Hello Ellinor Fast, welcome to the Alumni Network. You are member number 50,000! How does that feel?
It feels good. It was unexpected to have it acknowledged, but it adds a bit of a festive touch. It’s fun to maybe be able to encourage others to complete their degrees and join the Alumni Network.
What did you study and what year did you graduate?
I studied Industrial Design and completed my degree this year, 2025.
How old are you?
I’m 29.
Where do you live, in a house or an apartment, and do you have a family or perhaps a pet?
I live in an apartment by Folkets Park in Malmö, with my boyfriend.
What do you do for work today, and how did you end up there?
Today I work in packaging development at Tetra Pak, a job I really enjoy. It’s been a bit of a journey getting here as I started working before finishing my degree. For four years, I worked as a consultant on various design and construction assignments, before landing a permanent position at my current job a year ago. Being a consultant was very educational and interesting, but I’m happy to have found a job in a field where I want to stay and grow.
How has your education influenced your career path?
My education has influenced my career path positively, though it has also been challenging. I’ve focused on design within large-scale industrial production, both out of personal interest and due to opportunities in the job market. Having a design background has sometimes been an advantage, as engineering-heavy industries often need support in design and user adaptation. But it has also sometimes been a disadvantage, as design skills can be hard to adapt and justify in certain contexts. I’ve enjoyed the challenge; it’s fun to be pushed to grow. I always have a design-based way of thinking at the core, but my skills have to be adjusted, broadened and shaped depending on the problems I face.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
“Enjoy” might be a strong word, but one of my main hobbies right now is trying to keep my chili plant alive – surprisingly difficult!
What’s your favourite place in Lund?
I don’t actually spend much time in Lund outside of work hours, but I’ve recently developed an appreciation for Sankt Lars Park. It’s been lovely to walk there this spring. The restaurant Mui Gong on Kyrkogatan also holds a special place in my heart. Fish with Pickled Cabbage and a beer is the perfect dinner to catch up with a friend over.
What do you hope the Alumni Network can offer you?
Career inspiration that’s not directly related to my current job. There are so many people out there with so many different kinds of expertise. And maybe a nostalgic reminder of my student days in Lund.
What are you doing this summer?
I’ll be reading romantic “girl fantasy” novels on a beach in Italy.
Oh, that sounds wonderful! We wish you, and all the other 49,999 alumni a very lovely summer!
Is there anything better than losing yourself in a good story? We don’t think so. That is why we are excited to once again invite all book-loving alumni to join the Alumni Network’s Book Club – a cherished summer tradition where we read a book written by an alum in the summer and gather for a digital author talk in the autumn.
Well, I only speak and read English – what about me?
Amanda Svensson’s previous and internationally acclaimed book, A System So Magnificent It Is Blinding, is the choice for you!
It is a story about Sebastian, Clara and Matilda, who are triplets, born and raised in Lund but now scattered across different parts of the world. They’ve always had a complicated relationship with one another and the two sisters drift apart. The book was longlisted for the International Booker Prize 2023.
Photo: Alexandra A Ellis
Even though the author talk will be held in Swedish, you’re most welcome to e-mail us your questions about this book, or bring them along on 7 October. We’ll be happy to help translate if needed. Happy reading!
What does a self-proclaimed king of Corsica have in common with a young Ukrainian nobleman?
Well, both are said to have been students at Lund University during a time when the sources are far from watertight. Between 1693 and 1719, the University’s central matriculation register is missing – an historical gap that opens the door to both speculation and intriguing stories. Fredrik Tersmeden, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy and archivist at the University Archives, shares how the Ukrainian nobleman Georg Orlik – unlike the mythical Theodor von Neuhoff – actually left traces behind in Lund.
An alleged Lund student
If one wishes to assert that an historical figure studied at Lund University, without the risk of the claim being easily disproven, then it is wise to choose someone who was active during the period 1693–1719. This is because the University’s central register of enrolments for those years has long since been lost.
One person said to have studied at Lund during that time is the German adventurer Theodor von Neuhoff (1694–1756), best remembered by posterity for briefly making himself King of Corsica. According to various older sources, Neuhoff, filled with admiration for the warrior king Charles XII, sought him out during his time in Lund and, in the process, is said to have enrolled at the University (for some reason under the name “Norrman”). Modern research has established that von Neuhoff was indeed in Swedish service for a time, but there is general agreement that he never actually set foot in Sweden – let alone in Lund.
But what about another young foreigner, also linked to Charles XII, who is likewise said to have studied in Lund during these years: the Ukrainian nobleman Georg Orlik? Here, it seems, the evidence is somewhat firmer than in Neuhoff’s case.
Before we delve into the source situation, however, it’s worth first taking a moment to understand who this young man actually was.
No confirmed portrait of Georg Orlik exists. However, the small inset portrait by Fragonard is believed to depict him. In the background: an excerpt from the 1828 archival inventory of Lund University. Already at that point, it was noted that the enrolment register for 1693–1719 was missing. Image sources: Internet Encyclopedia of Ukraine and the Lund University Archives.
Ukraine’s freedom fighters in Swedish exile
Georg Orlik (also known as Gregori Orlik, Grégoire d’Orlik or Hryhor Orlyk – we are speaking of someone who lived and worked in many countries, using different languages and even different alphabets) was born in 1702 in Baturyn, Ukraine. At the time, this town served as the country’s capital during the Cossack leader Ivan Mazepa’s attempt – supported by Charles XII – to liberate Ukraine from Russia. Georg’s father Filip (also written Philip or Pylyp) was one of Mazepa’s closest allies and, after the latter’s death in 1709, took over as hetman of the Zaporizhian Cossacks, albeit in exile. By then, Mazepa and Charles XII had already been defeated at the Battle of Poltava, and both father and son Orlik had fled with the Swedish king to the Ottoman Empire. In 1715, they followed him to Sweden.
Unlike in Neuhoff’s case, the Orlik family’s stay in Sweden and Scania is well documented by both international and Swedish scholars. The family – consisting of father Filip, the eldest son Georg, mother Anastasia, two other sons and four daughters (a fifth daughter was born during their time in Sweden) – lived in Kristianstad until 1720. Filip Orlik would go on to campaign for Ukrainian independence from various parts of Europe until his death in 1742, never severing contact with the Swedish government or royal family, as a number of letters in the Swedish National Archives show. Not least, the Archives hold a unique and central document in Ukrainian history: a handwritten Latin version of Ukraine’s oldest constitution, drafted by Orlik in exile in Bender in 1710. This symbolically important document was exhibited in Kyiv during the country’s 30th anniversary as a sovereign state in 2021.
The first page of Filip Orlik’s Ukrainian constitution, an early democratic charter influenced by Montesquieu’s theory of separation of powers. It has been described as “the world’s first democratic constitution.” Image source: Swedish National Archives via Wikimedia Commons.
Absent from the registers – but not from the library?
So much for Orlik senior and the archival traces he left behind, but what about his son Georg and the claim that he studied in Lund? To begin with, it can be noted that Orlik does not appear in the printed editions of Lund University’s matriculation registers, published in instalments between 1926 and 1932 by Per Wilner, later director of the University Library. This might seem unsurprising since, as already mentioned, the original register from Orlik’s time no longer exists. However, Wilner managed to reconstruct much of this missing period using other sources in the University Archives (then kept at the library), including the register of the Faculty of Philosophy, the matriculation books of the student nations and occasional preserved attendance and fee records. Still, the result is far from complete. As a nobleman, Orlik would for example have been exempt from the requirement to join a nation, and might thus have escaped inclusion in many records.
Per Wilner worked at the University Library from 1898 and served as chief librarian from 1932 to 1939. Photo by Per Bagge. Image source: Lund University Library.
Nor is Orlik mentioned in the list of historically notable alumni compiled by Martin Weibull and Elof Tegnér for the university’s 200th anniversary in 1868. In fact, very few (if any) overviews of Lund University’s history seem to have taken note of the claim that the son of an exiled foreign head of state once studied here.
An historian who, on the other hand, does mention this is Carl Grimberg, the well-known author of Svenska folkets underbara öden. In volume 5 of the original edition (published in 1916), he briefly notes “the Cossack hetman Filip Orlik and his son Grigorij, who for a time studied at Lund University.” However, Grimberg provides neither sources for, nor further details about this brief paragraph.
A 13-year-old in the military service
Luckily, there is a work that does provide a source. It is a biography of Georg Orlik, written by the Ukrainian-born historian and Slavist Élie Borschak, who lived in France. His biography of Georg was first published in Ukrainian in 1932 and later in English in 1956: Hryhor Orlyk – France’s Cossack General. According to Borschak, Georg (or Hryhor, as Borschak transcribes his name) entered Swedish military service at age 13 and took part in fighting in Stralsund, but:
A year later Hryhor left the military service and entered the University of Lund to study metaphysics under Professor Andrew Regelius. Hryhor thought very highly of his teacher who “captured the interest of his students with his profound thoughts, sincere heart and unshaken eonvictions.”
The final part of the quotation comes from a letter written by Georg Orlik to his father in 1731. That would appear to settle the matter, but unfortunately, a strict source critic would still find some issues. First, the book does not state which archive holds the letter, making verification difficult. However, assuming Borschak’s general scholarly reliability, we might choose to trust his account. Second, a self-reported statement by the alleged student many years later does not in itself constitute objective proof. But one might reasonably argue: why would Orlik lie to his father about something his father would almost certainly know? A third and more difficult issue is that there was no professor in Lund named Regelius at the time. However, there was a professor Andreas Rydelius, who taught metaphysics (today we would call it theoretical philosophy). Without being an expert in the Cyrillic alphabet, one may reasonably suspect that a transcription error occurred between writing systems.
Andreas Rydelius was considered one of Lund’s most distinguished lecturers of his time. He was a professor of logic and metaphysics from 1710–1730, and later of theology, before becoming Bishop of Lund in 1734. Image source: Uppsala University Library.
Undeniable evidence
Should someone still not be satisfied with Orlik’s own statement about his studies in Lund, there is now fortunately undeniable evidence. Borschak reports that he received confirmation from Lund University Library that Georg Orlik personally signed out books on at least four occasions between November 1717 and May 1718, recorded in the library’s loan ledgers. (Borschak, unfortunately, does not specify from whom at the library he received this information or when. If it came from Per Wilner, then it would presumably have been after the matriculation volumes were published.)
Book loans personally signed by Georg Orlik at the University Library on 23 and 27 November 1717. The overstruck text presumably indicates that the books were returned. Image source: Lund University Library, photo by Per Stobaeus.
So what did a 15-year-old foreign student of philosophy borrow in the early 1700s as “course reading”? Among the books were: a Latin grammar by the Belgian philologist Justus Lipsius, Paolo Manuzio’s annotated 1572 edition of Cicero’s speeches and several volumes of Jacobus Pontanus’ Progymnasmata sive dialogi – a widely used series of Latin textbooks in dialogue form. Altogether, a collection that reflects the classical learning ideals of the time and its instructional language: Latin.
Two of Orlik’s loans, however, appear more personal: one was a prayer book, the other likely a liturgical manual, both in Russian. Interestingly, although the books were in Latin and Russian, Orlik wrote his loan notes in German, while typically writing his first name in Latin: Gregorius.
According to the loan ledger, Orlik returned his final books on 31 January 1719. The following year, the Orlik family left Sweden, and Georg would spend the rest of his life based mainly in France. There, he became both a diplomat and military officer, and was involved in Louis XV’s secret intelligence service, working, it seems, to continue the cause of Ukrainian independence.
Orlik played a role in the peace negotiations in Belgrade following the Russo-Turkish War of 1735–39, and it is probably no coincidence that several letters survive from him to the Swedish Chancellor Carl Gyllenborg from 1739. This adds yet another Lund-related connection, since Gyllenborg was not only Chancellor (roughly Prime Minister) of Sweden at the time but also Chancellor of Lund University.
Final page of a letter from Georg Orlik to Carl Gyllenborg, dated Versailles, 27 March 1739. Orlik’s letters to Sweden at this time were written in French, but the handwriting matches his earlier German notes in the loan register. Image source: Swedish National Archives.
Orlik’s military career also included a more indirect Swedish link: the French regiment Royal Suédois, where many officers were Swedes. It was with this unit that Orlik, in 1747, received his commission as an officer. He fought in several battles of the Seven Years’ War, rising to the rank of lieutenant general and being granted the title of count. Perhaps more meaningful to him, though, was being made Foreign Commander of Sweden’s Order of the Sword by the newly crowned King Adolf Frederick in 1751. A replica of this honour was crafted in 2020 for a permanent museum exhibition in Orlik’s birthplace, Baturyn.
Georg Orlik did not, however, get to close the circle of his life in the same way. He fell in battle at Minden on the River Rhine in 1759, and was buried in a today unknown location nearby. Of his 57 years, he had spent 50 in exile, including one or two as a student in Lund – something we would never have known for certain had it not been for the University Library’s meticulous preservation of its old loan records.
Fredrik Tersmeden Dr.h.c., Archivist at the University Archives
With warm thanks to librarian Per Stobaeus, who swiftly provided images of Orlik’s loan records from the University Library.
Reading time: 7 minutes Since February 2024, Strategic Communication alumnus Tom Samuelsson has served as Press Secretary to Sweden’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, with a focus on foreign and security policy. You often see him in the background on Swedish news. He is not the one speaking on camera, but he plays a key role in ensuring the message is communicated clearly and effectively.
One of Tom Samuelsson’s most memorable moments on the job was standing in Washington, D.C. as Sweden formally joined NATO, a historic occasion he describes as unbeatable. And more recently he also found himself at another significant global event, the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City, an experience he counts as deeply meaningful.
NATO summit in Washington, D.C. 2024. Photo: private collection.
Tom was most likely picked for his current job because he was (and is) a maverick in the field of communication; a nonconformist unafraid to challenge the status quo and experiment with new ideas.
He studied at Lund University’s Strategic Communication Programme during a time that digital media was just starting to gain increased recognition in political campaigns across the world. Tom, who was “an early adopter”, wanted to delve deeper than the university curriculum at the time would offer. And so driven by his curiosity, he launched a blog to explore these changes in the digital landscape. What began as an academic side project quickly became a valuable opportunity, connecting him with politically engaged professionals who shared his passion for the evolving landscape of communication.
“I was very curious about social media and wrote about how I believed the arena of public opinion would change significantly due to new digital platforms”, he shares.
From Parliament to the Prime Minister’s Office
In 2018, at the age of 26, Tom got his first opportunity to work on a political campaign from the inside. That experience led to a position in the Swedish Parliament, where he worked until 2022. When the Moderate Party (Moderaterna) won the general election, he was first appointed Press Secretary to the Minister for Civil Defence, Carl-Oskar Bohlin. Shortly thereafter, he transitioned to working with (former) Foreign Minister Tobias Billström, who, notably, is also a Lund University alumnus.
Late night UN meeting – Tom Samuelsson together with former Foreign Minister (and Lund alumnus) Tobias Billström. Photo: private collection.
Tom recalls how he and the team were faced with several major challenges during that time and mentions Sweden’s complex NATO accession process, multiple cases of hostage diplomacy, Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Israeli Palestinian conflict and the Quran burning diplomacy crisis as examples, and the fact that they often occurred simultaneously.
“It goes without saying that the workload was intense at times. But we were a good team. Many of us working for Foreign Minister Billström had studied in Lund, and one of my colleagues even met her current husband there. We all shared a positive outlook on life and had a similar sense of humour, which I think helped get us through.”
Communicating on behalf of an entire nation
Tom’s day-to-day involves monitoring international, diplomatic and security-related developments, and assisting the Prime Minister in translating government policy and foreign affairs into clear messages and responses. He views it as a privilege to tackle what he considers the most challenging communication tasks imaginable – communicating on behalf of an entire nation.
“I’ve always been interested in societal issues, especially in how democratic ideas travel from the grassroots to elected officials and back down again. I’ve wanted to understand how people’s ideas about societal development can be translated into real change. Free public discourse is the beating heart of every democracy, and how to do that effectively has always fascinated me. In that sense, my current job is a dream job. But I never imagined I’d be doing what I do today when I was a student in Lund.”
Started at the wrong university programme
Growing up, Tom started out thinking he wanted to be a lawyer, because, as he puts it “I was drawn to arguing.” But when it was time to apply for university studies he ended up (by mistake) studying Development Studies.
“To be honest, I had read the program webpage a bit carelessly when I applied, I thought it was about business development. That turned out not to be the case. In hindsight that wrong turn actually was a good one. During that year, I just studied the minimum requirements to pass the exams and instead spent my free time exploring the vast student life at Lund University.”
Tom attending a ball in Lund with his closest friend Gustaf Strand. Photo: private collection.
Communication skills will always be in demand
After a year on the wrong path, he applied for the Strategic Communications programme.
“I see communication, alongside the product itself, as a core function of any company or organisation, and I believe that skills in communication and product development will always be in demand”, he shares.
At Campus Helsingborg the lectures left a lasting impression, but also the conversations with classmates that added perspective and connection. He also took time to greet international students on Arrival Day, worked as foreman at the Sydskånska Student Union’s hip hop club and he worked full-time as a Studentlund Coordinator in 2014. He also did a “study abroad” semester in Singapore. All experiences that have been useful in his current role.
Greeting international students on Arrival Day in Lund. Photo: private collection.
The hardest part of the press secretary job
It is no surprise that Tom pinpoints the hardest part of his job as the huge responsibility and high stakes that it holds. Every word must be weighed carefully, sometimes under intense time pressure. However, it is also this pressure that keeps him on his toes and makes the job so stimulating.
“The news cycle now runs 24/7, and nowadays, a national politician can be expected to comment on something that happened five minutes ago on the other side of the world”, he explains.
On duty with former Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström 2024. Photo: private collection.
Diplomatic crises – called old professors for advice
One job situation that Tom remembers as particularly challenging was the wave of diplomatic crises that followed the Quran burnings in Sweden.
“In some of the most delicate moments, I remember calling my old professors at the Department of Strategic Communication for advice and to see if they knew of any research related to what we were experiencing. Lund University Professor James Pamment, for example, suggested I study how Denmark handled its crisis with the Muhammad cartoons in 2005, which was very helpful,” he remembers.
The key to stay relevant
Tom argues that now when artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into communication workflows, the need for precision in language only grows. Especially when prompting AI systems to deliver meaningful results. He views the rise of AI as an opportunity: a tool that lowers barriers and empowers more people to communicate effectively, whether through polished visuals, code, or compelling text. For communicators, the key to staying relevant is to actively explore these new tools.
“Communicators who don’t want to become obsolete must experiment with new AI tools. In general, I think the best way to face change is with curiosity and interest” he says.
The modern communicator is a multi-creator
He sees the modern communicator as a multi-creator, someone who combines traditional writing skills with technical and visual fluency. He argues that even learning basic coding can empower communicators to better understand and shape the digital tools and products they work with. Equally important, he believes, is the ability to complement written content with visual media.
“Many think of communication as just writing, but messages can be powerfully conveyed in many other formats as well. That’s what makes the job so fun.”
Midsummer plans in Skåne
As June brings Sweden together, first for the National Day on 6 June and then again for Midsummer, Tom is planning to take some well-deserved time in Skåne with old study buddies from Lund, whom he now calls some of his best friends. And he might take some photos, or work on some coding hobby projects. He says he is a restless person who finds personal development relaxing.
“For example, I recently made an impulse purchase of a used piano online, even though I don’t really have the space or time to learn to play it (but you shouldn’t let things like that stop you!).”
Tom’s restless drive for growth echoes the advice of Ryan Holiday, a well-known author on PR and philosophy, that inspires him. The message is: Don’t try to please everyone, just be authentic and consistent.
Whether it’s coding projects or an impulsive piano purchase, progress often begins with small, bold moves.
Reading this but yet not a member of the Alumni Network?
The Alumni Network is a free professional and social network for all those who have studied or worked at Lund University. Currently, about 50 000 members around the world are a part of our Alumni Network. We encourage you to join, too!
Her work happens largely out of sight – but without it, the global shift toward sustainable business wouldn’t move fast enough, or far enough. As Senior Corporate Governance Officer at the International Finance Corporation, part of the World Bank Group, Anne Kullman quietly drives change where it matters most. In her Washington, D.C. apartment, a portrait wall of iconic leaders offers daily inspiration – a reminder of what strong, values-driven leadership can achieve.
Anne Kullman, based in Washington D.C., is Senior Corporate Governance Officer for Climate at the World Bank Group’s International Finance Corporation (IFC). She works with banks, industries and investors in regions like Asia, Africa and Latin America – areas hardest hit by climate change but with the least resources to respond. Her role is to equip company leaders with the tools and strategies to manage climate risks and harness green opportunities. With experience from the UN, Swedish development aid and corporate sustainability in India’s textile sector, Anne brings together sharp policy insight and practical expertise. She calls Lund University, where she studied political science, the place “where it all began.”
When Anne Kullman describes how her shoulders drop the moment she steps into the forest outside Växjö, you begin to understand what drives her. That early connection to nature, nurtured by summers spent deep in the woods, has stayed with her, not just as a source of calm, but as a compass guiding her remarkable international career.
From Lund to Washington
Her journey began in Lund, where she studied political science and found both intellectual direction and a sense of belonging. “Moving to Lund felt like coming home,” she says. While she didn’t have a detailed roadmap then, she already knew she wanted to work with sustainable development in the Global South. Growing up in the 70s along with the women’s liberation movement and a strong public expression of solidarity with, among others, the Chilean political migrants in Vaxjö, created a curiosity and interest in supporting the development of a society and world where everyone has equal opportunities and rights.
Anne Kullman (former Danielsson) in Lund Stadspark cirka 1989
A deep commitment to sustainability
That ambition has taken her around the world: from Ecuador and India to Laos and Jerusalem, with postings for Sida, the UN and Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs. A common thread runs through it all, a deep commitment to sustainability, a belief in partnerships and a gift for turning complex goals into practical action.
“In my role, I support the development of frameworks and structures for corporate governance and risk management related to climate and nature in investments. Currently, we are updating IFC’s sustainability standards (IFC Performance Standard) and risk assessment tools to the latest global practices,” she explains.
What’s striking is not just the scale of Anne’s work, but how human it is. “I am inspired by meeting people in developing countries who are passionate about sustainable development, or by igniting the spark in those who may be hesitant.”
Her success isn’t only shaped by global experience; it’s rooted in relationships. Her family is her “absolute source of energy,” and at the core of Anne Kullman’s leadership is a clear belief: true impact starts with people. What drives her is when individuals feel valued, and when someone gains confidence through support and guidance, that’s where meaningful change takes root.
Real Practice – A Bootcamp for Decision-Makers
Anne is currently preparing a IFC-hosted “climate governance bootcamp” in early June for commercial banks and their decision-makers from about ten emerging markets in Asia. This program aims to teach and empower leaders to integrate climate resilience into their businesses. “I’m very much looking forward to listening and learning from these key people—about the challenges they face, how they tackle opportunities, and how we at IFC can support them in their work.”
For Anne, this is more than just a strategy; it’s part of her long-term commitment to change. With over thirty years of experience in diplomacy, policy and private sector engagement, she believes that real change happens when people change.
A portrait wall to stay on target
Throughout her career, Anne has had the privilege of meeting incredibly inspiring and courageous individuals from around the world. These leaders have made remarkable strides in protecting human rights, the environment and the climate, especially in regions like Latin America, Cambodia, Bangladesh, and the West Bank and Gaza.
“I’ve actually created a small portrait gallery in my apartment in Washington, D.C.,” she shares and continues, “among those featured are John F. Kennedy, Barack Obama and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. It’s my way of counterbalancing the turbulent state of global social and geopolitical challenges, while also drawing energy and inspiration.”
That’s a powerful way to stay focused on the positive! Who would you choose to feature on your own wall?
Reading this but yet not a member of the Alumni Network?
The Alumni Network is a free professional and social network for all those who have studied or worked at Lund University. Currently, over 49,000 members around the world are a part of our Alumni Network. We encourage you to join, too!
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who attended the Lund University alumni dinner in London on 23 April 2025. Your presence made the evening a truly special occasion, filled with vibrant conversations, reconnecting with old friends and sharing memories of our time at LU.
It was a privilege to have Deputy Vice-Chancellor Lena Eskilsson and Pro Vice-Chancellor Ann-Kristin Wallengren with us, offering invaluable updates and insights into the latest developments at Lund University. Their presence underscored the strength and ongoing connection of our global alumni network.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Lena Eskilsson and Pro Vice-Chancellor Ann-Kristin Wallengren
This event, hosted by Lund University in close collaboration with the Lund University School of Economics and Management, provided a wonderful opportunity to expand our professional networks.
Thank you once again for making the evening unforgettable. We look forward to continuing to grow and strengthen our alumni network around the world.
Reading this but yet not a member of the Alumni Network?
The Alumni Network is a free professional and social network for all those who have studied or worked at Lund University. Currently, over 49,000 members around the world are a part of our Alumni Network. We encourage you to join, too!
Fredrik Tersmeden, PhD h c, Archivist at the University Archives, opens the unpublished memoirs of Bengt J:son Bergqvist (1860–1936) to offer a personal look at Lund in the late 1800s.
The last day of April and the first of May is a time of year when many Lund alumni return to their former university town. Elder members of the Student Singers gather once again for the concert on the university building’s steps, former full-time officials of the student union, the Academic Society (AF) and the newspaper Lundagård reunite within the Order of the Magnolia, and ex-students in general come back to watch spex, listen to the aforementioned choir or simply enjoy the arrival of spring in the city – to quote Strindberg – “which one believes one can flee, but to which one always returns”.
Bengt Bergqvist (furthest to the right in the front row) together with seven of his still-living classmates in 1934, photographed by Per Bagge. Image source: Lund University Library.
One Lund alumnus, once very well-known, who gladly and regularly returned to the city was Bengt J:son Bergqvist (1860–1936). Between 1918 and 1928, he was the first Director General of the National Board of Education (Skolöverstyrelsen), and in 1920–1921 he also served in two Swedish governments as Minister for Ecclesiastical Affairs – that is, Minister of Church and Education. Before this distinguished career in the capital, however, he had spent many years in Lund: here he had been both a pupil and later a teacher at the Cathedral School (Katedralskolan); here he had lectured at the city’s teacher training college, and here he had pursued university studies at every level, from freshman to Doctor of Philosophy.
One reason Bergqvist made regular return visits to Lund was his old student class from the Cathedral School. The surviving members of the class faithfully reunited every five years. As late as 1934, when the group celebrated the 55th anniversary of their school-leaving exam, 18 of the original 40 classmates remained. Around the same time, Bergqvist was also working on his memoirs. Unfortunately, they were never completed or published, but a relatively complete typewritten manuscript covering the period up to 1904 has fortunately been preserved at Lund University Library. Thanks to this, we are able to revisit the academic Lund as Bergqvist recalled encountering it as a newly minted 19-year-old student in 1879.
“Kuggis,” photographed by Per Bagge sometime before the building’s demolition in 1897. Image source: Lund University Library.
Bergqvist noted that at the time, there were four dominant “physical centres around which student life revolved”. The first of these was one which no living Lund alumnus of today has experienced – the University’s former main building. Bergqvist describes it as follows:
[…] an old building in fine and pure Renaissance style. Seen from the south, it was situated to the right of the former bishop’s palace in Lundagård [this refers to “Kungshuset”, once the home of bishop Peder Winstrup]. A later age, banal and lacking in reverence, has levelled that house to the ground, and today not even a trace remains to indicate where it once stood. It was commonly known as ‘Kuggis’, a derogatory nickname that eventually became a term of endearment. A tall, wide stone staircase led up to the building; its worn steps bore witness to the many feet that had climbed and descended them. Many a young man had climbed those steps with a trembling heart to undergo tests and examinations. Many had, after passing their trials, flown out of that house with hearts full of joy, headed towards uncertain but delightfully shimmering futures; others, however, had departed that building with heavy steps, dejected and downhearted, for it had become a ‘Kuggis’ – a place of failure – for them.
Bergqvist’s near-poetic description of “Kuggis” may come as a surprise to those familiar with other accounts of the building, where it is more often depicted as a shoddy structure with damp foundations and walls, draughty, unheated lecture halls, and overcrowded administrative offices – where even rector magnificus himself was housed in “a shabby archive room.” At that time, the building was also nearing the end of its use. Construction of the current university building had been underway for two years and it was due to be inaugurated in 1882. Bergqvist, however, expresses clear ambivalence towards this new, temple-like white structure – today one of the University’s most popular promotional images – referring to it as an example of the “ostentatious splendour so fashionable at the time.”
The Academic Society (AF) before the 1911 extension, photographed by Per Bagge. Image source: Lund University Library.
Opposite this new construction stood the second major hub of student life in 1879:
[…] the large building of the Academic Society (AF) on the north side of Tegnérsplatsen. On the ground floor were the newspaper room Athenæum, meeting rooms of various kinds, and finally a restaurant. Upstairs was the large ceremonial hall. It was surrounded by a balcony on whose outer edge the names of notable Swedes were inscribed. This hall was used for student union meetings and grand festivities. It was also rented out for all manner of more or less unrelated purposes. Thus, travelling theatre companies would hire it, and it served as the only theatre venue the city of Lund had to offer.
Bergqvist’s placement of the Academic Society “on the north side of Tegnérsplatsen” may seem peculiar today, when the front and main entrance of the AF building clearly face Sandgatan. However, prior to the 1911 extension, only the southern, square-shaped section of the current building existed, and its entrance did indeed face Tegnérsplatsen. Another difference from today lies in Bergqvist’s remark that the stage in AF’s grand hall was primarily used by “travelling theatre companies.” This reminds us that the tradition of spex – comic student theatre performed mainly by students themselves – had yet to flourish fully in the 1870s.
The University’s former botanical garden in the 1870s. The building in the background – an orangery – stood on the site where Palæstra is located today. Image source: Lund University Library.
The two remaining centres described by Bergqvist differ from the former in being located outdoors. One of them still exists today: “the glorious old Lundagård, beneath whose great tree canopies the student singers, generation after generation, have expressed the emotions that stirred the youth educated at the seat of Alma Mater Carolina.” The other place has not entirely vanished but has been significantly transformed – the area we now know as University Quadrangle (Universitetsplatsen). To Bergqvist’s generation, it was still:
[…] the old Botanical Garden, located between Kuggis and the building that now houses the University’s gymnasium and music halls [i.e. Palæstra]. Towards Sandgatan, the garden was enclosed by a sturdy stone wall, a remnant of the wall that once surrounded all of Lundagård. There were numerous old, remarkable exotic trees and bushes, and most importantly, it contained a vast boxwood hedge, behind which many punsch tables were placed – from which student chatter and song rose skywards on glorious spring and summer evenings.
The mention of “the many punsch tables” leads Bergqvist into a broader reflection on student drinking habits of the time:
Back then, punsch was the students’ drink of choice. The variety of beverages with which today’s students quench their thirst was largely unknown to us. But it is almost unbelievable in what quantities this favourite drink, punsch, was consumed. There was no state monopoly on alcohol; individuals were free to handle spirits as they pleased. Punsch was even produced in some factories and private homes, with the quality of such home brews varying greatly. At larger student festivities, punsch was regularly served alongside specially prepared bowls. It was the golden drink of the day.
Up to this point, Bergqvist’s account may give the impression that student life was little more than a series of songs, parties, and drink. The memoirist, however, was well aware that there was a less glamorous side to life at the university in those days. Coming from a household where the father – despite being a vicar – suffered financial difficulties and had many children, and with government student loans still more than eighty years away, the economic realities for the Bergqvist family were acutely felt. Supporting more than one son at university was not initially possible, so Bengt’s younger brother – who had graduated at the same time – had to return home to act as tutor for their younger siblings. Bengt himself was only able to continue his studies by “helping schoolboys with their homework, thereby earning what I needed for my upkeep.”
This “upkeep” naturally included accommodation, and Bergqvist rented, together with a friend, “a small and humble double room located across a courtyard in a house on Råbygatan.” The term’s rent was 60 kronor – equivalent to about 4,400 SEK today. The landlady also offered “a cup of coffee and a bun in the morning for 10 öre.”
Drawing of a “typical” student room from around the turn of the 20th century. Image source: Akademiska Föreningen 1830–1953 (1953).
Bergqvist provides no detailed description of his own lodgings, but he does offer a general impression of what student rooms were like at the time:
Most of these rooms did not meet the hygienic standards of a modern age. Quite the opposite. Generation after generation of students – strong and weak – had lived in them, and cleanliness had often been poorly maintained. The rooms were usually rented furnished, with simple, shabby, and often worn-out furniture. A bed, a table, a couple of chairs, and possibly a sofa made up the standard set. In many places, one or more holes could be seen in the curtains – presumably from being set alight – a reminder of the fire hazard these rooms posed. Indeed, it is remarkable that in a city where so many student rooms existed at a time when lighting was provided by old, poor-quality paraffin lamps, and where punsch made students’ hands and legs unsteady, there were not more fires than there were.
Thus, the Lund student of the 1870s may often have been poor and lived modestly; yet, to paraphrase an old saying, it seems that money for punsch somehow always managed to float to the top!
Fredrik Tersmeden Ph D h c, Archivist at the University Archives
The genius behind Sweden’s most iconic spring song, ‘Vintern rasat’, was a Lund University alumnus named Otto Lindblad.
He composed the song for the male choir, and it is still sung today during spring celebrations all over Sweden. Otto was also the one who established rules and statutes for the student singers in Lund. Together with the choir leader and lecturer Sven Lovén, he can be seen as one of the founders of the Student Singers. And isn’t it fascinating that a song created almost 200 years ago still makes us welcome spring with the same joy?
Otto Lindblad. Photo: Wikipedia
The Choir Today
Today, the choir consists of 49 active singers aged between 18 and 54, who gather every week for rehearsals. But on May 1st, former members also join in – and the strength of tradition is evident, not least in the fact that the oldest participant last year was 96 years old!
In this photo, no less than the respective section leaders and the choir marshall. Together, the section leaders are responsible for the internal placement, distribution and attendance of their voice sections. They also assist the conductor during the choir’s admission auditions. Photo: Daniel Svensson
Hold on to your caps – a new classic?
This year, a brand new spring song will be premiered as the result of an open composition competition held during late winter. The competition, announced via the website and social media, attracted many submissions. The choir has yet to receive the sheet music, so anticipation is high. Under the direction of conductor Christian Schultze, who has led the Student Singers since 2019, a world premiere awaits – with hopes that a new spring classic is about to be born!
TV and rehearsals
So how much rehearsal is needed before the big day on TV and the University steps? Well, the May 1st singers are expected to know the core repertoire by heart, so there’s actually just one single rehearsal to fine-tune the details for this specific performance. The Student Singers made their TV debut in 1974 in a programme called In the Glorious Spring Sunshine. In 2025, the TV programme is simply titled Lund’s Student Singers. Singing in the Spring (but in Swedish).
So let’s do it – put on your cap, raise your voice and let spring be sung in! 🎶🌿
Henrik Nordvall is the kind of leader who carves out one hour, every Friday, for reflection. A leader who embraces failure, not as a setback, but as a gateway to growth. Under his leadership, H&M was ranked the fifth-best employer in the UK in the clothing, accessories and sports sector (Financial Times and Statista). So, how did this Swedish “Bjärred boy” become a seasoned leader in London?
Henrik Nordvall didn’t set out to climb the corporate ladder. In fact, his first ambition was far from boardrooms and business strategy; he dreamed of becoming a professional golfer. His studies at Lund University School of Economics and Management (LUSEM) were, at the time, simply a backup plan in case his sporting career didn’t pan out. Today, he’s deeply grateful that his parents encouraged him to pursue that education, because it ultimately shaped the course of his adult life.
“My mother was a teacher, and my father worked in banking. Both of them were incredibly hardworking and showed me that nothing in life comes for free,” he says. “But all the competitors I faced in sports also helped shape my drive to excel.”
Even though his professional life is now centered in London, Henrik’s ties to Lund remain strong. All his siblings still live in the area, making it a natural point of connection and grounding whenever he returns to Sweden.
Now his life is in London with his wife and two children. This is his second chapter in the vibrant, double-decker metropolis. He was here once before and left, but came back again in 2022, because he loves this city.
“I was always drawn to London. It is an incredible city where the entire world seems to live together in harmony,” he says. “The natural diversity of people, cultures and experiences is unlike anywhere else on earth.”
For Henrik, working in London isn’t just a professional choice, it’s a continuous source of personal growth. The multicultural landscape offers daily lessons in perspective, while the competitive talent pool keeps him sharp and inspired. It’s a place that challenges him, motivates him, and constantly broadens his view of what leadership means in a global context.
“The talent pool is enormous, and the level of competition is intense. That’s exactly what makes working life here both educational and rewarding.”
One of Henrik’s favourite spots in London, Duke of Yorks Square in Chelsea
The Road to Success
The road to success often begins with understanding that your first job might just be the first step on a career ladder. Henrik started at H&M as a trainee and worked his way through various roles and all over the world. He credits some of his success to his previous H&M manager, Madeline Persson (a Lund University alumna), recognised as one of Sweden’s most powerful female directors who played a key role in shaping H&M’s global growth.
Henrik’s experience with Madeleine highlights her unique leadership style, as someone who inspires and empowers those around her, she fosters an environment where growth thrives.
“Madeleine is a source of energy, a person who brings people along with her through her enthusiasm and visionary nature, as well as her belief in people. She provides support to her team instead of micromanaging. As a result, she helps people grow through responsibility”, he says.
He is also grateful for Lund and the endless possibilities and inspiration that the city and the University have given him. “I was very unsure about what to do after my studies,” he recalls, “but the University and the city gave me many opportunities to explore different paths.”
Purpose first, profit follows
He encourages others to explore international opportunities and remain curious about what they truly want to contribute to in life. In his view, money isn’t everything, doing something you can be proud of holds far greater value. By identifying that purpose, he believes a career naturally becomes more focused and successful, often bringing financial security as a result.
Looking to the future, Henrik is eager to continue growing, both professionally and personally. Privately, he looks forward to watching his children develop into compassionate individuals with strong values. Professionally, he is excited to keep evolving in new contexts and contributing to H&M’s long-term vision.
“Working for a company that truly wants to make a positive impact in sustainability and genuinely takes care of its employees is a privilege. Right now, we are developing our offering and what we want to provide our customers, a task that brings a lot of drive and motivation for me and my colleagues,” he reflects.
Does not leave reflection to chance
For the past 15 years, Henrik has scheduled one hour every Friday to pause, look back on the week, and assess whether he has stayed true to his purpose.
“It’s a commitment I’ve given myself—every Friday, one hour to reflect. Sometimes the mind is tired and not much comes, but that’s okay” he explains.
This ritual isn’t about productivity alone. It’s about intention, and about staying aligned with the values that drive him, even when the week has been overwhelming. Some weeks, the clarity comes easily. Other times, the reflections are sparse. But over time, this practice has built a sense of continuity and direction.
“You sit down, write it out—was it a good week, a tough one? What could be done better? What do I want to continue doing?” he says. “The key is to find what kind of reflection works for you, and not to beat yourself up if it’s not perfect.”
In a world that often glorifies constant motion, Henrik Nordvall’s weekly hour of stillness is a quiet act of leadership, and perhaps a reminder that self-awareness is a skill worth prioritising?
Calling all Lund University alumni in London and the UK. Sunday 13 April is the last chance to sign up for the Alumni Dinner in central London. Take the chance to reconnect, expand your network and share memories with the London-based LU alumni community.
We are honoured to welcome Deputy Vice-Chancellor Lena Eskilsson and Pro Vice-Chancellor Ann Kristin Wallengren, who will share updates and insights from your alma mater.
Want to register for this event – check your inbox for your invite. Can’t find your invite? For assistance, send an email to info@alumni.lu.se.
Reading this but yet not a member of the Alumni Network?
The Alumni Network is a free professional and social network for all those who have studied or worked at Lund University. Currently, over 49,000 members around the world are a part of our Alumni Network. We encourage you to join, too!
As the Division of External Relations transitions into the Division of Global Engagement on 1 April, Alumni Relations will continue as an integral part of the new division. The strategy remains committed to supporting our nearly 50,000 members of the Alumni Network, fostering engagement and strengthening lifelong connections with Lund University.
Richard Stenelo, Executive Director for the Division of Global Engagement at Lund University Photo: Jenny Leyman
“Our alumni are invaluable to Lund University. Their achievements and connections around the world enhance our global presence and impact. We are committed to supporting and engaging with our alumni community, no matter where they are.” – Richard Stenelo
Led by Richard Stenelo, the division will bring together key international activities, including Erasmus+, international student mobility, student recruitment for international programmes, global alliances, networks and initiatives, to create conditions to increase international impact in research, education, innovation and external engagement. This change reflects Lund University’s ambition to enhance its global presence and create new opportunities for collaboration worldwide. At the same time, Swedish alumni remain just as important as ever. Alumni near and far play a vital role in Lund University’s global presence and impact.
In today’s interconnected world, where you live, where you work or what language you speak matters less than the connections you build. The digital age has erased many borders, making it easier than ever for alumni – no matter where they are – to stay engaged, contribute and remain part of Lund University’s global community.
Reading this but yet not a member of the Alumni Network?
The Alumni Network is a free professional and social network for all those who have studied or worked at Lund University. Currently, over 49,000 members around the world are a part of our Alumni Network. We encourage you to join, too!
837 words, 4 minutes read time. Josefine Olsson ranked as the top Lund alumna and number four out of 75 on the list of Female Leaders of the Future (2024) – an award presented by Sweden’s professional organisation for executives, Ledarna, to challenge outdated notions of who gets to be a leader.
Josefine works for Accenture, a company that helps businesses innovate, transform and optimise their operations. Here she serves as Technology Strategy Lead. Her leadership philosophy is built on trust, authenticity and integrity, with a focus on creating the best conditions for her team to thrive, while having fun at the forefront.
“I believe it’s very important to be your true self as a leader. I always try to be clear about direction without micromanaging. I also aim to show courage and a high level of integrity, especially in tougher times. And I make sure that both my team and I have fun along the way – after all, you only live once,” she says.
Path to Lund
Although she had no clear idea of what career path to pursue, her natural affinity for problem-solving, leadership and mathematics eventually guided her way. Her passion for leadership was sparked through sports, where her involvement in golf and basketball fostered a love for coaching, setting goals and working collaboratively as a team. With vivid stories from relatives painting a picture of Lund’s vibrant and fun student life, choosing Lund University became an obvious decision. It was a choice that would set the stage for her future. Now living in Stockholm, it has been a few years since she was in town, but she fondly remembers her favourite spots.
“I always get a little extra happy when I pass by ‘the island at LTH,’ as that place symbolises much of my student time and all the fun activities we did then,” she recalls.
“The island” aka “Ön”, a central place for student life and activities at LTH.
Fueled by motivation
For Josefine, the motivation that drives her is the opportunity to leverage technology in ways that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges while helping create competitive, sustainable and responsible companies.
“Right now, I am particularly passionate about how we can use AI and data in an ethical and sustainable way so that the technology truly benefits people and society,” she explains. She continues, “AI can create entirely new opportunities, from creative problem-solving to the automation of complex processes, where humans and technology work together to create magical results. Additionally, we see significant advances in everything from quantum computers to biotechnology and physical robotics. It is simply an exciting time for technology development, but also an incredibly important time to ensure that we use technology responsibly.”
Diversity and inclusion in tech and innovation
Josefine believes that to promote diversity and inclusion in tech and innovation, companies must focus on leadership, culture and concrete actions.
She emphasises the importance of actively building inclusive work environments, where everyone can succeed and be their authentic selves. This is done by fostering a culture of inclusion, supported by policies and practices that ensure diversity is not only welcomed, but actively supported.
“We need to ensure that the technology we develop represents the entire society – for example, by ensuring that AI is trained on diverse datasets and that the teams developing the technology reflect a variety of backgrounds and experiences.”
Balancing parenthood and a busy work life
Balancing work life with children, sick days, parental leave and the demands of pick-ups and drop-offs at daycare is a challenge faced by many working parents, and perhaps sometimes deterring them from seeking leadership positions. Josefine, who is a parent to a 2½ year old, suggests looking at parenthood from a different perspective.
“I’ve learned so much about both myself and leadership since becoming a parent. My daughter has taught me the importance of prioritisation and communication, as well as given me entirely new perspectives on what really matters and what can wait. Parenthood, rather than being an obstacle, can be viewed as a tool for growth, spurring creativity and efficiency when faced with limitations. I view parenting as an asset in my leadership,” she says.
What the future holds
As Josefine reflects on what lies ahead, she is driven by the belief that strong, values-based leadership is key to addressing the complex issues of our time.
“I believe we have some very important years ahead of us. It is a very turbulent world, and technological development is moving extremely fast. In this situation, it is more important than ever to have value-driven and courageous leaders who take responsibility and stand up when it gets tough. I am very motivated to do my absolute best to contribute to this.”
Reading this but yet not a member of the Alumni Network?
The Alumni Network is a free professional and social network for all those who have studied or worked at Lund University. Currently, over 49,000 members around the world are a part of our Alumni Network. We encourage you to join, too!
229 words, 1 minute read time In the latest episode of the Lund University International Podcast, we are excited to feature alumna Julia Schnittger, who has successfully navigated the path from international student to Recruitment Delivery Manager at IKEA.
Julia, originally from Germany, moved to Lund in 2019 to pursue a Master’s degree in Business Administration, specialising in Managing People, Knowledge and Change. Her ambition and determination led her to secure a dream job with one of Sweden’s most internationally recognised brands, IKEA. Today, Julia is based in Malmö, where she manages a team of nine recruiters, playing a key role in shaping the company’s recruitment strategies.
Julia Schnittger outside the IKEA store in Hyllie, Malmö
In this insightful episode, Julia shares her personal journey, from her time as an international student in Lund to landing her role at IKEA. She offers an inside look into what it’s like to work at IKEA, highlighting the company’s unique culture, values and focus on people development. Julia also reflects on her memories from Lund University.
Listen now
Tune in to the latest episode of the Lund University International Podcast to hear Julia’s inspiring journey, tips on career building in Sweden and advice for anyone looking to land their dream job at IKEA. Hosted by Helga Heun, International Communications Officer, Alumni Relations, Lund University.
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