After more than four decades of service to the campus community, Lieutenant Mel Gilroy will be celebrated with a retirement reception this afternoon from 3-4:30 p.m. in the Oakland Center Oakland Room. The entire campus community is invited to attend and recognize Lt. Gilroy's service in the Oakland University Police Department.
“It’s difficult to express what an immense asset the university and the OUPD has had in Lieutenant Gilroy. In terms of his professionalism, his devotion and outstanding character both as a law enforcement officer and a human being, no one stands taller,” said Police Chief Sam Lucido.
“Lt. Gilroy can look back with pride on his 40 plus years of dedicated service to Oakland University and the OUPD … and the many wonderful relationships he’s had with students, faculty and staff.”
Lt. Gilroy came to OU in 1968 and began his service to the community as a student dispatcher. He later graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history. It was on campus that he met his future wife, Jennifer Gilroy, who also graduated from OU and now serves as senior associate registrar.
For his leadership, dedication and efforts to boost morale and good will on campus, as well as for his commitment to supporting the university outside of his position on the police force, Lt. Gilroy was honored as the university’s 2006 Outstanding Administrative Professional. It’s an honor that runs in the family, as Jennifer won the same award in 2009.
In 1997, Lt. Gilroy received the Oakland University Alumni Association’s Alumni Spirit Award, and during the Department of Athletics’ induction of the 20th class into the Hollie L. Lepley Hall of Honor in 2007, he was honored with the Wibby Award.
Gilroy also serves as co-chair of the Ambassador Leonard Woodcock Legacy, a U.S-China exchange program at OU, and he and Jennifer have long supported the university through the All-University Fund Drive.
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Lt. Gilroy accepts his Outstanding Administrative Professional Award in 2006.
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"I think, most fundamentally, I donate to support programs that enhance the Oakland University experience," Lt. Gilroy said recently. Living up to his widely known reputation as an outstanding ambassador of OU, he added. "All of us need to step up to the plate to make these contributions."
During his long tenure on campus, Lt. Gilroy has undoubtedly gained countless memories that he’ll cherish. He recently told the campus community, “This is home and you are all family. Oakland’s always been a special place to me.”
The lieutenant added that he has tried to focus his work within the same context. “Really, what we are doing here at Oakland University is influencing the future. We at the police department are educators, too. We just teach harder lessons. We all support the main mission of the university.”
Oakland University President Gary Russi said that Lt. Gilroy’s departure marks the end of an era on campus, and one that countless faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters will look back on with fondness and appreciation.
“Anyone visiting campus will have easily seen that Mel is a police officer, and any interaction they might have had with him certainly proved that he is a consummate professional,” Dr. Russi said.
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Lt. Mel Gilroy and his wife, Jennifer.
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“What so many of us who’ve worked with Mel for any amount of time know, however, is that he is also an institution here. Without question, he will be missed, and he can never truly be replaced.”
Lt. Gilroy has assured the chief and others that he will continue a close relationship with Oakland University through various endeavors. He also complimented the colleagues he has worked with.
“I'm pleased to have contributed to the growth and professionalism that the OUPD demonstrates on a daily basis,” the lieutenant said. “We should all be proud of the men and women who do their utmost to ensure the safe and peaceful campus we enjoy.”
