Logo Alumni of the year
Fouzieh Eliassys

Dental hygienist 1998-2000.

Justification:
Fouzieh Eliassy is an inspiring role model for Swedish dental hygienists and dental hygiene students through her commitment to oral health and the development of the profession. With her knowledge and innovative work, she helps elevate the dental hygiene profession and strengthen its role in both preventive dentistry and public health.

Fouzieh is also a strong advocate for the importance of equitable dental care. She has actively championed the issue that everyone, regardless of background, should have access to good and equal oral health. With her passion, expertise, and dedication, Fouzieh is a role model for Swedish dental hygienists and a worthy candidate for this award.

Fouzieh Eliassy is the Chair of The Swedish Dental Hygienist Association and has successfully worked to strengthen the professional role of dental hygienists in Sweden. She studied dental hygiene between 1998–2000. For several years, she also served as a clinic manager within Folktandvården Östergötland and is a role model for many Swedish students and professionals. I have met her through my subject responsibility for oral health and through national collaboration between universities and The Swedish Dental Hygienist Association

 

Fouzieh is an engaged and inspiring leader who, with great competence and passion, works to improve both working conditions and the quality of care. She serves as a role model for both current students and colleagues within dentistry, and her contributions reflect the School of Health and Welfare’s values of knowledge, social engagement, and lifelong learning.

 

Her work is also connected to the research center Centrum för Oral Hälsa (COO), where research and education in oral health are carried out with a focus on interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based practice. Fouzieh’s national engagement and strategic work for the dental hygiene profession help highlight and strengthen the knowledge and competence represented by the School of Health and Welfare — both within academia and in society.

Karl Volkohon

Masterprograme Sustainable Communication 2020 - 2022

Justification:

Karl Volkohon, alumn of the Master’s Programme in Sustainable Communication at HLK, has demonstrated how journalism can serve as a lifeline for democracy, inclusion, and social sustainability.

Since 2022, through his work at Sveriges Radio’s Ukrainian-language news desk, he has provided thousands of Ukrainian refugees and migrants in Sweden with reliable information – a fundamental human right.

As editor and reporter, he has highlighted issues ranging from everyday life and education to international relations, strengthening the capacity of a vulnerable community to navigate life in a new country.

Karl embodies the values of HLK: the role of media in fostering citizenship, democracy, and sustainability. His contributions make him a truly deserving recipient of the Alumni of the Year Award 2025.

Daniel de los Rios Pérez

 

Pathway Year (2018)

Justification:

Daniel de los Rios Pérez studied on a Pathway Programme of Jönköping University Enterprise in 2018. We remember him well as an ambitious, motivated, and attentive student who always produced work of the highest standard, both individually and in group projects.

 

After Pathway, Daniel continued his academic journey at JU, completing a Master’s degree in Production Systems, with a specialization in Product Development and Management, at the School of Engineering. Today, he is pursuing a PhD at Jönköping International Business School, focusing on entrepreneurial ecosystems, with special attention to entrepreneurial systems in developing countries. Alongside his research, Daniel contributes to teaching courses such as Sustainability Challenges and Systems, Advanced Supply Chain Management, Accelerating a Sustainable Transition, and Managing Responsibly for Corporate Sustainability.

 

Daniel has remained closely connected to JUE, returning as a guest lecturer on youth summer and winter courses where he has inspired students to learn about sustainability in a Swedish business context. Daniel’s academic journey is an inspiration to current and future students alike.

Andjela Kusmuk

Maskinteknik produktutveckling och design (2009 - 2012)

Justification:
Andjela Kusmuk is a pioneer who, with passion and innovation, bridges technology, entrepreneurship, and social engagement. She has broken new ground in gaming and e-sports, built connections between academia and industry, and inspired more women to take their place in tech.

Through her international leadership and strong ties to JTH, she illustrates how knowledge can transform both industries and people. A true role model and a deserving recipient of the Alumni of the Year 2025 award.