It’s been about 27 months since the onset of the pandemic, which required nothing less than reinventing how we deliver courses, campus life and the administration of the university.
While our daily focus has been on providing the healthiest and safest campus possible, we have continued to push ahead…in making sure Oakland is a dynamic learning environment.
I’d like to take a few moments to present a snapshot of developments that are positioning Oakland University as “the university of choice.”
There are exciting visible and conceptual transformations occurring that I think will make you quite proud…
Construction has begun on South Foundation Hall, a place where nearly all students attend class….
Classrooms and rehearsal space are being added to Varner Hall
A contemporary Welcome Center in the expanded Wilson Hall will be ready this fall to greet new and returning students
A state-of-the art Welcome Center is also planned to complement Meadow Brook Hall, one of the country’s cultural jewels.
A new façade and renovated interior at O’Dowd Hall will make the OUWB Medical School a distinctive campus landmark
Final improvements are underway at the engineering research building, where our talented faculty will collaborate with a range of industries in seeking breakthrough innovations…
And with the purchase of an expansive 140,000- square-foot west-campus building site that’s partly in Pontiac and partly in Auburn Hills, we are in position to build on our reputation as a talent pipeline for the region’s healthcare industry with an upcoming physician’s assistant program and new home for a range of our health sciences programs.
There is no question that there are major changes ahead for higher education institutions across the nation…and Oakland University remains vigilant and committed to being “the university of choice.”
That ambition is at the heart of our “Reimagining OU” initiative, which engages students, faculty and staff in exploring ways to further develop our culture and community engagement.
We know today’s students seek a range of learning options, including in-person, online and hybrid….
We know today’s students expect their time and money spent on their education will translate to good, well-paying job. And, we have an obligation to make sure it does.
And, we know today’s students want to be engaged in a campus community that is committed to sustainability and respects the environment…and they want to be a part of a university that acts responsibly.
Over the past year, we’ve made significant strides in developing a comprehensive university sustainability plan, and have a partnership with Oakland County that will draw upon our faculty and students.
We hope to sustain a deep and meaningful relationship with our alumni, and continue to play a prominent role in your lives.
We take great pride that we were there at the beginning of your journey…and we consider it an honor to be with you every subsequent step of the way.
We are so proud of each of tonight’s honorees -- along with OU alumni everywhere – for representing the promise and legacy of Oakland University.
Tonight, we take great pride in telling your story, and sharing your success because your story is our story, and your success is our success.
Now, I’d like to invite Erin Sudrovech back to the stage to continue with tonight’s awards ceremony.