On 6 December when Finland celebrates independence, President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö confers decorations upon citizens who have distinguished themselves in the service of Finland.
At the University of Eastern Finland, the decoration Knight First Class of the Order of the White Rose of Finland was conferred upon Professor of Social Policy Eeva Jokinen, Professor of Biomedicine Jorma Palvimo, and Professor of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Matti Reinikainen.
The decoration Knight the Order of the White Rose of Finland was conferred upon Lecturer Mervi Holopainen from the University of Eastern Finland Teacher Training School.
In addition, the decoration Knight First Class of the Order of the Lion of Finland was conferred upon Professor of Environmental Law Antti Belinskij.