OU initiative designed to help put Michigan back on track

Oakland University President Gary Russi today announced an initiative designed to engage hundreds of civic and business leaders in a visionary dialogue that will help put Michigan's economy on the road to recovery.

Creating the Future II also will focus on how the university can play a pivotal role in addressing concerns that have a national impact on research and education.

"This is a tremendous opportunity to create a partnership of community leaders joining together with university faculty and staff to shape the university's direction as a key community resource," Russi said.

"Creating the Future II will enable us to address economic, health, energy, business and other global issues. At the same time, it will ensure that Oakland University continues to enhance an academic environment that prepares students to lead and serve in the local and world communities."

Appreciative of its focus on advancing the university's role in improving the quality of life in southeastern Michigan and beyond, Oakland's board of trustees has resoundingly supported moving forward with the initiative.

"Any effort to get the country's key strategists and most respected academic and entrepreneurial minds to join the initiative and promote the rich intellectual resources that Oakland University has to offer can only bring about a positive result," said Board of Trustees Chair Henry Baskin. "I cannot think of a better way for OU to assist in addressing the region's most critical and pressing needs."

Over the next several months, Oakland will identify participants and create task forces that will meet during the first half of 2011 and eventually develop formal recommendations. These will be presented to the university's board of trustees next June, and pending approval, will be implemented as part of both short-term and long-term strategic planning.

Already the initiative is garnering support from the broader community.

"Oakland University is perfectly situated to lead a vigorous discussion about how best to restore Michigan to its former robust self," said Oakland County Executive Brooks Patterson. "This initiative certainly will have the support and participation of Oakland County. I anticipate great things resulting from it."