OU community invited to show off its "Grizz-Bear" spirit

By Eric Reikowski, media relations assistant

As part of its inaugural homecoming celebration Come Home to OU and to help capture the vibrant spirit of the university, OU is challenging students and staff to create their own “Grizz Bear.”

“During welcome week, we have office decorating contests and this is a good way to get the entire university involved,” said Jean Ann Miller, director of the Center for Student Activities (CSA). “Hopefully, this will become an annual tradition.”

The contest will feature two competitions. One will be open to all student and Greek organizations, club sports and university housing floors and buildings. The other competition will be open to all OU offices and departments.

Participants must supply their own bear made out of non-perishable, non-flammable material. It must measure between 12 and 36 inches in both width and diameter. The bear must be free standing and can have a holder if necessary. The bear can be sitting or standing in a prop as long as the prop contributes to the overall presentation.

The bear should be decorated to reflect the spirit of pride and celebration of OU’s homecoming, as well as the broader vision and values of the university. Judges will decide which bear encapsulates the OU spirit in the most appealing, creative and original way.

Entries for the student competition must be dropped off in the Oakland Center Heritage Room by Friday, Jan. 30, at 5 p.m. Each group is allowed one entry. To register, groups are asked to submit their organization, floor or building name, and the address, phone number and e-mail address of a contact person to Jean Ann Miller at jam@oakland.edu.

Student entries will be on display in Oakland Center during the week of Feb. 2-6. The winner will be chosen based on the People's Choice Award and will receive $250, along with "bragging rights" for one year. The winning bear will be on display all year in the Recreation and Athletics Center.

Entries for offices and departments must be registered at the CSA Office in Room 49 of Oakland Center by 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30. Each office is allowed one entry. To register, each office must submit its office or department name and the address, phone number and e-mail of a contact person to Jean Ann Miller at jam@oakland.edu.

Office entries will be displayed in department offices throughout campus during the week of Feb. 2-6, with the winner chosen by a non-partisan judging committee. The winning office will get an "OU Spirit Basket of Goodies" for the entire staff and "bragging rights" for one year. The winning bear will be displayed all year in the Recreation and Athletics Center.

For more information about Come Home to OU, visit www.oakland.edu/comehome. Additional information also is available by calling the Center for Student Activities at (248) 370-2400 or Oakland University Alumni Relations at (248) 364-6140.