By Melissa Sochaki, student writer
The fall semester’s annual Week of Champions @ Oakland University (WOCOU) kicks off with events and giveaways, culminating in the introduction of Oakland’s basketball teams on Friday, Oct. 15, with Grizz Madnezz.
“WOCOU is a long-standing tradition with lots of diverse activities for OU students, faculty and staff to enjoy,” said Jean Ann Miller, director of the Center for Student Activities. “It is our annual spirit week. WOCOU celebrates the "champions" who attend OU, teach at OU, and provide services and resources to OU students and the campus community on a daily basis.”
Everything starts off Monday, Oct. 11, with Matilda Wilson’s 127th Birthday Bash featuring the JD’s Dueling Pianos, WOCOU giveaways, birthday cake and ice cream from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pioneer Food Court in the Oakland Center. Later that evening, the Student Program Board presents “Coming Out with the Real World” at 7 p.m. at Meadow Brook Theatre in Wilson Hall.
Tuesday, Oct. 12, will feature the WOCOU Talent Show: “OU’s Got Talent” at 8 p.m. at Meadow Brook Theatre in Wilson Hall.
On Wednesday, Oct. 13, the Gender and Sexuality Center will present “Myths of Lesbian, Bisexual Women and Transgender Women,” from noon to 1 p.m. in the Oakland Center’s Fireside Lounge. Later that night, the Association of Black Students, Athletics, Campus Recreation, Center for Student Activities, Student Health Center, Golden Key International Honour Society, Greek Life, OU Counseling Center, and University Housing will join forces to present “Harnessing the Power of Healthy Relationships,” which will feature Justin Jones-Fosu at 7 p.m. in the Oakland Center Banquet Rooms.
The celebration continues Thursday with a new tradition called “Guard the OU Sail” with free cider, donuts, and Biggby Coffee give aways, with music provided by WXOU. There will also be elimination rounds from the Buffalo Wild Wings Blazin’ Challenge from noon to 1 p.m. outside between North and South Foundation Halls.
Later, the OU Women’s Soccer team will play Michigan State University at 4 p.m. on the OU Soccer Field. After the game, fans can warm up with “Beats & Brew” at Biggby Coffee on University Drive in Auburn Hills, sponsored by the Golden Key International Honour Society from 6 - 9 p.m.
On Friday, Oct. 15, the Women’s Volleyball team will host “Dig Pink,” their annual breast-cancer support game, against North Dakota State. The team will be selling t-shirts for the game and all proceeds will go towards breast cancer research.
The main attraction of the night comes when student athletes from all of Oakland’s teams gather for the introduction of the 2009-10 men's and women's basketball teams and the official opening of the 2009-10 NCAA season. Grizz Madnezz, formerly known as Midnite Madnezz, will feature a number of exciting giveaways and performances by the OU Cheer and Dance Team.
“Events such as Grizz Madnezz offer students the opportunity to show their spirit and support as well as provide a fun-filled atmosphere where they can show their school pride,” said Kate Boylan, coordinator of Athletics Marketing and Promotion.
Students can enter to win many great prizes at the event, including a tuition giveaway, sponsored by the Office of the President.
Following Grizz Madnezz, there will be “Grizz Snacks” given away before the comedy show in the Banquet Rooms at the Oakland Center. The night concludes with the “Stand up for Diversity” Comedy Tour featuring Kevin Shea and Erik Rivera, put on by the Residence Hall Programming.
For more information about WOCOU,
view the flyer. For more information about Grizz Madnezz,
view the flyer.
