Dr. Saarinen, Professor Emeritus, taught in the Geography Department from 1962 until he retired in 2003. His research interests have centered on the historical geography of Sudbury, the study of single-enterprise communities in Canada, and the Finnish community in North America. In recognition of his work on behalf of the Finnish community, the Government of Finland in 2001 awarded him the Knight of the Order of the White Rose, 1st Class.