Alumni Spotlight: Homecoming Weekend Co-Chair Michael Klieman, BGS `83

When Michael Kleiman, BGS `83, vice president of Wiegand Mack Sales and Service, was asked to be Homecoming co-chair, he was excited to have been given the opportunity.

"When I was initially asked if I would consider the co-chair position for OU's Homecoming Weekend, I was certainly honored and also excited. I was honored because the Unviersity has so many alumni to choose from. Their decision to ask me truly means a lot to me personally," he said.

Klieman lived on campus during his time at OU and quickly bonded with his classmates and made long-lasting friends. "While attending OU I lived on campus in Hamlin Hall. At that time there was not a large amount of students living in the resident halls. Because we were a smaller group, we became like family, brothers and sisters. I truly treasure the lasting relationships that I was able to make while I was at Oakland."

Klieman has been engaged with OU in a variety of ways over the years. Most recently, he was asked by Interim President Betty Youngblood to serve on the President's Campaign Planning Committee, a group of dedicated OU alumni and friends who are helping to plan the university's next comprehensive campaign. "While serving on this committee we have gained insight and an intimate view of the progress that OU has made in recent history along with all of the current projects taking place on campus."

"Hopefully all that will attend homecoming weekend will have a chance to see firsthand the strides OU has made recently along with the multitude of projects that are currently under construction on campus. These projects are sure to change the landscape of our campus."

With his current involvement at OU, Klieman is most looking forward to meeting old and new friends at Homecoming and sharing his experiences of getting involved on campus. "The chance to visit and interact with both students and alumni will be enjoyable for me. To share stories and experiences of how Oakland has been instrumental in shaping their lives and careers will be interesting."

Klieman, and fellow honorary co-chair The Honorable Ruth Johnson, Michigan's Secretary of State, will attend a number of events over the course of homecoming weekend, including the Alumni Welcome Reception at Meadow Brook Hall and the university-wide tailgate event preceding the men's basketball game on Saturday. For a complete schedule of homecoming weekend, visit oakland.edu/comehome.

By Rachel Montgomery, student writer