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The Finnish Association of Designers Ornamo has given gold medal to Anna Valtonen, the Vice-President and Dean of Aalto University. The Ornamo gold medal is awarded as a tribute to the valuable work done in the design industry at home or abroad.

The prize reasoning states that Valtonen has significantly contributed to the university education in the design field both in Sweden as the Rector of the UmeÃ¥ Institute of Design 2009–2014 and in Finland as the Dean of Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture from 2014 on. The reasoning also underlines Valtonen's long-term efforts for raising the creative competence comprehensively inÄûÃʵ¼º½ University's strategy, research and teaching. Valtonen has been a member of the Aalto University Board 2008–2014 and in several boards of companies promoting design thinking in corporate leadership.

"This recognition is pleasant news, and I think it belongs to the whole of Aalto University. At Aalto University, we believe that art and design thinking as well as diverse creative practices are central to the success of our students, the university and Finland. Creative industries are also internationally understood as an important success factor for organizations, so we are here at the forefront. We are currently building a dynamic campus area to include the creative industries in Otaniemi, and I believe its impact will reach to a large extent", says Valtonen.

Ornamo awarded, in honor of Finland's 100th anniversary, one Ornamo Sphere and two gold medals. In addition to Valtonen, the Ornamo gold medal was given to ceramist Kirsi Kivivirta. Lapuan Kankurit received the Ornamo Sphere, which is given to companies in recognition of exemplary work in design industry. Ornamo has awarded prizes for its members since 1961.

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