Oakland University Alumni Association

06/24/2026

🤔How can organizations move beyond backlash and create meaningful, lasting progress?

Join us on Thursday, June 25 at 12 p.m. for a free webinar with Lily Zheng, workplace strategist, consultant, and bestselling author of Fixing Fairness, DEI Deconstructed, and Reconstructing DEI.

Drawing on more than a decade of experience, Lily will introduce the FAIR Framework, an evidence-based approach to creating measurable organizational impact. Learn why many fairness efforts stall, how to build stronger stakeholder alignment and coalitions, and practical strategies for creating workplaces that work better for everyone.

🔗Register for free: https://bit.ly/4aENgsJ

06/23/2026

June is Innovation, Research and Discovery Month 💡

Innovation may be changing the future of business, but for Jerry Sokol, SBA '84, leadership and character will always matter most.

As a member of the Oakland University School of Business Board of Advisors, Jerry remains actively engaged with Oakland University from his home in Arizona, contributing to conversations surrounding student success, leadership development and the evolving role of technology in business education.

Working alongside Dean Chuck Pierce and fellow community leaders, he helped explore opportunities that contributed to the development of Oakland University's Leadership Development Institute, a cross-disciplinary initiative designed to prepare students to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Most recently, Jerry returned to campus to speak with participants in Leadership OU, Oakland University's alumni-student mentoring program. Drawing on his professional experience, he shared insights on leadership, career development, financial literacy and emerging AI trends to help students navigate their academic and professional journeys.

Through his continued service and engagement, Jerry exemplifies how alumni can make a lasting impact no matter where they live or work, helping Oakland University prepare the next generation of leaders, innovators and changemakers.

🔗 Learn more and apply to Leadership OU as a student or alumni mentor/speaker: https://ow.ly/qkXl50Y0PBt

06/22/2026

🎤 GIVEAWAY ALERT! 🎤

We're excited to partner with Meadow Brook Amphitheatre to give one lucky Golden Grizzly a pair of tickets to see TobyMac live on Thursday, June 25! TobyMac will be joined by special guests Zach Williams, Seph Schlueter and Jamie McDonald for an unforgettable night of music.

🎟️ Want to win TWO tickets?

To enter:
✅ Comment below and answer this question:

What song has inspired or motivated you through an important chapter of your life?

We'll randomly select one winner from the comments to receive two tickets to the show. The winner will be contacted via direct message by the end of the day tomorrow, June 23.

Good luck, Golden Grizzlies! 🐻💛

06/22/2026

Help shape the next generation of Golden Grizzlies! 🌟

Leadership OU connects undergraduate students with successful OU alumni through mentorship, networking and an inspiring alumni speaker series. We're always looking for alumni volunteers to serve as mentors and speakers!

Know a current OU student with leadership potential? Encourage them to apply for this award-winning program, too!

🔗Learn more and get involved: https://www.oakland.edu/alumni/volunteer/leadership-ou/

06/20/2026

06/19/2026

🔬 June is Innovation, Research and Discovery Month

Discovery starts with opportunity.

From undergraduate researcher to nationally recognized scientist, Steven Townsend, Ph.D., CAS '05, gained hands-on research experience at Oakland University that helped shape the trajectory of his career.

Today, the award-winning chemist and professor at Vanderbilt University is leading innovative research with the potential to improve human health and solve real-world challenges.

In 2025, Townsend received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers — one of the nation's highest honors for emerging researchers.

"Without the Wilson Award and the OU influence, I don't know if I would've reached the heights to receive an accommodation from the president."

Townsend's journey demonstrates the power of curiosity, discovery and the transformative opportunities found at Oakland University.

🔗 Read more about his journey: https://www.oakland.edu/oumagazine/alumni-voices/2026/a-formula-for-success/

06/18/2026

06/18/2026

⏰ Last chance to register! The first concert of the season is just two days away!

Join us at Meadow Brook Hall on Thursday, June 18, for the opening night of the Summer Concert Series featuring Detroit-based jazz vocalist Olivia Van Goor. Enjoy an evening of live music, complimentary desserts, a cash bar, and the opportunity to explore the Hall during intermission.

🎟️ Oakland University alumni receive $15 off adult tickets with promo code GOLDENGRIZZ at checkout.

Grounds open at 5 p.m. | Tent doors at 6:30 p.m. | Performance begins at 7 p.m.

Don't miss this perfect summer evening of music, history, and fun. Reserve your spot today!

🔗 Tickets and details: https://meadowbrookhall.org/events/summer-concert-series/

06/17/2026

🖤💛 Oakland University Night with the Tigers 💛🖤
🗓 Friday, September 11
⏰ 6:40 PM first pitch
🔗Registration -https://bit.ly/4vXFTVH

🎟 Your OU ticket includes:
✔️ OU/Tigers co-branded hooded long sleeve tee
✔️ Seats with the OU crowd
✔️ Support for the OUAA Scholarship Fund
✔️ Post-game concert featuring Dustin Lynch!
✔️ BONUS: First 200 guests score a $10 food voucher!

🚌 Make it easy—ride with us!
Skip the stress of driving and parking and take the round-trip shuttle from campus for just $20 (departs at 5:15 PM). Seats are limited—grab yours early!

⚾ Nothing beats baseball season—especially with your OU community. Get your tickets now and we’ll see you at the ballpark!

06/16/2026

⭐Are you ready to turn your ideas into stories that inspire action? Join us on Wednesday, June 17 at 12 p.m. for a free virtual webinar with Donna Griffit, world-renowned Corporate Storyteller, "Pitch Alchemist," and best-selling author of Sticking to My Story – The Alchemy of Storytelling for Startups.

Drawing on more than 20 years of experience helping startups raise over $2 billion in funding, Donna will share how to craft a powerful pitch for any situation, transform data into compelling narratives, and communicate with confidence under pressure. Don't miss this opportunity to learn the storytelling techniques that can help you secure your next "yes."

🔗Register for free here: https://alumlc.org/oakland/52062