On Saturday, November 7 the Oakland University Alumni Association (OUAA) hosted the 15th annual Alumni Awards Banquet. The annual event provides an opportunity to honor those who selflessly share their time and talent with Oakland University. Nearly 200 alumni and university supporters attended the banquet and the Alumni Admissions Ambassador Program (AAAP) was one of many proud sponsors. There were several alumni awards presented on Saturday night and active alumni ambassador Jonathan Crawford was one of two alumni who received The Spirit Award, which recognizes exemplary volunteer service to the university. The 2009 Alumni Awards Banquet Selection Committee comprised of OUAA board members and fellow OU alumni selected the award recipients.
Mr. Crawford, SEHS ’76, a retired principal in the Detroit Public School (DPS) System, has volunteered nearly a dozen times as an active ambassador in the AAAP. An excerpt from the evening’s program highlighted Crawford’s accomplishments:
Jonathan Crawford has used his life experience to positively influence others as a mentor and role model for countless young people in the greater Detroit area. A retired teacher and Detroit Public School principal, Crawford continues to work with young people as an academic tutor in reading and math, and as a life mentor and role model. He also serves as an OU Alumni Admissions Ambassador, volunteers for 4-H and tutors at the Detroit Public Library.
Mr. Crawford epitomizes the word ambassador. He is a pillar in his community – a man of great integrity with an unbelievable legacy. He has spent his life empowering young minds in Detroit and is sharing his story as an Alumni Admissions Ambassador.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Crawford commented how the growth of the university has provided key resources for students to succeed. The Center of Multicultural Initiatives (CMI) has programs in place for Oakland to collectively retain everyone. He also mentioned his pride when visiting campus for the first time in over twenty years and witnessing the growth of the university from its five buildings in the 1970’s. Mr. Crawford thanked the Alumni Association and the 2009 Selection Committee for recognizing him and his service to the university as an active alumni admissions ambassador.
