Suomi College materialized through a pastor of the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church of America who wanted to make sure that the Finnish heritage of the settlers in the US will not be lost. The pastor, J.K. Nikander established the Suomi College to train new Lutheran ministers, as well as for teaching the English language.

Old Main is the first building of the Suomi College. It used plans of architect Charles Archibald Pearce in its construction from 1898 and until it was completed in 1900. Additional buildings were built later on, with a gym, music center, and meeting hall.

Today, Suomi College is known as the Finlandia University. The seminary is also not a part of the institution anymore, since it separated in 1958. The school is mostly a liberal arts college nowadays.