To front page All news Mikko Katajisto, Executive Director of Karhu Basket, is SEAMK’s Alumnus of the Year

Mikko Katajisto, Executive Director of Karhu Basket, is SEAMK’s Alumnus of the Year

category: Work-life collaboration

Karhu Basket’s home court, IKH Arena, is a new landmark in Kauhajoki and Mikko Katajisto’s central working environment. Photo: SEAMK / Tuomas Rauhala

Mikko Katajisto, Executive Director of the successful Kauhajoki-based basketball club Karhu Basket, has been chosen as Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences’ (SEAMK) Alumnus of the Year 2025. Katajisto is a well-known figure in Ostrobothnian basketball, having contributed to the sport as a player, coach, and administrator. He has been involved with Karhu Basket since the club’s founding and is also involved in the operations of the multipurpose venue, IKH Arena.

Katajisto graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2012 and, prior to joining Karhu Basket, worked as an entrepreneur and in both the agricultular supplies and hardware retail sectors. The Alumnus of the Year recognition highlights Katajisto’s positive attitude towards education, his openness to collaboration, and his international outlook. Under Katajisto’s leadership, Karhu Basket has engaged in diverse cooperation with students and has actively introduced the club and the operations of IKH Arena to students.

“Mikko Katajisto publicly and proudly highlights his background as a SEAMK alumnus and the fact that his studies have given him a solid education and strong professional skills. He sets an exemplary and international standard, is bold and outward-looking, and approaches development and new opportunities for cooperation with a positive attitude. He is an extremely cooperative operator. Katajisto’s contribution has also strengthened SEAMK’s and its Regional University’s visibility, and through his actions, he supports SEAMK’s strategic goal of actively involving alumni in the university’s development and regional cooperation,” says Mika Koivupuisto, expert responsible for SEAMK’s alumni activities.

“I was surprised and, of course, very honoured by the selection, and I haven’t quite processed yet what it really means. It’s a fantastic recognition for having gone back to study for a Business Administration degree as an adult, and I have to say that studying has provided a great deal of skills for working life,” says Mikko Katajisto.

SEAMK’s Alumnus of the Year was chosen for the fifth time this year. Previous recipients include agrologists and agricultural entrepreneurs Kalle Fält and Olli Fält, film director and entrepreneur Toni Kurkimäki from the field of Culture, Business Administration graduate and K-Rauta retailer Iiro Takala, and nurse Le Anh, a graduate of the Nursing degree programme.

Congratulations to SEAMK’s Alumnus of the Year!

The criteria for SEAMK’s Alumnus of the Year are:

  • Graduated from a SEAMK degree programme
  • Does significant work in their own field
  • Promotes interaction between working life and SEAMK
  • Positively represents SEAMK and the SEAMK community

Further information:

Mika Koivupuisto
Student Entrepreneurship and Partnership Manager
SEAMK
mika.koivupuisto@seamk.fi
tel. +358 (0)400 368 221