Professor Päiviö Tommila was the rector of the University of Helsinki from 1988 to 1992. He was a significant historian who served as a professor of Finnish history at the University of Turku from 1965 to 1976, after which he assumed the corresponding position at the University of Helsinki from 1976 to 1994. Tommila also served as a dean at both universities. In 2004, he received the honorary title of Academician from the Academy of Finland.
The University is flying the flags at half-mast today at the City Centre Campus, honouring the memory of our former rector and expressing sympathy to Päiviö Tommila’s family and loved ones.