Alum of the Year is a versatile music professional
Kaisa Halmemies has graduated from Jamk twice: first with a musician’s degree specialising in choral conducting, and later as a music pedagogue in pop/jazz vocals. In addition, she has further strengthened her expertise at Gradia, the Royal Academy of Music in Aalborg, and the University of Jyväskylä. Halmemies’ career path is a fine example of continuous learning and the determined development of one’s professional competence.
Halmemies is particularly known for her innovative and engaging leadership of the Kipinät Choir. Her work has brought new audiences to choral music, strengthened the music culture of Central Finland, and taken Finnish choral singing to international stages. She also conducts the Rytmihäiriö Choir and works at the Jyväskylä Educational Consortium Gradia, teaching vocals, vocal ensembles, choral conducting, and music leadership.
Alumni of the Year serve as inspiring examples of impactful careers
With the Alumna/Alumnus of the Year recognition, Jamk highlights the encouraging career paths of its graduates and the many ways to be an active alum. The selection criteria are the alumnus’s impact, exemplary actions, and societal engagement. Kaisa Halmemies represents all of these exceptionally strongly. Warm congratulations to Kaisa on this well‑deserved recognition!
The Alum of the Year award was presented at Jamk’s alumni charity dinner on 12 February 2026.
