certified Clinical Sexologists,” she explains and adds that her background as a social worker also has been very important “All contact with people is valuable,” she says, emphasising how essential human connection is in understanding sexuality and relationships.
Not slowing down
The TV show Fräcka Fredag became a true cultural phenomenon. While some saw it as provocative, many appreciated the way it brought discussions about relationships and sexuality into the mainstream. No matter what the varied viewpoints were, 5 million Swedes had an opinion on it. Now in her seventies, Ivarsson has no plans to slow down. She continues to answer questions in various newspapers and co-hosts the podcast Till Sängs (Let’s go to bed) with radio journalist Samanda Ekman. “We discuss Jungian psychology, sex and relationships. I find it fun and enriching. You actually get better in this field the older you get,” she says.
Want advice?
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, Malena will be sharing her best relationship advice tailored for different life stages. These will be posted one per day, leading up to 14 February! 💌 Follow the LU Alumni Instagram account for more
The network for research on Sexuality, Norms and Psychology (SNAP) was started in the spring of 2022 with the aim of strengthening sexuality research at the Department of Psychology at Lund University. By extension, our research and knowledge can play a role for all people in both personal life and professional practice. Website in Swedish Website in English
Vaibhav Diwan closed 2024 on a high note as he was honoured with the Business Elite 40 Under 40 Europe award. Selected from over 5,500 nominations across Europe, Vaibhav’s achievement is a testament to his remarkable journey and impact in his field as a global leader in regulatory compliance focused on human health and environmental safety.His background in molecular biology gave him a strong foundation for understanding complex systems, which he says has been instrumental to his career.
“It’s deeply humbling to be selected,” Vaibhav shares. “This recognition is not just about my personal achievements, it reflects the unwavering support of my family, the trust of my colleagues and the power of perseverance. It’s a reminder that purpose-driven work can truly create meaningful change.” Photo: Business Elite Awards.
From India to Lund: A Journey of Transformation
Originally from India, Vaibhav moved to Lund 14 years ago to pursue a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology at Lund University. Drawn by the University’s reputation and Sweden’s inclusive environment, he found himself challenged but inspired. “Thanks to my family’s support and Sweden’s welcoming environment, I didn’t face major challenges. However, adjusting to the environmental and cultural differences initially felt overwhelming. Six months in, I briefly considered returning to India, but soon realized the immense learning opportunities Sweden offered. That perspective shift has stayed with me and shaped my journey.” Vaibhav’s educational journey later took him to Denmark, where he earned a PhD from the Technical University of Denmark. While he initially planned to stay within academia, his career took an unexpected turn into regulatory compliance.
Fostering a culture of innovation and trust
Today, Vaibhav is the General Manager of Growth at Global Product Compliance Europe AB, where he leads transformative initiatives in chemical regulatory compliance, sustainability and corporate social responsibility. When asked what the key is to fostering a culture of innovation and trust within his own team, Vaibhav emphasizes that the foundation of any culture is built on the connection between people. “If people feel valued, they will be ready to be led. One of the key practices I emphasize is leading by example. I demonstrate transparency, accountability and a willingness to adapt, which I believe inspires the team to do the same.”
To spark innovation, he provides his team with the resources and opportunities to grow, but most importantly he encourages autonomy by empowering team members to take ownership of their projects, which not only enhances their creativity but also fosters a sense of responsibility and trust, according to Vaibhav. “Having said this, it’s a two-way street – opportunity and reciprocation. It doesn’t always work as people are different, their expectations and the way they reciprocate are different, and that’s where continuous learning comes in by adapting to different needs. At times you are successful, and other times you learn.”
Keys – Mentors and Milestones
Study times in Lund. Photo: Private
Reflecting on his time at Lund University, Vaibhav speaks with gratitude. “The Swedish education system taught me to think critically and solve problems practically. My mentors, including Christina Ledje and Professors Torbjörn Säll and Klas Flärdh, played pivotal roles in shaping my journey. Their guidance gave me the confidence to explore and embrace challenges.”
Family as a Source of Strength
Outside of work, Vaibhav cherishes time with his wife, Dr. Tania Singh Diwan (a fellow Lund alum), and their three-year-old daughter, Aarya. “Tania has been my greatest source of strength and inspiration. We met in India while we were both studying for our Bachelor’s degrees in Delhi. Our relationship blossomed when we both got the chance to attend Lund University for our Master’s degrees, turning Lund into our wonderful second home.”
Vaibhav Diwan with his wife Dr. Tania Singh Diwan outside Lund University. Photo: Private
Advice for fellow alumni
For Vaibhav, the future holds more opportunities to innovate, empower others, and contribute to sustainability. His advice for fellow alumni? “The journey to success is often challenging, but being open to opportunities and making the most of them can lead to greater results over time. To achieve your goals, it’s essential to be proactive, allowing others to help you along the way. I never thought I would be here, but going forward, I want to continue the path of perseverance and a purpose-driven approach that can lead to a meaningful impact in the long term.”
Congratulations to Vaibhav Diwan on his inspiring journey and well-deserved recognition!
Great leaders don’t just solve problems, they inspire others to do the same. Kaveh Madani has done just that. He first arrived in Lund on a cold February day in 2004 to pursue a master’s degree in water resources. In November 2024, he came back to Lund, this time as the Director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment, and Health (UNU-INWEH), to launch the new UNU hub Water in a Changing Environment (WICE) –a hub dedicated to training the next generation of change-makers.
Professor Kaveh Madani, Lund University alumnus and Director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment, and Health (UNU-INWEH) 2024 and international student Kaveh Madani, Lund University 2005. Photo left: Helga Heun. Photo right: Private
Madani grew up as an only child in Iran, with both parents working for the water sector. He often accompanied his mother to work, and as he grew older, it felt like a natural choice to follow in his parents footsteps.
A four-year-old Kaveh Madani (left) together with his cousin and a friend in Tehran. Photo: PrivateCaptured during a 5th grade science competition, Kaveh Madani sits with two classmates. This moment marks the start of a shared journey in which each of the three would go on to earn PhDs, one at MIT, one at UC Davis and one at Windsor. Photo: Private
Before becoming the Director of UNU-INWEH, he held positions at Yale and Imperial College London, played a leadership role in environmental governance in Iran, and served as Vice President of the United Nations Environment Assembly Bureau (which oversees the world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environment) from 2017 to 2018. Yet, his work is not about flaunting an impressive CV; it is about science diplomacy—building international bridges and addressing global challenges. As he has stated, “Water is the most essential and pervasive element of life. Yet nearly half of humanity will face water scarcity by 2030 due to climate change and population growth,” a challenge that has shaped his mission to create sustainable solutions.
A Pivotal Moment: The Gateway to the West
Kaveh vividly recalls walking through the automatic glass doors at Kastrup Airport in 2004, what he now calls “the gateway to the West.” “It was dark and cold, and I was trying not to slip,” he laughs, remembering his first moments in Sweden. “Meanwhile, I admired my classmate riding her bike like it was nothing.” That memory has stayed with him, returning each time he passes through those doors again.
Only four hubs in the world – one is now in Lund
As an alumnus, Madani recognises Lund University’s excellence, citing its commitment to quality and global impact. “I initiated the conversation about starting this UNU hub in Lund because I saw the opportunity. Lund University is a very credible institution, and we have mutual trust between us,” he explains. Madani emphasises that the alignment with the UN University’s mission of empowering the Global South made Lund an ideal partner for collaboration.
The Swedish Classroom: A Lesson in Collaboration
A course in Lund on Systems Dynamics, where he learned to model and analyse the behaviour of complex systems over time, had a significant impact on Madani’s thinking. It deeply influenced his work in activism and policymaking, as well as teaching—often using game theory in his own classroom when working as a faculty member at Imperial College London before his public service. Thinking back on his days in Lund, he also cherishes the memories of student life, including living in student housing and enjoying the social life at the unions.
Captured on Kaveh Madani’s last day in Lund in September 2005, just after defending his Master of Science thesis before departing for PhD studies in North America. Pictured alongside his roommate and undergraduate classmate from Iran, Ali Mirchi, who had just arrived in Sweden to begin his studies in the same program. Ali Mirchi is now an associate professor in water resources at Oklahoma State University. Photo: Private
One aspect of the “Swedish classroom” that surprised him in 2004 was the group assignments. Initially, he struggled with not being able to choose his own team members. In his first group assignment, he received a lower grade due to a teammate’s lack of computer skills. However, in a later assignment, the roles were reversed (he was the one struggling with the software that they had to use) and he realised the value of learning from each other. “In the real world, you won’t always get to choose the people you work with; you have to adjust. For my second assignment, my Swedish classmates knew something I didn’t, and it helped me get a good grade. This really taught me that in a societal setting, we work best together,” he says.
Living in Exile – Where is Home?
Kaveh Madani’s life took a dramatic turn in 2018, forcing him into exile after a series of alarming events. Invited to take a cabinet position in Tehran, he left his job in London, only to eventually be arrested, interrogated and accused of being a Western spy. After repeated detentions, a public attack by the regime made him fear for his life. He made the difficult decision not to return after completion of a diplomatic trip, escaping a paranoid political system—but leaving behind the country he had hoped to help address its growing water and environmental problems. Madani has written several texts about the pain and disconnection he has felt from living in exile.
Today, Madani lives in Canada with his wife, whom he met backstage at a TEDx Talk. “We’re both workaholics,” he says with a smile, reflecting on how they met. “I’m very thankful for someone who can tolerate my work schedule. It’s not easy.”
Lund University and the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) are establishing a joint hub, focusing on water. Photo: Kennet Ruona
We are thrilled to highlight one of Lund University International Podcast‘s first alumni guests, Michael Bossetta. He is a Lund University alumnus and now an Associate Senior Lecturer in Media and Communication Studies. In this podcast episode, Michael shares his unique journey, from his early studies in philosophy in the United States to his academic career in Sweden, becoming a well-regarded voice in media and political communication research. In fact, he even won the 2021 Research Grand Prix!
After completing the International Master’s programme in European Studies at Lund University, Michael’s academic path led him back to the University – this time as a lecturer. His career, however, has been far from conventional. With experiences spanning countries and disciplines, he delves into the vibrant and diverse classroom environment in Lund and reflects on Swedish cultural nuances, offering invaluable advice to prospective and current students on navigating academic and career pursuits in an international setting.
Hosting his own podcast
In addition to his role as an educator and researcher, Michael is the host of Social Media and Politics, an interview-driven podcast that communicates cutting-edge social media and political research to a global audience. The show, with over 200,000 downloads across 150+ countries, exemplifies Michael’s passion for making academic insights accessible to the public.
Fredrik Tersmeden, honorary doctor of philosophy and archivist at the University Archives, shares the story of Hans Wilhelm Lindstedt, who in 1774 became one of Lund University’s first students with a non-European background. With a Swedish father and a ‘black mother’ from Batavia (now Jakarta), his situation was unique for its time, as he was neither a slave nor a heathen, but the son of a Swedish father and sent to the University for studies like other young men from prominent families.
Please note: Language and phrases used in this text are part of the historical record.
Hans Wilhelm Lindstedt’s name in the University’s student register for 1774. Source: Lund University Archives
In December 1774, newspaper readers in Sweden could read about an event that had taken place in Malmö:
Last Sunday saw the baptism of a Blackmoor here, whom a Swede named Lindstedt sent here from Batavia some time ago, and who will later be sent to Stockholm. On this occasion there were festivities and ceremonies, which many people from the surrounding area came here to see.
“Moor” or “Blackmoor” was a common term at the time that lacks a direct modern translation. It referred in a broad sense to people of colour, perhaps primarily to indigenous sub-Saharan Africans, but could also be used for, for instance, Arabs and the Berber peoples of North Africa. And as can be seen from the notice above, it could apparently also be applied to people from Asia; Batavia is the former name of Jakarta, the capital of what was then the colony of the Dutch East Indies.
We can be fairly sure that the “Blackmoor baptism in Malmö” was a special and exotic event for the congregation and other spectators present. However, it was not without contemporary counterparts; rather, “Moors” were most fashionable in 18th-century Europe, including Sweden. Especially the royal courts were happy to feature them; the most famous Swedish example is Gustaf Badin, a freed slave from the West Indies who was given to Queen Lovisa Ulrika in 1760 to be brought up together with the queen’s own children, including the future Gustaf III. Incidentally, the youngster who was baptized in Malmö – a 15-year-old named Johan Fredrik – is said to have been sent to the court in Stockholm soon after this event.
Gustaf Badin (c. 1747–1822) was the most famous Swedish “Blackmoor” of the 18th century. He was close to king Gustaf III, reached the rank of a secretary of the court, and was an active member of several fraternal orders. Painting by Gustaf Lundberg. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
Even locally in Skåne (Scania) there are other examples from this time of “Moors” who were brought to Sweden and baptized. For instance, the rich and powerful baron Fredrik Ruuth, who owned several Scanian estates, in 1786 had a 15-year-old “Black Heathen” freed from slavery, taught Christianity and subsequently baptized by the local vicar in Skårby.
However, even though the baptism in Malmö in 1774 was not a completely unique event, the newspaper article about it ends with a short note that can definitely be said to be so:
The aforementioned Mr. Lindstedt also has a son, who was born in Batavia to a black mother and is now a student at the Academy in Lund.
Fencing and private lessons
The fact that Lund University had a student of partly non-European descent already in the 18th century – more specifically, exactly 250 years ago this year – came as a surprise to me and my colleagues at the University Archives. This fascinating piece of news reached us by way of Johanna Berg who works at The National Museums of World Culture. She had come across this unusual student through the aforementioned 1774 newspaper article. Curious to know more, she contacted the Archive to ask if we had any more information about him, which we did: his enrollment data appears in the central student register from the that year. Here one could read that his full name was Hans Wilhelm Lindstedt, and that he was enrolled at the University on 15 February. There was also a note in Latin: “natus parente consiliario dispensatore in India”; that is, he is identified as the child of a parent who was an adviser in India.
After that, there was unfortunately not much else to be found in the University’s own official documents. Both the series of enrollment documents and the so-called term tables have large gaps in the 1770s, and Lindstedt could not be found there. Fortunately, however, the University Archives also keeps the documents from the Scanian student nation in which Lindstedt was also enrolled, and this source turned out to yield a significantly richer amount of information. Above all, the nation’s archive contained copies of the term tables that were missing from the University Archives, i.e. the detailed term-by-term accounts of all its members that the nations were required to send in twice a year.
To begin with, these tables gave us information about Lindstedt’s background beyond the single sentence in the enrollment register. Here we learned that during his first term in Lund, he was 14 years old and that his father was a merchant and “Member of the Council of Justice in Batavia”. Furthermore, it appears that he had not yet made a future career choice and that he “provided for through cash payment”. In the data for the autumn term of the same year (1774), he has turned 15 years old, and since the tables are dated, we can conclude that Lindstedt must therefore have been born between February and November, 1759. In this context, it may be noted that neither in the term tables nor in the enrollment register is anything said about Lindstedt’s mother or about the boy’s general ethnicity; hence, had it not been for the information in the press that he was the son of a “black mother” the natural assumption, based on the archive documents and the young man’s name, would incorrectly have been that he was the son of native Swedish parents who just happened to be living abroad at the time of his birth.
We can also follow Lindstedt’s studies term by term. During his first spring term, he claims to be attending language master Kraak’s public lectures in French and German, as well as taking private lessons with the University’s fencing master, Porath. In the autumn of the same year, he continues to follow Kraak’s and Porath’s teaching, but, above all, he enjoys the privilege of “private information”. In other words, Lindstedt had a private tutor. Often this person was a slightly older and more experienced student who replenished his coffers with these teaching assignments.
The information about which lectures Hans Wilhelm Lindstedt and Gude Axel Gedda attended during the spring term of 1774. Source: Lund University Archives.
Lindstedt seems to have been absent from the University in 1775, since his name is missing from that year’s tables. In the spring of 1776, however, he is back, and now he attends professors Colling’s and Stobaeus’ lectures in Law and Latin respectively, and also takes private lessons in mathematics from a Master Cronholm. However, this is the last time Lindstedt’s name appears in a term table; after that he definitely disappears from the records of both the University and the student nation.
A fellow student became a “foster brother-in-law”
One thing you notice when you follow Lindstedt through the documents is that the same name keeps appearing right after his: that of Gude Axel Gedda, three years his junior. Not only are the two youngsters enrolled in the nation on the same day, subsequently appearing together in the term tables; they also attend exactly the same lectures and enjoy the same private tuition. It, therefore, seems reasonable to assume that the two boys were sent to University together and lodged together in the company of the same tutor. This assumption is supported by the fact that not infrequently the term-table notes for both Lindstedt and Gedda appear to be written by the same person – probably their tutor.
We also know that another clear connection between the two fellow students would appear later. Hans Wilhelm and Johan Fredrik, baptized in Malmö, were far from the only children that Lindstedt’s father sent to Sweden from his post in the East Indies: Johanna Berg has discovered three more, Apollo Doljalil, Pluto and Daphne, believed to have arrived in Sweden in 1777 in connection with Lindstedt Sr himself returning home, at least temporarily. Of these, the first two seem to have been of pure Asian descent, but Daphne – who in Sweden came to be known as Fredrica Dorothea – was of mixed birth like Hans Wilhelm. Her father was Fredrik Tott of Skabersjö, a Swedish nobleman, who was also in Dutch service in the East Indies, while the mother was said to be a Portuguese woman named Rita Brengman. However, Johanna Berg has doubted the latter information and leans towards the opinion that Fredrica Dorothea’s mother also belonged to the local population. The following contemporary account of her speaks for this:
In the house lived the son, captain Gedda, an educated man, but aloof and dignified, married to a Hindu woman, who called herself Tott and was said to be the daughter of a seafarer of that name, black and yellow in the face, slender and light as a feather.
As the reader may have already guessed, the “Captain Gedda” that Fredrica Dorothea married is identical to Hans Wilhelm Lindstetdt’s younger student friend. It can therefore be said that the two gentlemen over time became some kind of “foster brothers-in-law”.
The coat of arms of the noble family of Gedda depicts a northern pike, “gädda” in Swedish. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
In time, Gedda not only got married, he was also ennobled in 1801. Lindstedt was not, looking at his and Gedda’s time in Lund, one sees an image of what was customary when the aristocracy and other upperclass parents sent their sons to University. One such distinctive feature is that, even by the standards of the time, they were so young when they were enrolled: 14 and 11 years respectively. Another is that, at least initially, they did not engage in any more advanced academic studies but focused on basic private tutoring and practice in social skills such as being able to fence and speak modern foreign languages. Last but not least, none of them graduated; something that was often considered unnecessary for the groups who stayed at the university more to get a general education than to invest in an academic profession. The statement that Hans Wilhelm and Gude Axel were provided for through “cash payment” also indicates that they, unlike many other students of the time, were financially independent. In short, they should have lived a pretty good life at University.
Back to the motherland
We are fairly well informed about how things later went with Gedda, thanks to the fact that he was ennobled and thus entered into the carefully kept rolls of the Swedish nobility. He became an officer in the navy (where he ended up as a major) and the owner of two estates in Småland, Öjhult and Grimarp, before dying in 1828. On the other hand, the information about Hans Wilhelm Lindstedt’s later life that both Johanna Berg and other earlier researchers have been able to find is very sparsely flavored. What is essentially known was actually summarized already in 1897 by the industrious personal historian Carl Sjöström in his printed register of the members of the Scanian nation:
[…] traveled to Amsterdam in 1781 to take up service in the Dutch army, but changed his mind and instead went to the English army in the East Indies, from where he wrote home around 1790 that he was a lieutenant there; has not been heard of since […]
The last traces of Lindstedt include that in 1807 he was wanted in the press on the grounds that he had an inheritance from a Mrs. Christina Elisabet Höppener to collect. However, there is no indication that this notice reached him, and we are thus forced to leave Hans Wilhelm here without final certainty about his further fate.
The first non-European
Hans Wilhelm Lindstedt was, as stated, far from the only person of colour in 18th-century Sweden; on the other hand, he was an unusual kind of non-white Swede of the time, both in that he was not a freed slave or “pagan” but had a Swedish father, and in that he was not kept as some kind of exotic curiosity at a court or in some noble family but was sent to University like any other young man from a better family at the time.
Nor was Lindstedt Lund University’s first wholly or partly foreign student. Already during the University’s first year of operation in the 1660s and 1670s, the student population had a distinctly international character. There were many Danish and German students, but also occasional youngsters from what is today Great Britain, the Netherlands and Austria. The unifying factor, however, was that they were all Europeans, and especially native Protestant Europeans. Lindstedt, on the other hand, was by all accounts the first Lund student with a partly non-European background and with at least one parent who was not white or perhaps even a Christian. And for thus having broadened the University’s international recruitment framework in this way, he should certainly be considered worthy of being lifted out of oblivion just in time for the 250th anniversary of his enrollment!
Fredrik Tersmeden Ph D h c, archivist at the University archives
With sincere thanks to Johanna Berg, who provided much of the “extramural” information about Lindstedt and his family, and to my archivist colleague Henrik Ullstad, who helped with the archival research. Thanks also to my beloved wife Kiki Lindell Tersmeden, senior lecturer in English literature, for help with the translation of the text.
Lund University provides many opportunities for professional development by offering a significant portion of courses that are part-time and online without physical meetings, which suits mid-career individuals. And some of these courses are taught in English. In addition to stand-alone courses, there are tailored commissioned education programmes and MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses).
Stand-alone courses offered by Lund University – application opens 16 September
The application period for stand-alone courses and programmes starting in spring 2025 is open from 16 September until 15 October 2024. Commissioned education programs and MOOCs have varying application deadlines.
A few select examples of courses taught in English
If you have any questions about a course, please contact the contact person on each course page. Use a translation service if the information is not in English.
Please note! Even though the courses mentioned below will be taught in English, several of them are presented in Swedish on the University’s website.
Artificial Intelligence The course introduces artificial intelligence with a focus on reasoning, game programming, machine learning and language processing. 7.5 Academic credits, 50%, Lund Application through antagning.se Teaching language: English
AI, Business & the Future of Work How AI can improve your decision-making, automate processes, and help you capitalize on industry opportunities. MOOC, 0 Academic credits, Study at your own pace, Remote Application through Coursera.org Teaching language: English, with several language subtitle choices
Artificial Intelligence: Ethics and Societal Challenges Explores ethical and societal aspects of the increasing use of artificial intelligence. MOOC, 0 Academic credits, Study at your own pace, Remote Application through Coursera.org Teaching language: English, with several language subtitle choices
Programming in Python: Basic and Preparatory Course Master the fundamentals of the programming language used for AI and machine learning. 5 Academic credits, 50%, Remote Application through antagning.se Teaching language: English
Circular Economy: Sustainable Material Management Where do the key materials in our everyday products come from, and how can they be used more efficiently, last longer and be recycled? MOOC, 0 Academic credits, Study at your own pace, Remote Application through Coursera.org Teaching language: English, with several language subtitle choices
Sustainable Cities and Communities Specialization Enhance your knowledge, understanding and skills in urban development and the creation of sustainable cities. MOOC, 0 Academic credits, Study at your own pace, Remote Application through Coursera.org Teaching language: English, with several language subtitle choices
Digital Business Models Explore the business models of software companies through a structured framework. MOOC, 0 Academic credits, Study at your own pace, Remote Application through Coursera.org Teaching language: English, with several language subtitle choices
Economics for Managers Understand and apply concepts and models of business economics in public and non-profit organisations. 3 Academic credits, 25%, Remote Application through antagning.se Teaching language: English
Comprehensive list
For a full list of all stand-alone courses given by Lund University in Swedish and English, please visit: Stand-alone courses at Lund University (link in Swedish)
Please note! If you have any questions about the course, please contact the contact person on each course page. Use a translation service if the information is not in English. Even though the above-mentioned courses will be taught in English, several of them are presented in Swedish on the University’s website.
MOOCs and Company-sponsored professional education
Lund University also offers Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), which are open to anyone interested in the subject. These courses are free and have no admission requirements. For a full list of all MOOCs by Lund University, please visit: MOOCs | Lund University
Professional or comissioned education provides training opportunities for professionals sponsored by their company or organisation. For a full list of Lund University Commissioned Education please visit: Lund University Commissioned Education | Lund University
Having trouble making a decision? Contact our general study guidance counselors
The study guidance services offer guidance and information when you are in the process of making educational or professional choices. We help you to clarify what your interests and abilities are prior to and during your studies. You are welcome to contact the study guidance team for example:
– If you are unsure about your choice of studies – If you have questions about the application and admission rules – If you want to know more about the professional areas that different programs can lead to – If you wonder how you can combine stand-alone courses to achieve a valid general degree
Members in the Alumni Network get a 20% on this opera!
Verdi’s opera about France’s national heroine Joan of Arc is a masterpiece with grand choral sections, passion and drama. It is a modern and visually striking production, unlike anything you’ve seen before. With beautiful music, the tale of the unlikely hero who became a legend in her own lifetime is recounted.
Did you know that you always have a 15% discount on Malmö Opera’s productions? (Please note that this discount does not apply to premieres, touring productions or performances contracted externally; and it cannot be used in combination with other discounts.)
Log in to your alumni page to access the discount code you can use when booking on Malmö Opera’s website.
See more information about your alumni offers and how you can take advantage of them further down on this page.*
More information about all the upcoming operas and musicals can be found on Malmö Opera’s website.
Remember your other alumni discounts!
As a member in the Lund University Alumni Network, you receive attractive offers from the University’s cultural centres and exclusive discounts from our partners. New collaborations are added continuously, so it is a good idea to visit your alumni page regularly to view all the latest offers and discounts.
Discount codes are available for: Lund University Botanical Gardens Odeum Music Center Vattenhallen Science Center Lundagård student magazine Malmö Opera GoinGlobal – international career tool Electrolux
*How can I access the discounts?
1. Log in to your alumni page using your email address here. No password is required. 2. Verify your contact details via the email sent to you when you log in. 3. Check that the information on your profile is correct and click “Register” at the bottom of the page. 4. You will now have access to the link called “learn more about the membership card and your alumni benefits”, which includes your exclusive discount codes. 5. Download your digital membership card and save it. You will also receive a confirmation email, containing a direct link to your membership card.
Feel free to contact us at info@alumni.lu.se if you have any questions or issues accessing your alumni discounts.
Not yet a member of the network?
To gain access to the offers, you first need to register in the Alumni Network. Register here. After registering, you will have access to the page showing the discount codes.
Blomsterkrans, sommarkrans, blomkrans
Sommar i P1 2024
Foto: Mattias Ahlm/Sveriges Radio
Every year, the Swedish public service radio broadcasts the very popular programme Sommar i P1. Ever since its start in 1959, it has been a staple on the airwaves every summer. It features a range of fascinating storytellers and each host has free hands to create their own 1.5 hour-long show – choosing their own music and what they want to talk about. Being a host on Sommar i P1 is quite an honour, so don’t miss this year’s episodes featuring Lund University alumni! Sommar i P1 (in Swedish)
Lasse Berg. Photo: Elinor Wermeling
28 June – Lasse Berg, Journalist and Author |LU Faculty of Social Sciences’ Honorary Doctor, 2004 Lasse Berg has been called Sweden’s most optimistic journalist, with stories about people, culture and politics from all corners of the world. He lived and worked in Asia in the 1960s and in Africa in the 1980s, and these experiences are reflected in his latest book, Tillsammans: Människan som människans räddning. He is also known for the critically acclaimed Gryning över Kalahari about human evolution and nature.
Jennie Walldén. Photo: Mattias Ahlm
5 July – Jennie Walldén, TV Chef |LU degree: Bachelor of Social Science, 2001 Jennie Walldén became famous when she won Sweden’s MasterChef and now cooks on TV4’s Kökets middag, spreading the joy of cooking on social media. As a restaurateur, she runs the restaurant Namu and the cocktail bar Gaji in Malmö. She has written five cookbooks, including Nudlar, and her sixth cookbook, SMAK, is coming soon.
Malena Ivarsson. Photo: Mattias Ahlm
7 July – Malena Ivarsson, Sexologist |LU degree: Sociology For nearly forty years, Malena Ivarsson has guided the Swedish people on matters of sex and relationships. This is also the theme of the podcast Till sängs, which she hosts together with Samanda Ekman. The duo has also written the book Till sängs med kulturen. Malena Ivarsson is a social worker, authorized clinical sexologist and author. She has studied Jungian psychology and answers readers’ questions in Aftonbladet and the magazine Senioren.
Zećira Mušović | Photo: Andreas Svensson
10 July – Zećira Mušović, Football Goalkeeper |LU degree: Bachelor of Science in Business and Economics, 2018 Zećira Mušović is the goalkeeper of the Swedish national football team and a professional player for the English club Chelsea FC. She made her debut in Division II at the age of thirteen and was quickly recruited to the top team FC Rosengård, where she contributed to winning nine titles, including four Swedish championships. During the 2023 World Cup in New Zealand and Australia, Zećira Mušović emerged as a key player when Sweden defeated the reigning champions, USA, in the tournament’s round of sixteen.
Olof Lund. Poto: Mattias Ahlm
19 July –Olof Lundh, Sports Journalist | Studied economics, history and political science at Lund University Olof Lundh is a sports journalist and columnist at TV4. He initiated the website “Fotbollskanalen” and also writes columns about sports and business in Dagens Industri. Lundh has shed light on the darker sides of football and the game beyond the field in five books. Following Templet i öknen – så köpte Qatar världens största sport, he was nominated for the Swedish journalism prize Stora Journalistpriset. He has also won the popular trivia show Alla mot alla.
Karin Olofsdotter. Photo: Anton Silver
22 July – Karin Olofsdotter, Sweden’s Ambassador To Russia |LU degree: Bachelor of Social Science, Psychology, 1991 She is the Swedish Ambassador in Moscow and was previously the Ambassador in Washington, D.C., USA. She represented Sweden at the funeral of regime critic Alexei Navalny in March. Karin Olofsdotter has worked at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs for 30 years. She has also been Ambassador to Hungary and was posted in Russia during the 1990s.
Jens Bergensten. Photo: Mattias Ahlm
9 August – Jens Bergensten, Lead Designer of Minecraft |LU degree: Master of Science in Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, 2009 He is the Creative Lead Designer at Mojang Studios, the company that develops the video game Minecraft. With 300 million copies sold, Minecraft is the best-selling game of all time. Jens Bergensten has been named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world.
Susanne Osten. Photo: Foto: Mattias Ahlm
18 August – Susanne Osten, Theatre & Film Director |LU Faculty of Humanities’ Honorary Doctor, 2000 She is one of the country’s most prominent directors for theater and film, and a pioneer in the field of children and youth. She founded the department Unga Klara at the Stockholm City Theatre and served as its artistic director for 30 years. She has received an honorary Guldbagge Award and is currently involved with the film Love Duet, where she explores the genius cult around Ingmar Bergman. In 2021, her autobiography Who Does She Think She Is, Suzanne Osten was released.
Is there anything better than losing yourself in a good story? We don’t think so.
Vacation time means Book Club time in the Alumni Network. The books are written by alumni, and the authors are scheduled for author talks (in Swedish) in the autumn.
If you are confident in your Swedish language skills, then we suggest that you instead read the following page about the Book Club: Read more about the Book Club in Swedish
If you are still working on your Swedish skills, have no fear!
Photo: Emil Hornstrup Jakobsen / Netflix | The film, An Honest Life, starring Simon Lööf, Nora Rios and Peter Andersson and directed by Mikael Marcimain will premiere on Netflix in the near future.
If you’re not able to read Swedish, you can still enjoy some of the works by at least one of our Book Club authors in English and immerse yourself in the stories regardless of any language barriers. The book: An Honest Life, is also set to premiere as a film adaptation on Netflix in the near future. You can watch the official film trailer here.
Book titles by Joakim Zander available in English
The Book Club Books
Swedish publisher: Bonnier | The book has been described by the major daily newspaper critics as enjoyable, frightening and thoroughly fascinating reading.
Synopsis: Eden
At the end of the spring semester, Elise has only written the theoretical part of her master’s thesis in art history. Her relationship with Johan seems to be over. He thinks she has a dark view on life and always needs to talk about the nervous system. Elise herself wishes she were a mollusk or a tree and wants to revert to an earlier stage in evolution. When she meets Johannes and Fredrik, who study extinct languages, she feels an unusual sense of belonging. In search of a community beyond the limitations of modern civilisation, they follow the highway down through Europe.
About the author
Isabelle Ståhl. Photo: Mira Wickman
Isabelle Ståhl, born in 1988, was raised in Ängelholm but now resides in Stockholm. She has studied literature and practical philosophy in Lund, and the novel is also set in the world of academia. She is an author, literary critic and a doctoral student in the history of ideas at Stockholm University. Her debut novel Just now I am here from 2017 was nominated for both the Borås Newspaper debutant prize and the August Prize.
Swedish publisher: Wahlström & Widstrand
Synopsis: An Honest Life / Ett ärligt liv
At a violent demonstration in Malmö, a young, lost law student meets a woman who introduces him to her eccentric friends. Their lives are built on radical and exciting ideals, but also on lies and great risks. When he finally discovers what he has been drawn into, it is already too late to escape. An Honest Life is a thriller about truth, betrayal, and the allure of living outside the law.
About the author
Joakim Zander. Photo: Viktor Fremling
Joakim Zander, born in 1975, resides with his family in Lund and works at Lund University as a visiting lecturer and university lecturer. For ten years in Brussels, he has been active in several EU institutions and earned his doctorate in law at Maastricht University. During his upbringing, he lived partly in the Middle East and the USA.
Johan Stenfeldt, Chairman of the Academic Society, with a sample of what the new names will look like.
Photo: Minna Wallén-Widung
The row of notable Lund University alumni inside the AF building is set to be expanded with new names. Now the public is invited to nominate an alum that they believe deserves one of these prestigious spots in the Great Hall. There are two non-negotiable criteria.
Along the balcony inside the Great Hall, the very heart of the AF building, runs a frieze. It is decorated with names of several former Lund students and was created using the technique of intarsia, where thin pieces of wood veneer are glued onto a solid base. Well-known individuals such as Carl von Linné, Axel von Fersen, Otto Lindblad and Esaias Tegnér have had their names immortalised here.
“There are several clergymen, generals, scientists, and cultural figures here. The initiator was historian Martin Weibull, who decided on the first names back in the 1860s, just in time for the University’s 200th anniversary,” says Johan Stenfeldt.
Stenfeldt himself is an associate professor of history and has been the chairman of the Academic Society for just over a year. He is also the one who has now initiated the addition of new names to those already present.
“Names were added in 1911, 1930 and most recently in the 1950s, during a renovation. But since then, nothing has happened,” says Johan Stenfeldt.
Everyone is welcome to submit suggestions
These updates are set to happen in the near future. A project group has been established, and now the public – individuals, companies and organisations – is invited to suggest which Lund University alumni should have their names in the hall.
“Our ambition is to gradually add two names per year, like growth rings.”
So, who can be considered a notable Lund alum?
Essentially, there are only two criteria that the project group strictly adheres to. The person (1) must be an alum, meaning they must have been enrolled as a student at the University and (2) they must be deceased.
“We are continuing the tradition that has been established, and these are the criteria that apply. Other than that, there are no specific criteria, and we want to have a wide mix of individuals from all fields. The movitvation letter should be written in a free text format.”
Planning a symposium
30 September is the deadline for nominating one’s favourite alum. After that, the project group, consisting of Johan Stenfeldt, former Vice-Chancellor Göran Bexell, University Lecturer in Legal History Elsa Trolle Önnerfors, and the AF Executive Director Johan Jörlert, will choose the names with the best motivations. The chosen names will be revealed on the society’s annual day on 30 November.
“Our ambition is then to follow up with events in the form of symposiums where we invite experts to discuss who these people were and what they did in their lives. We want to manage this a little better.”
Is there a name you would like to see yourself?
“Absolutely, many names come to mind. Both former prime ministers, cultural figures, and Nobel laureates have been students here. But I also hope to be surprised by the suggestions that come in.”
More information about the project and how to nominate can be found on the Academic Society’s website.
It is now possible to nominate new names for this name frieze. Your nomination should include:
Name of the nominee, along with birth and death years
The nominee’s enrollment year at Lund University (after 1898)
A movitation letter, maximum 150 words
The mandatory criteria includes the following: (1) the nominee must have been enrolled as a student at Lund University and (2) must be deceased.
Contributions in all subject areas and fields of activity are meritorious. The contributions can be nationally, internationally or locally significant.
The nomination should be sent by 30 September 2024, to namnfris@af.lu.se
The next doctoral conferment ceremony will take place on 31 May 2024. Photo: Kennet Ruona
Every year Lund University awards a select few with an honorary doctoral degree. These doctorates often hold lectures just prior to the annual doctoral degree conferment ceremony, which takes place on 31 May this year. If you’re in Lund, take this opportunity to listen in! Please note that some lectures require registration.
29 May at 16:15-18:00 LUX:C126, Helgonavägen 3, Lund
16:15-17:00 | Professor Peter Hallberg: Livets estetik. Språken, städerna, konsten och minnet. This lecture will be held in Swedish. More information here.
17:15-18:00 | Professor Jan Grabowski: The Long Shadow of the Holocaust. More information here.
Faculty of Theology
30 May at 10:15-11:00 LUX:C126, Helgonavägen 3, Lund
Welcome to an open lecture with Professor Terje Stordalen, honorary doctor at the Faculty of Theology. The title of the lecture is Biblical Narrative in a Century of Newspapers.
Faculty of Science and Faculty of Engineering (LTH)
30 May at 09:30-11:30 IKDC, Stora Hörsalaen, Sölvegatan 26, Lund
At this year’s seminar you will learn about successful study techniques and the latest breakthroughs in the exploration of the mysteries of the Milky Way. You will gain insight into cutting-edge attosecond physics, a field that was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics last year. One of the honorary doctors talks about environmental governance with a focus on climate change, another about why science is amazing. Register here!
The stage will be shared by two honorary doctors from the Faculty of Science (N) and three from LTH:
Harriet Bulkeley, Professor of Geography at Durham University and Utrecht University (N) R. Michael Rich, professor and astronomer at the University of California Los Angeles (N) Björn Liljeqvist, civil engineer, lecturer and author in study technique (LTH) Sabeth Verpoorte, Professor of Analytical Chemistry at Groningen University (LTH) Eva Lindroth, Professor of Theoretical Atomic Physics at Stockholm University (LTH)
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