Anna Buss is the 2026 Alumnus of the Year at Novia UAS
Novia University of Applied Sciences has named Anna Buss Alumnus of the Year 2026. The motivation reads: “With her expertise, her clear commitment to society, and her long-term dedication to building bridges between Novia and the wider community, Anna Buss serves as a role model for future generations. We are proud to name her Alumnus of the Year 2026.”
The decision was made by the Rector following a unanimous proposal from the nomination committee, which reviewed all submitted nominations during the autumn.
“Our warmest congratulations to Anna Buss. By selecting an Alumnus of the Year, we want to highlight the important work carried out by our former students and their valuable contributions to society. Anna represents in the best possible way the competence and commitment that we stand for. We hope this recognition will inspire and motivate our current students to make a positive impact in their future careers,” says Örjan Andersson, Rector of Novia University of Applied Sciences.
Strong engagement already during her studies
During her studies, Anna Buss was active in the student union at the former Swedish Polytechnic, and she graduated as a Bachelor of Social Services in 2005. After completing her studies, she worked as Secretary General of the student union Novium, where she played an active role in developing a new student union. Her work helped strengthen the students’ voice and create an inclusive and professional study environment in connection with the establishment of Novia University of Applied Sciences in 2008.
Academic advancement and leadership in early childhood education
After graduating, Anna continued her studies at Åbo Akademi University, where she completed both a master’s degree and a doctorate in early childhood education. Today, she works as Director of Early Childhood Education for the City of Vaasa.
In her professional role, she has continued to collaborate actively with Novia. She involves both her workplace and regional actors in projects that strengthen the connection between education and working life. By opening doors for students and contributing to development projects, she serves as an important link between the university and the professional field.
“By strengthening the meaningful relationships between Novia University of Applied Sciences and the field of early childhood education, we create good conditions for development across the entire sector. These relationships enhance staff competence and help secure access to qualified professionals in early childhood education. I humbly accept the Alumnus of the Year award from Novia University of Applied Sciences – it feels especially meaningful that my commitment to maintaining and deepening the collaboration with Novia is being recognized,” says alumna Anna Buss.
An ambassador for Novia
Several nominators describe Anna Buss as someone who consistently highlights Novia in professional contexts. Her long-term commitment to alumni activities, her willingness to support students, and her role as a relationship-builder between education and working life are emphasized as key reasons for the award.
Interest in the Alumnus of the Year award has been high again this year, and alumni coordinator Bella Alén describes the engagement as inspiring.
“This is the second year we are presenting the award, and we are very pleased to once again have received so many strong nominations. It is inspiring to see how our alumni make an impact in their fields and in society,” says Alén.
About the award
The public had the opportunity to nominate candidates during the nomination period 1 October–30 November 2025. The award recipient was selected by Novia’s nomination committee, consisting of the Rector, Vice Rector, Heads of Degree Programmes, Communications Manager, and Alumni Coordinator. Criteria: The alumnus is a person who is driven within their field or engaged in society. The alumnus has maintained contact with the university after graduation and has participated in alumni activities, contributed to the development of the university, or in other ways supported and promoted Novia.
For more information, please contact:
- City of Vaasa, Director of Early Childhood Education Anna Buss, anna.buss@vaasa.fi
Sender
- Novia University of Applied Sciences, Communicator Linda Granback linda.granback@novia.fi, +358 50 408 5758
Questions regarding the nomination
- Novia University of Applied Sciences Alumni Coordinator Bella Alén bella.alen@novia.fi, +358 50 472 7805