OUWB’s holiday spirit was on full display Thursday as the school hosted its Second Annual Family Night at the historic Meadow Brook Hall.
The event was held in conjunction with the venue’s Holidays at Meadow Brook, which features the Holiday Walk and Winter Wonder Lights — together called “two unforgettable holiday events that will delight families, couples, and people of all ages.”
Before touring the grounds, more than 100 participants at the OUWB event gathered in the venue’s climate-controlled garden tent, where they enjoyed light refreshments and connected with others from the school’s community.
They were welcomed by Jordan Nash, development associate, and Duane Mezwa, M.D., retired Stephan Sharf Dean, OUWB.
“I’m especially proud to stand in front of all of my friends and representatives here at the school,” said Mezwa.
“This truly is a special place and one that you should be very proud of.”
Mezwa talked about how his family’s holidays “officially” kick-off when they participate in America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit. Specifically, they are members of the Distinguished Clown Corps, a nonprofit that is part of The Parade Company and helps raise funds used to produce the parade.
“(Family Night at Meadow Brook) is becoming part of our family tradition as well,” he said noting he and several of his children and grandchildren were in attendance for the second consecutive year.
“Thank you alumni, students, parents, families, and friends of OUWB for being part of our wonderful community,” he added before encouraging those in attendance to connect with each other and “enjoy the beautiful grounds all around us tonight.”
Later, attendees talked about how meaningful it was for them to have the opportunity to connect with others from the OUWB community in the beautiful and unique setting.
From left, M1 Connor Plagens, Kevin Plagens, and Hannah Schramski. |
M1 Connor Plagens attended with his girlfriend, Hannah Schramski, and his father, Kevin Plagens.
“It’s nice that the school gets everybody together in this type of atmosphere so we can finally see (Connor) and spend a little bit of time with him,” said Kevin. “This is just a beautiful place and if you don’t feel Christmas here, you won’t feel it anywhere.”
Connor said he also appreciated the opportunity to spend time with his loved ones.
“It’s so nice,” he said. “I’m so glad these guys were able to come with me tonight so I could spend some time with them during the holidays. It’s also been good to see some of my classmates here and catch up with them.”
Steven and Joanne Roskowski, parents of M3 Christine Roskowski — and both graduates of Oakland University — returned to the event for a second time, even though their daughter couldn’t make it because of her busy clerkship schedule.
“Meadow Brook is a National Historic Landmark so the backdrop for this event is phenomenal,” said Steven. “And when we came last year, it was a good, enjoyable vibe. We met a lot of really nice people.”
From left, David Grey, M.D., a Corewell Health ophthalmologist and assistant professor, Department of Ophthalmology, OUWB; Claus Weimann, director of Philanthropy; and Les Rocher, M.D., professor, Department of Internal Medicine and chair of the OUWB Dean's Advisory Board. |
David Grey, M.D., a Corewell Health ophthalmologist and assistant professor, Department of Ophthalmology, OUWB, attended the event and connected with several colleagues.
“(Family Night) helps get everyone into the holiday spirit…it’s really wonderful,” he said. “It’s remarkable that that the school does this for the OUWB community and family.”
Several OUWB alumni also were in attendance.
Ramona Stamatin, M.D., OUWB ’24, brought her mother, father, brother and her brother’s girlfriend. (Stamatin is currently in a psychiatry residency at Trinity Health Livonia Hospital in Livonia, Michigan.”
“It helps me feel reconnected back to the OUWB community for sure,” she said. “And it gives me an opportunity to meet new people…those who are current students or alumni from other years.”
“I appreciate the opportunity and I think it’s a great reason to get into the holiday spirit,” she added.
The sentiments of those who attended the event are exactly the kind that Nash said the school aims for with Family Night.
“In the spirit of the season of togetherness, we really enjoy bringing everyone together and celebrating the fantastic OUWB family,” he said.
“I hope this event helps people realize that OUWB means it when we talk about the importance of community,” added Nash.
For more information, contact Andrew Dietderich, senior marketing specialist, OUWB, at [email protected].
To request an interview, visit the OUWB Communications & Marketing webpage.
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