Finnish Consul General Juha Pekka ("JP") Markkanen visited the University of Washington's Finnish Program on Friday, 29 January 2016. Consul General Markkanen met with Dean of Arts and Sciences Robert Stacey, Divisional Dean of Humanities Michael Shapiro, students of Finnish, Program Advisory Board Member Pirkko Borland, and program faculty Ilmari Ivaska and Andrew Nestingen. Consul General Markkanen was accompanied by Honorary Consul of Finland Mr. Matti Suokko and Vice Honorary Consul Ms. Kristiina Hiukka. Themes of the meeting were the FInnish language, innovation and cooperation. UW students are gaining expertise in Finnish that allows them to enter the working world with strong understanding of Finland, and the country's successful use of innovation in communications, industry, and transportation. An example of such innovation discussed was the Mobility as a Service Initiative being undertaken in Finland. UW Faculty and students emphasized the ways in which studying Finnish has equips UW students to do things in their education and working plans, which distinguish them from other students, and help them excel in their pursuit of education and employment.