Grits, globalization and Furman

Alexander Stubb, 1993 Furman graduate and former Prime Minister of Finland, spoke with Paul Hyde of The Greenville News ahead of commencement exercises. Without revealing too much of his keynote address, Stubb described how his Furman experience was a game-changer. Stubb, who came to Furman on a golf scholarship to study business, pivoted to political science, a move sparked by Furman professors. Since graduating Furman, Stubb has held several high posts in Finland: member of the European Parliament, followed by foreign minister, trade minister, finance minister and prime minister. He says, “…all of it was because of the seed of curiosity that Furman planted in me in 1989 through 1993.” Read more in Hyde’s interview with Stubb, which includes his take on immigration, walls, protectionism, and the Finn’s penchant for grits and cinnamon raisin bagels.