Nobel winner has ties to area

By Bernard Baker

Published: October 10, 2008

The winner of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize is known internationally as a champion of peace and locally as an ambassador to Averett University.

Martti Ahtisaari, the former president of Finland and a member of Averett’s board of trustees, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday.

“We are very pleased that Dr. Ahtisaari’s accomplishments have been recognized in this manner,” Averett President Tiffany Franks said in a news release. “Averett is honored to have a person of his experience and international renown as a member of its governing body.”

Ahtisaari received an honorary doctorate degree from Averett in 2001 and has been a member of Averett’s governing body since 2002. He spoke during Averett’s 2001 commencement exercises.

The international leader was recognized as a skilled mediator and he played a key role in ending international conflicts around the world. The Nobel Committee cited his efforts to secure peace in South Africa, Indonesia, Kosovo, Northern Ireland and, most recently, in Iraq.

“Receiving the Nobel Peace Prize is a high honor for Dr. Ahtisaari and, by extension, an honor for Averett University as well,” Thomas Stahl, an Averett professor of political science, said Friday. “As this recognition indicates, he has made significant contributions throughout the world. He is well known as a leader and as a diplomat.”

Franks said Ahtisaari’s friendship with Averett started through his ties with former Averett athletic director and Finland native Vesa Hiltunen.

Franks said Averett is working on a way to properly recognize what Ahtisaari has accomplished.

“Dr. Ahtisaari has been a global ambassador for Averett,” she said.

Contact Bernard Baker at or (434) 791-7986.