OU named Business of the Year by Rochester chamber

For its dedication, impact and contribution to the community, Oakland University has been honored with the Business of the Year Award by the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Annually, the chamber presents the Sunrise Pinnacle Awards, one of the most encompassing and prestigious awards ceremonies in the metro Detroit area. A total of 23 awards are bestowed in categories ranging from arts and culture and small business, outstanding community service and philanthropy.

A diverse crowd of community and business leaders attended the ceremony at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester this morning. OU President Gary Russi was on hand to accept the university’s award.

“We are thrilled and honored to receive the Business of the Year award,” said Dr. Russi. “OU values its relationships with the surrounding community and seeks to advance knowledge and prepare leaders to make a difference in society. Our alumni base of 90,000 includes thousands of alumni who live and work in Oakland County, many right here in Rochester and Rochester Hills whose accomplishments are a source of pride for their alma mater.”

A key emphasis of the award is to recognize an organization for the way it gives back to the community in which it operates.

Oakland’s recognition encompasses a variety of achievements, including this fall’s launch of the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Michigan’s first in 47 years.

Additionally, Oakland provides a regional economic impact of more than $450 million annually and is recognized as one of the country’s 83 doctoral research universities by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Yet, it is the way that Oakland’s students, alumni, faculty and staff actively give back to the community that has the greatest impact. Through a variety of partnerships and organizations, as well as faculty grants and research initiatives and countless volunteer hours, the campus community plays a vital role locally and regionally.

Oakland is actively involved with the RRCC, the cities of Rochester, Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills; and many Oakland County economic development and quality of life initiatives.

RRCC developed the Sunrise Pinnacle Awards event to give the community the opportunity to nominate and honor the greater Rochester area’s most successful and philanthropic individuals, nonprofit organizations and businesses.

Event sponsors include Oakland University, Crittenton Hospital Medical Center, Bill Fox Chevrolet, Shelton Buick GMC, and The Oakland Press.