Uppsala alumnus and banker Stefan Nilsson:
“It feels good to be involved in creating networks that can make a difference”
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Friends of Uppsala University is an association that works to support important projects at Uppsala University. Since 2018, the association has been chaired by Uppsala alumnus and former bank executive Stefan Nilsson.
“Our aim is to contribute to the University’s future development by supporting important research, education and culture,” says Stefan Nilsson.
Friends of Uppsala University is a non-affiliated, non-profit organisation of close to 200 members who actively support the Friends of Uppsala University Foundation, whose purpose is to contribute to the implementation of one or more important projects that benefit the University and its activities.
From the proceeds of the Friends Foundation, the University has been able to offer scholarships to international Master’s students. Along with other generous donors, some members of the Friends association also initiated the establishment of the Innovation and Entrepreneur Award, with 2025 marking the fourth year in a row that this award has been presented. In honour of Uppsala University’s 550th anniversary in 2027, a large donation has also been made to an archaeological dig in Carolina Park (or the English Park as it is also called) in Uppsala to investigate the history of students in Uppsala. The dig aims to explore the history of academia through the relics of student life that can be found in the Park. The dig will begin in 2026 and Uppsala residents and other visitors will then be able to follow the dig and get acquainted with its archaeological finds.
“The association’s donation to this intriguing project is our way of celebrating Uppsala University as it approaches its 550th anniversary. We want to stimulate curiosity in a broad target group and raise the University’s profile. We may even inspire young people to start studying at Uppsala University or encourage more people to get involved in the Friends of Uppsala University,” says Stefan Nilsson. “But also in general that we continue to stimulate and encourage deeper engagement for Uppsala University,” he explains.
Stefan Nilsson grew up in Eskilstuna and played football in the local football club.
“It was lots of fun, but I realised after a while that I would probably never become a professional footballer, so I started studying economics in Uppsala instead as an alternative career. I think I probably had a better head for studies than talent for the game. I’ve never regretted that choice. I would never have been who I’ve become without Uppsala University!” he says.
Stefan Nilsson has a long career behind him at Handelsbanken. He worked at Handelsbanken in Tranås, Linköping, Stockholm, Umeå, and Uppsala. For six years, he was also the head of Handelsbanken in the USA. During his years in the US, he co-founded Uppsala University’s US Alumni Chapter – a local chapter in New York where there was great interest in the lectures and events that the chapter regularly organised.
“Even while I was working in different places in Sweden and abroad, I always had the ambition to come back to Uppsala. And I also eventually became head of the Uppsala branch and vice president of Handelsbanken,” explains Stefan.
Throughout his professional career, Stefan Nilsson maintained extensive contacts with Uppsala University.
“During my studies I learned a lot, but my connections with Uppsala University after my studies has been even more important. I’ve given back to the University in the form of lectures for students and by offering internships at the bank, but I’ve always got back more than I have given. It was a relationship that’s been important throughout my career,” he says.
Stefan Nilsson has high hopes that the Friends of Uppsala University’s upcoming archaeological dig project in Carolina Park can help make a difference in the future.
“I look forward to continuing to contribute to my Alma Mater. My hope is that the association will get even more members – in particular more University staff,” says Stefan Nilsson. “Our ambition is to raise awareness about all the University’s treasures – both physical and of the knowledge kind – and let more people enjoy them!”
Read more about Friends of Uppsala University and how you can become a member
Read more about the Jubilee donation to student history dig in the English Park