OU's 2010 Homecoming celebration termed a great success

By Dan Bodene, contributing writer

A huge success.

That was the consensus of opinions heard by members of Oakland University’s Homecoming planning committee, reported at a post-event evaluation session. OU’s Homecoming, held in early February, was expanded this year to four days from the previous two, and brought together students, alumni, current and former employees, university supporters, families and friends.

“I was very pleased by the collaborative community effort to produce a wide variety of events and welcome our alumni back to campus,” said Glenn McIntosh, OU dean of students and assistant vice president for Student Affairs. “And I see the significant increase in the turnout for the weekend, particularly by alumni, to be quite encouraging for future homecomings.”

Homecoming’s Thursday events included a pep rally and hip-hop dance competition. Both were well-attended, and the dance competition, new in the Homecoming schedule, was termed a big success.

Friday’s schedule included an ice skating party and bonfire, which unfortunately suffered because of uncooperative weather. Later that evening, the OU Hall of Honor Ceremony, hosted by Fox Sports announcer Mario Impemba, was a highlight of the evening. Six former student athletes and a recently retired head coach comprised the 2010 induction class.

Another big hit that night was the Friday Night Live Comedy Show. This annually held event attracted a huge turnout. Rounding out the evening were the Guard the Grizz and Snow Bowl events. Although the Snow Bowl may have benefited from more snow, a capacity roster of six teams competed.

Saturday’s afternoon events centered around the OU Alumni Association Family Festival, Alumni Hospitality Tent, Fraternity and Sorority Alumni event and Center for Multicultural Initiatives and Black Alumni Social.

OU’s women’s and men’s basketball games were the centerpiece of the day. Both games were played before the largest crowds of the season. Against Oral Roberts University, the men’s team was victorious, while the women’s team lost a close game. A highlight was the Frisbee-catching dogs who provided entertainment. Wrapping up the evening on Saturday was Casino Night, which had a packed house.

The final event of the weekend was Sunday’s inaugural Golden Grizzlies Homecoming 5K Run/Walk. About 150 participants braved fairly nasty weather to compete for various age-group awards, which were presented at the O’rena following the race.

Despite the complexity involved in managing four days of events, the planning committee agreed the Homecoming weekend was the best yet – and immediately began planning next year’s extravaganza.