OU recently honored three School of Business Administration alumni for their success in business, community service and volunteerism at Oakland University's annual Alumni Award banquet.
Read about their accomplishments below:
Distinguished Alumni Service Award
Craig Stinson
Craig Stinson has generously devoted his support and resources making Oakland’s School of Business Administration a business school that will be recognized across the nation. His participation and involvement is a key component of making that goal a reality.
As a longtime Oakland supporter, Craig has been actively involved with the Applied Technology in Business (ATiB) program. He is the current chair of the SBA Board of Visitors and is serving on the President’s Campaign Planning Committee. Craig also served on the Athletics Advisory Board and has previously been a member of the OUAA and the President’s Club.
With a career that spans more than 20 years with ArvinMeritor and Arvin Industries, Craig was appointed senior vice president and president of ArvinMeritor’s largest division, Light Vehicles Systems, in 2002. In 2004, Craig joined Breeze Industrial Products Corporation, a provider of highly engineered clamping solutions for the automotive, commercial vehicle and industrial markets, as CEO. Today, Craig is chairman of the board for Norma Group, a leading system manufacturer in the connecting technology domain, based in Auburn Hills.
In addition to receiving a BS in finance from Oakland, Craig completed an MBA at the University of Michigan in 1990.
“Craig Stinson has a genuine passion for Oakland University,” OU President Gary Russi said. “He has committed his time, insight and resources for the betterment of the School of Business Administration and our Athletics Department, engaging other alumni to give back. Craig is an inspiration for other board members who wish to make an important difference. I admire his dedication and am grateful for his involvement and his thoughtful counsel.”
Spirit Award
Thomas Schaeffler
For the past 15 years Tom Schaeffler has served on the steering committee for the annual Golden Grizzlies Golf Classic, including 12 years as the event chair. The golf classic, a 27-year tradition for the Department of Athletics, is the largest event to provide key support for academic and athletic programs. Under Tom’s leadership, the golf classic has grown to more than 120 golfers annually and has raised more than $250,000.
As chairman, Tom’s generous commitment of time and resources has brought countless first-time visitors to Oakland University. His hands-on, visible leadership has attracted sponsors and event participants and has provided a gateway for continued participation.
“The nomination form will tell of the financial support, activities, and all the good will that Tom has pushed our way,” OU Men’s Head Basketball Coach Greg Kampe said, “but I want to mention that Tom is a great person. He truly cares about the welfare of Oakland University, and he is passionate about our cause and will give everything he has to reach our goals.”
Tom currently serves as the executive vice president and chief operating officer for Credit Union ONE in Ferndale, Michigan. His involvement with Oakland has helped establish a Credit Union ONE branch on campus to serve students, faculty and staff.
Outstanding Young Alumni Award
The Honorable Bryan Barnett
Bryan Barnett was sworn in as the mayor of Rochester Hills in 2006. He is the youngest elected official in the history of Rochester Hills and is currently the second youngest mayor in the United States of a city with a population of more than 50,000. Recently, Bryan’s strong record of government leadership was recognized when he was selected as one of two officials in the state to receive the Taubman Fellowship at the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government.
Bryan’s passion and dedication for serving the community is marked by several accomplishments. His focus on fiscal management was recognized when the city received the highest possible credit rating of AAA from Fitch Ratings, the leading global ratings agency. Bryan positioned Rochester Hills as the first community in the state — and the entire Midwest — to offer an incentive-based recycling program called, “Recycle Bank.” This innovative recycling program has established Rochester Hills as a green leader in Michigan.
Bryan served as student body president during his time at OU and was also the recipient of the Oakland University Alfred G. Wilson Award. An active alumnus, he has been invited to provide the keynote address for numerous events, including the 2010 Jump Start program for incoming OU students and the Student to Professional Conference held this fall.
“Bryan Barnett exemplifies an individual who ‘knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way’ whenever asked to share his life experiences with current OU students, and he does so with style, grace and humor,” Jean Ann Miller, director for OU's Center of Student Activities and Leadership Development, said.