Alumni Voices|

College of Arts and Sciences


icon of a calendarSeptember 27, 2024

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In the Gold Seat with Zuhair Issa

Sitting down with academic adviser and two-time alum

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Robert Hall

We sat down with two-time alumnus, Zuhair Issa, to talk about his favorite OU moments.

MAJOR: Bachelor of Arts in political science, 2019; Master of Public Administration, 2021

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Academic Adviser at Oakland University

DID YOU LIVE ON- OR OFF-CAMPUS? I lived on campus, Hamlin Hall and Oakview Hall, and off campus.

WHERE WAS YOUR FAVORITE STUDY SPOT? My favorite place to study was the 4th floor of the library and the Math and Science Center with its hidden spots that not many people know about.

WHICH WAS YOUR GO-TO PARKING LOT? I was loyal to P-26 for both undergrad and grad school since the majority of my classes were on this side of campus. 

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD OR PLACE TO EAT ON CAMPUS? Moe's. I miss it! 

WHAT WAS THE BEST BUILDING TO HAVE CLASSES IN? I had one class at the top of the Math Science Center. Saw the sunset every class! I will never forget those nights.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT ON CAMPUS? September was always my favorite time of the year on campus. I was excited about new beginnings and attended as many events as I could manage. April after finals was a close second. My friends and I would go play various games after finals were over. 

WHO WAS YOUR FAVORITE PROFESSOR? Professor Fails or Professor Trumbore. Their passion is contagious. They taught me how to be eager to learn and explore.

WHAT SONG(S) DID YOU LISTEN TO WHEN YOU STUDIED? Depends on the class – I spent the majority of my time writing papers. This required instrumentals to aid in my focus. If I was studying for a test it was always rap music. 

WHAT IS SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOURSELF? I believe I am unique in my drive to learn. I am a lifelong learner. I am always excited to try new things and learn from those around me. 

In 2017, Zuhair Issa co-founded a nonprofit in Macomb County named LK St. Clair that provides high-quality, affordable recreational play to communities, with a focus on soccer and basketball in the 5-13 age groups.

According to Issa, LK St. Clair has recently become the first MLS GO-affiliated league in Macomb County. MLS GO is an initiative by Major League Soccer, the professional soccer league in the U.S., to increase quality and access to recreational soccer. LK St. Clair's first MLS GO league saw more than 250 kids. "We hope to keep expanding and growing to encompass all of Southeast Michigan. Check us out at lkstclair.soccer. Reach out if you want to join our cause," explains Issa.

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