OU's AMA receives three awards at national conference

Oakland University’s student chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA) won awards for outstanding fundraising, outstanding community service and outstanding membership at the 33rd National Collegiate Conference this March in New Orleans.

The members of OU's student team attended the conference which offered educational and networking opportunities with other American and international marketing students from more than 500 AMA chapters, as well as marketing industry professionals.

This marked the second time in six years OU's AMA chapter attended the conference. Last year the organization was recognized for outstanding communication and outstanding fundraising.

"The recognition and achievement is very admirable given the intense competition the team faced," said Mohan Pisharodi, chapter advisor, and associate professor of marketing.

"The awards are well deserved. Congratulations to all," added Ravi Parameswaran, chair of the Department of Management and Marketing, and marketing professor.

This year, the OU AMA raised a record amount of money through its various activities, including the sale of Little Caeser's Pizza Kits, where the chapter raised nearly $600 to support its trip to the National Collegiate Conference.

The chapter also was involved in a variety of community service activities including a concert to benefit Jack's Place for Autism, a challenge race to support the Special Olympics of Michigan, and the Muddy Buddy Run and Ride event where a portion of the proceeds benefited the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

The chapter delivered on its goals to help members develop as professional marketers by inviting speakers from diverse industries such as sports, health care and advertising to share advice and insight. This year's speakers included Ron Wade, director of marketing for the Detroit Tigers; Tonita Cheatham, director of public relations and marketing from the Detroit Medical Center; and Amy Wellington, recruiter from Campbell Ewald.

For information on OU's AMA chapter visit the website.