Jad Jawhar is HAMK’s Alumni of the Year 2026
Jad Jawhar has been named HAMK’s Alumni of the Year 2026. A graduate of the Mechanical Engineering programme, Jawhar is known for his courage and dedication. He also regularly returns to his former place of study, HAMK’s Riihimäki campus, to talk to students.
Jad Jawhar, HAMK’s Alumni of the Year, began his studies in HAMK’s English-taught Mechanical Engineering programme in 2018. Since graduating, Jawhar has built an impressive career in Finland and currently works as a Development Engineer at Konecranes. While working, he also completed a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering at Aalto University.
Jawhar came to Finland from Lebanon to study at HAMK when he was just 17 years old. He is an example of how quickly learning Finnish, setting ambitious goals, working hard and maintaining a positive attitude can pay off. His experience also demonstrates how HAMK’s connections with working life and its community can support the achievement of significant goals.
Jawhar is an inspiring role model
Häme University of Applied Sciences awards this recognition annually to an active alumnus who has distinguished themselves in their field. Nominations and supporting reasons are invited from both HAMK staff and the public.
“Jad Jawhar is an inspiring role model for our students and an excellent representative of the expertise, ambition and impact of HAMK alumni,” says Katariina From, HAMK’s Alumni Activities Coordinator and Career Guidance Specialist.
Jad Jawhar says that he has followed two important principles in both his studies and his work: giving the task at hand the time and effort it deserves, and being a good team player.
Jawhar says he is genuinely honoured and grateful to receive the Alumni of the Year recognition.
“HAMK gave me the foundation on which I began to build my career, and my time there was an important part of my development. When I look at everything that has happened since I graduated, this recognition feels particularly meaningful,” Jawhar says with delight.
Further information:
Katariina From
Specialist, Career Guidance and Alumni Coordination
