AF, The Academic Society (Akademiska Föreningen), is launching a new initiative to engage alumni, led by well-known Lund figure Olof Jarlman. By offering a broader range of events, the aim is to reach more people who may not have previously known about the opportunity to become a special member (särskild medlem).
Most people in Lund are likely aware that the city’s DNA is deeply rooted in Akademiska Föreningen’s unique traditions of culture and events, from student performances and carnivals to formal dinners, student evenings and academic celebrations, all centered around education, humor and community. With support from major foundations such as Crafoord, LMK and Sparbanksstiftelsen Finn, AF continues to be a central force in Lund’s academic and cultural life. But there’s another important group, AF’s special members!
Time to broaden the offer for special members
Many are unaware that Akademiska Föreningen offers a special membership for those who have completed their studies or otherwise have close ties to the University. The membership requires no active involvement but comes with several great benefits – for an annual fee of 265 SEK:
Benefits: • Discount on stage events at AF-borgen and other social academic activities, often with the option to pre-book. Some events include an “Eftersits” (a light meal after the activity) available at a ticket price. • Invitations to AF’s traditional festivities. • Opportunity to book the Student House in Skanör for parties or summer stays. • Possibility to get involved in AF’s activities.
Funny hats and folding chairs
The most popular events for special members have long been the spring dinner and autumn mingle before Siste April and Siste November, often followed by a Lundaspex. Now, Olof Jarlman, who leads the initiative, wants to expand the offerings and attract new members!
Humorous folding chair walk with the Uarda Academy in autumn 2025. Photo: Henrik Schyllert
“We want to offer something for everyone,” says Jarlman. In collaboration with AF’s committees and recognised associations, a wide range of events are being arranged. One example from last autumn was the humorous “folding chair walk” with the Uarda Academy, where participants equipped with folding chairs and suitable headwear (!) were guided through Lund’s monuments and memorials. The walk included stories, student performances and sing-alongs, and ended with lunch at Tegnérs in AF-borgen. Another activity was the show Master Will, a spex (Lund-style performance) about the battle between comedy and drama, featuring participants from the Uarda Academy, Lundaspexarna and Boelspexarna.
There may also be annual art salons in collaboration with the Art Committee and Pictura, or carnival memories showcasing highlights from 20th-century Lund carnivals.
Still to come this autumn
The next activity is a lecture (in Swedish) on 12 November about Wiwen Nilsson – the Lund silversmith and designer known for his clean modernism and close ties to the city’s academic student life. (See details below if you wish to attend.) And on 29 November, special members will gather to celebrate the last day of November (Siste November), a cherished highlight in Lund’s student life. This year’s celebration invites guests to a festive mingle followed by a classic Lundaspex – an evening filled with laughter, culture and community.
Countdown to the 200th anniversary
In four years, Akademiska Föreningen will celebrate its 200th anniversary. Plans are still being developed, and no details are finalised, but expectations are high that the celebration will be something truly special – and of course, alumni will be included.
“Curiosity and engagement enrich both the individual and the academic community,” says Olof Jarlman. As a special member (särskild medlem), you can take part in this in your own way – attend events, discover new connections between students, academia and businesses in Lund or simply join activities that interest you. Everything is voluntary, but all opportunities are open.
Jarlman emphasizes that the goal is to create a vibrant community where alumni can continue to feel at home in Lund’s student life.
12 November – Wiwen Nilsson and the student world
Lecture (in Swedish) and discussion with Wiwen expert Fredrik Zimmerdahl and former AF Chair Olof Jarlman. Meal afterwards: Ground beef patties with sides (drinks not included). Time & Place: 19:00–21:30, Weibull Hall, AF-borgen Price: 195 SEK for AF members Registration: By 1 November to olof@jarlman.se – include name, phone/email and number of seats.
29 November – Last of November celebration
Special members are invited to a festive mingle followed by a classic Lundaspex. Invitation, registration details and cost will be sent shortly via email to AF’s special members.
The quote “a gentleman is someone who can play the accordion, but chooses not to” is often attributed to the “Lundensian” prominent cultural figure, Sten Broman, but how certain can we really be that he was the one who coined the phrase? Fredrik Tersmeden, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy and Archivist at Lund University, digs deep into the matter.
There exists today an internet-based company whose business idea might be described as ingenious—at least if one wishes to make a decent amount of money for the least possible amount of personal creativity. The concept involves taking short, out-of-context quotes from various well-known individuals, setting them in a slightly humorous font (albeit one that can be found on virtually any computer), and then selling prints of these quotes in various sizes—from 13 x 18 cm to 70 x 100 cm—for between 119 and 499 SEK apiece (note: frame not included!).
One of the “motifs” one can choose to decorate one’s home with is the quote: “A gentleman is someone who can play the accordion, but chooses not to.” The remark is attributed to one of Lund University’s more familiar alumni of the 20th century: the composer, music critic and media personality Sten Broman.
Since Broman passed away in 1983 and has thus been dead for less than 70 years, one might ask to what extent his estate is receiving royalties from the company’s poster sales. On the other hand, one might also ask whether they should be receiving anything at all. For there is considerable doubt as to whether it was really Sten Broman who coined these words. This was noted by someone I occasionally interact with on social media, after discovering that the American musician Tom Waits has allegedly said exactly the same thing (albeit in English). And although, chronologically, it would have been possible for either Broman to quote Waits or Waits to quote Broman, neither scenario seems particularly likely. And did either of these gentlemen actually coin the phrase in the first place – or even utter it at all? I decided to get to the bottom of the matter.
Sten Broman being celebrated at the Grand Hotel on the occasion of his 80th birthday in 1982 – seemingly with choral singing rather than accordion music. Photo: Hagblom-Foto. Image source: Lund University Library.
Embarrassing Wheezing Noises
Let me, at this point, state that it is not Broman’s aversion to the accordion itself that I intend to question in this text, as that is well documented – including in his own memoirs Upplevelser av 1900-talet (Experiences of the 20th Century). As early as page 9, Broman recounts how, at the age of twelve, he visited his grandfather Jöns – a tailor who also came from a long line of folk musicians – for the first and only time:
As an old expert, he approved of my suit, and to test whether the musical tradition remained, he placed an accordion in my hands. This turned out to be an embarrassing experience for me. The wheezing noises of the accordion immediately made a horribly unpleasant impression on me, and I have unfortunately never been able to come to terms with it.
But did Broman thereby, by definition, believe that his grandfather – and the long line of his forebears – were not gentlemen? Let’s consult the sources!
Fortunately, there is already some prior research to build upon – specifically the work done in the United States by one Gregory F. Sullivan, a former computer technician at Johns Hopkins University, who for some reason often goes by the name Garson O’Toole. He writes under this name on his website Quoteinvestigator.com – a platform dedicated to investigating the true origins of the various bon mots and so-called “winged words” that circulate in our modern, especially digital, world. Concerning the claim that a gentleman is someone who refrains from playing a certain instrument, Sullivan has discovered that the quote has been attributed not only to figures such as Oscar Wilde and Mark Twain, but has also been applied to far more instruments than just the accordion – including the ukulele, saxophone, bagpipes and banjo.
In the very oldest version Sullivan has been able to trace – in an issue of the Kansas-based newspaper The Atchison Weekly Globe from January 1917 – the phrase is credited to a local wit named Frank Fiest, who is said to have remarked: “My idea of a gentleman is he who can play a cornet and won’t.” The phrase was evidently catchy, for other American newspapers quickly began quoting it – initially with explicit reference to Frank Fiest, but soon also without attribution – and with the cornet replaced by other instruments.
Saxophones, Bagpipes and Twelve-Tone Music
What, then, of the Swedish version of the quote? Here, I have conducted a similar investigation using the Royal Library’s database of digitised Swedish newspapers. With the caveat that the phrase may be worded in various ways – such as that the gentleman “refrains”, “abstains” or “doesn’t do it” in reference to playing – the earliest example I could find in the Swedish press appears in Aftonbladet on 9 July 1936. The instrument whose non-use is praised in that instance is the saxophone. The phrase quickly gained traction in Sweden too: just a few days later, it appears in Falu Länstidning. As in the U.S., the instruments vary: everything from the bagpipes to the more conventional piano is mentioned. There are also clear trends over time. In the mid-1950s, for example, several newspapers comment on refraining from playing the lute (accompanied by singing), which makes one wonder whether parts of the Swedish press had by then suffered an overdose of Evert Taube. During the pop music wave of the 1960s, it is instead the guitar that bears the brunt. There are also versions of the phrase that elevate the idea beyond individual instruments. In March 1960, for instance, the newspaper Arbetartidningen asserts that: “A gentleman is a composer who can write twelve-tone music but chooses not to.”
But what about the accordion? Based on what I’ve found, it doesn’t appear in this context until Dagens Nyheter on 24 September 1997 – fourteen years after Broman’s death. And even then, the quote is attributed to jazz musician Zoot Sims! The earliest link I’ve found between this musical gentleman-definition and Sten Broman appears in Skånska Dagbladet just over eleven years ago: on 27 June 2014 – a time when the quote generally begins to explode in popularity in the Swedish press, and is now more and more frequently attributed to Broman.
What had happened in the meantime? Well, in 2009, comedian Robert Gustafsson had imitated Broman on the TV programme Allsång på Skansen, and during the sketch had put a Swedish version of Frank Fiest’s old remark into the mouth of his thoroughly deceased impersonation subject!
AI-generated image. Created with the help of Microsoft Copilot.
From all this, three conclusions may be drawn:
1) It is highly unlikely that Sten Broman coined the phrase about what a gentleman refrains from playing – unless, as a 15-year-old, he successfully led a double life in Atchison, Kansas under the name Frank Fiest.
2) It is almost certainly much cheaper – and probably more accurate – to print and frame one’s own Broman quotes than to buy them online.
3) If one wishes to assemble an orchestra consisting only of gentlemen, the available instrumentation will be rather limited.
Fredrik Tersmeden Honorary Doctor of Philosophy, Archivist at Lund University
Recent Lund University graduate Axel Eriksson is one of just 14 young climate leaders worldwide appointed by the UN Secretary-General to the global Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change!
The UN Youth Advisory Group amplifies young voices and helps shape global climate action, ensuring their ideas and experiences inform key UN decisions. Photo: CRC.
Stubbornly optimistic
Axel Eriksson describes himself as a stubbornly optimistic advocate for environmental justice. He grew up with a love for life on Earth. From the start, he regarded animals and plants as deserving respect, recognising their fundamental right to exist.
Playing the trombone and visiting the Swedish parliament with his cousin. Photo: Private collection.
Animal rights were the first issue that evoked emotion and gradually evolved to an even deeper understanding of the impact of climate change and the fact that it is humans that are causing global warming.
Becoming a change-maker
In high school, Axel discovered his voice through “Sollentuna Youth Day,” a platform for young people who want to shape their community. He became inspired and ended up joining the local youth council. This was the stepping stone to get involved and take action instead of being a passive bystander – not for a future career, but simply because he cared.
Swedish upper-secondary graduation day. Photo: Private collection.
Choosing physics and unintentionally learning Japanese
Coming to Lund University was an easy choice. The Engineering Physics program at Lund University is a challenging program, known for producing highly skilled problem-solvers across research, industry and innovation. Axel, driven by a deep passion for physics and a curiosity about how complex systems interconnect, was drawn to the challenge. With a sharp and inquisitive mind (who else picks up Japanese just by watching anime?) he was clearly ready to embrace the demands this program offers.
Entrance to the Physics Library (where Axel worked as a student) at Lund University Faculty of Engineering. Photo: Kennet Ruona
“I chose Engineering Physics largely out of curiosity and a passion for physics and wanting to apply this knowledge in real-world situations” he shares.
During his time at the University, Axel explored a wide range of interests, but he was not participating much in traditional Lund unions or associations. Instead, he delved deeper into his subject area. “I often reached out to researchers to ask if there was any project where I could support. And quite a few found ways to engage me, which I’m very grateful for!”
The road to UN’s Youth Climate Advisory Group
Alongside his studies, Axel continued his community work for people and the planet, and it was through one of the organisations that he is affiliated with, that he asked about the possibility of a nomination for the UN role back in February (2025).
“I wanted to contribute from my experiences across UN environmental conventions as an advocate for young people’s rights and voices” he shares. But when he didn’t hear anything back for many months, he thought he was not selected. But in July came a surprising e-mail with good news and the rest is history.
Axel at COP28. Soon he is heading to the UN climate summit COP30 in Brazil where he will meet his colleagues in real life.
The job description
Reflecting on his new role, Axel says he feels both proud and purposeful. “I’m very honoured to be part of this group, which I have followed in previous years, and I know a few of its previous members,” he says.
Based in Stockholm, but often travelling, Axel’s work largely happens through virtual meetings with fellow members, UN representatives and even the Secretary-General himself. His day-to-day tasks involve listening to the priorities and lived realities of young people around the world and turning these insights into concrete advice for global leaders.
Three guiding principles
The three guiding principles that reflect the work that Axel stands for are ambition, holism and inclusivity. He envisions an environmental leadership that is both grounded and expansive.
* Ambition, he explains, means honouring global commitments like the Paris Agreement and letting evidence lead the way, whether that evidence comes from scientific research, Indigenous traditional knowledge, or other ways of knowing.
* Holism reflects his understanding that environmental issues are deeply interconnected. “We need to tackle them at the root,” he says, pointing to biodiversity loss and climate change as symptoms of shared drivers like extractivism and the persistent view of nature as a resource for human consumption.
* Inclusivity, finally, is about ensuring that a diversity of voices are not only heard but actively listened to in decision-making processes. “For me,” Axel emphasises, “especially those who are the most affected, such as Indigenous folks, children and youth, women and girls, and persons with disabilities, need to be given space to speak on their own behalf in international environmental fora in the UN and beyond.”
An impossible job?
When asked if he ever doubts whether he has the energy to keep fighting for climate justice, he reflects for a moment. “Yes and no,” he says.
“I rarely doubt that I have energy – it’s more about how to make that energy last in the long run. Being able to put time, energy and passion into issues that I care about, which I know are crucial for the lives of so many people from around the world. It is frankly an honour to work on this, even in times when there is a lot of resistance, the issue feels heavy, or the change just does not seem to move at the pace needed. To be able to last in the long run, I carry with me passion and compassion. “
It is all about justice in the end
Axel believes that environmental and social issues are inseparable. The same systems that drive climate change and biodiversity loss also sustain economic inequality. For him, environmental justice means ensuring that actions to protect the planet do not deepen existing injustices, but instead place the fight for a good life for all at the centre.
It is, he says, unacceptable that those who have contributed least to the crisis suffer the most from its consequences.
COP30 takes place 10-21 November 2025 in Belém, Brazil.
United Nations Day, on 24 October, marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter.
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Alzheimer’s is often called the “silent thief,” stealing memories long before symptoms appear. Lund alumnus and world-renowned researcher Oskar Hansson is determined to stop it in its tracks.
September is World Alzheimer’s Month and Professor Oskar Hansson is one of the world’s foremost Alzheimer’s researchers, driving breakthrough discoveries that are redefining early diagnosis and global progress against the disease. Photo: Tove Smeds
He rarely takes a long lunch. Natural yoghurt with blueberries and walnuts, nature’s own brain boosters, fuels his focus as he ticks off a lunch meeting on his calendar. Oskar Hansson is on a mission. His team has developed a simple blood test that can detect Alzheimer’s with high accuracy, even before symptoms appear. Already in use in clinics across the globe, it’s a quiet revolution in diagnostics.
Going to Boston
In about a year, he and his wife will begin packing up their lives in Lund to move to Boston, where he’ll join the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly (or just Lilly). They are both excited about it! His new role: Vice President for Neurodegenerative Disease Early Phase Clinical and Imaging Development.
The title is a mouthful, but what it means is that he’ll be leading the early development of new treatments for degenerative brain diseases, guiding how they’re tested, tracked and refined in their earliest stages.
The reason behind the move is simple. To develop effective treatments, he needs the kind of specialised expertise and resources found within pharmaceutical companies. And he feels confident leaving his work in Lund in capable hands.
“Several promising leaders have emerged within our research group, well-equipped to take over and continue its development,” he says. “And I had reached my primary goal: to help create simple diagnostic tools that are set to revolutionise healthcare. My new ambition is to develop effective treatments for brain diseases, and that goal is far better supported within the pharmaceutical industry.”
Social life, humour and mitochondria
Oskar Hansson on Swedish upper secondary school graduation day 1994. Photo: Private collection
With a special interest in physics, math, quantum theory and the mysteries of relativity—alongside a growing curiosity for philosophy and biology—it was no surprise that after Swedish upper secondary graduation, Oskar eventually chose medical school in Lund. His passion for research was evident as he would seek opportunities to delve into even during summer breaks.
Left: Oskar Hansson, photographed in his apartment at “Ulrikedal” in Lund, with the dissertation he wrote for his PhD in 2001. Photo: Private collection. Right: Student days at Wallenberg Neuroscience Center in Lund 2000. Photo: Private collection.
“Already during the first semester of medical school (autumn 1994), I began conducting research in the evenings, on weekends, and during summer holidays. I started with a project in neuroimmunology with the goal of finding treatments for brain cancer,” he shares.
Despite his intense focus, Oskar wasn’t all “lab coat”. He embraced student life, joining Lund’s “Toddy spex”, a theatrical Lund Medical School tradition blending satire, music, and academic parody. It’s the kind of thing that requires a good sense of humour and a willingness to not take yourself too seriously.
“It’s important to be able to laugh at yourself and move on when you’ve made a mistake. If you’re doing groundbreaking research, most things will fail, but you should learn from your failures and move forward stronger. It’s often important not to focus on yourself, but on the goals you’re passionate about in life.”
After five semesters of medical school, Oskar took a step back to explore other ideas: first philosophy, then the world of biomedical research at Lund. That curiosity soon led him to Scotland, where he became fascinated by mitochondria and their role in brain diseases. It was the beginning of a deeper dive into neurobiology, and after three years of research into Parkinson’s and Huntington’s, he earned his PhD in 2001.
The breakthrough
Then, about twenty years ago, Oskar Hansson’s research group made a groundbreaking discovery: Alzheimer’s could be predicted 5-10 years in advance using spinal fluid biomarkers (Hansson et al., Lancet Neurology). It was like spotting storm clouds long before the rain. This finding led to the biomarkers being used in clinical practice around the world to improve Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and in drug trials aimed at preventing the onset of dementia.
Blood instead of spinal fluid – and why it matters
A simple bloodtest now makes early diagnosis possible in everyday clinics. Photo: Canva
In recent years, Oskar’s team developed a simple blood test to replace the spinal fluid method. It’s already in use in countries like the United States and Japan, and is just now being introduced in Sweden. It was a real game-changer for patients, because it is quick, gentle and easy to use in everyday clinics. With accuracy close to spinal fluid tests, it makes early diagnosis possible for many more people, even in places without advanced medical equipment. Oskar has also worked with organisations like the WHO to help ensure the test becomes available in low- and middle-income countries, making early Alzheimer’s diagnosis more equitable across the globe.
Deliberately recruited for success
Oskar Hansson in the lab. Photo: Åsa Wallin for the Knut and Alice Wallenbergs Foundation.
Oskar has always worked with a clear focus, often setting ambitions that stretch over five to ten years. To reach them, he has deliberately recruited for success and built teams of driven and talented colleagues, ensuring that every objective is not only bold, but also meaningful for healthcare, and he adds:
“As a team, we have only chosen ambitious goals, that might revolutionise the healthcare, and where we believed we had the potential to be among the very best in the world.”
The mindset of a researcher mirrors that of an athlete
In many ways, the mindset of a researcher mirrors that of an athlete. Both require perseverance, precision and a relentless drive to improve.
That competitive spirit has been with him since childhood, when he played ice hockey with serious intent before realising that combining elite sport with other ambitions would be too difficult.
The discipline and focus he learned on the ice, however, never left him. Even today, he enjoys running in nature, always choosing the tougher path, because, as he puts it, “the more difficult the terrain, the more fun.”
Now, as his work takes him across the Atlantic, he jokes that one of his next challenges will be to quickly learn about major American sports teams, especially those tied to the cities where many of his colleagues are based, from Boston and Philadelphia to New York and Indianapolis. Without that knowledge, he admits, it may be hard to keep up with the conversations at coffee breaks and after-work gatherings.
Fenway Park: Home of the Red Sox – Boston. Photo: Canva
For Oskar, research doesn’t seem so different from sport. The challenge is what fuels him, and the ultimate goal is not simply to participate, but to win – on behalf of patients, healthcare and science itself.
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The Alumni Network is a free professional and social network for all those who have studied or worked at Lund University. Currently, over 50 000 members around the world are a part of our Alumni Network. We encourage you to join, too!
It is that time again! Applications for studies commencing in the spring semester of 2026 will open on 15 September and close on 15 October 2025. Lund University offers a wide range of opportunities for professional development, with many courses available part-time and fully online, ideal for professionals in the midst of their careers.
Standalone courses, full degree programmes, remote learning options and short courses – all designed to offer the flexibility you need to balance your studies with work and everyday life. We hope you’ll find something that suits your needs. Please note that tuition fees may apply for people from countries outside the EEA and if you have any questions about a course, please contact the contact person on each course page.
You can also choose to study our MOOCs or our tailor-made professional education courses.
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 Professional or comissioned education provides training opportunities for professionals sponsored by their company or organisation. For more information 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
This summer, Lund has taken centre stage on the global screen. On 31 July 2025, Netflix premiered An Honest Life (Ett ärligt liv), the film adaptation of alumnus (and lecturer in commercial law) Joakim Zander’s acclaimed 2022 novel. The film has quickly become the second most watched non-English language film globally on Netflix, reaching the top charts in 18 countries within its first weeks.
The story begins at a violent demonstration, where a young, soon-to-be law student meets a woman who draws him into her circle of eccentric friends. Their lives pulse with radical and exhilarating ideals, but also with lies and dangerous risks. As he realises too late what he has become entangled in, the film unfolds as a gripping thriller about truth, betrayal and the allure of life lived outside the law.
Can you spot the location? Ett ärligt liv / An Honest Life | Official Netflix trailer
Our city plays the lead
More than just a backdrop, Lund itself almost emerges as one of the film’s leading characters. The camera lingers on the cobblestone streets, Jurdicum, Botan, Lundagård, Professorsstaden and all other corners of campus that many of you will know by heart.
Can you spot the author?
Joakim Zander. Photo: Viktor Fremling
Joakim Zander, the author whose book was featured in the Alumni Book Club last summer, also makes a cameo in the film – offering a delightful Easter egg for attentive viewers and a symbolic nod to the author’s hand in bringing the story to life on screen. Can you spot him?
The film is available in many languages and with subtitles.
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.
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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?
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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!
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