By Eric Reikowski, public information specialist
As temperatures tumble and snow begins to fall, Oakland University’s spirit-filled homecoming celebration is drawing nearer.
Set for Jan. 24-25, the sixth annual Come Home to OU festival features honorary alumni co-chairs Michigan Secretary of State Ruth A. Johnson, SEHS ’77, and Michael Klieman, BGS ’83, vice president of Wiegand Mack Sales & Service.
“Our annual Homecoming is a wonderful opportunity for alumni and friends to reconnect with the university community. This year, alumni will have the added bonus of viewing the dramatically changing landscape of the campus,” said Jean Ann Miller, director of the Center for Student Activities and co-chair of the Come Home to OU planning committee.
"This will be the last 'winter' homecoming so the activities and events are going to be extra special.”
Homecoming will move to fall starting in September 2014, Miller said.
This year’s celebration includes a wide array of events, starting with an Alumni Welcome Reception from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, at Meadow Brook Hall. At the event alumni can reconnect with friends and former classmates while enjoying appetizers and a cash bar. Attendees of this free event must register by Thursday, Jan. 17, at
grizzlink.oualumni.com/events.
Later in the evening, participants will be treated to a Friday Night Live Show from 7-8 p.m. in the Vandenberg Hall Cafeteria. World-class “comedy juggler” Bryson Lang will serve up plenty of laughs amid dazzling displays of creative juggling. The Massachusetts-based entertainer has taken his act to venues around the globe and was a featured performer on the TV series’ “Charmed” and “That ‘70s Show.”
Following that event, the Rec Fest will roll in from 8 p.m. to midnight in the Oakland Center Banquet Rooms. Attendees can enjoy a groovy time skating to old-school tunes under the disco ball as the banquet rooms will be transformed into a ‘70s-themed indoor roller rink. Skates will be provided or participants can bring their own.
Festivities will continue on Saturday, Jan. 25 with an array of social activities, including a Tent-gating Party, Center for Multicultural Initiatives and Black Alumni Chapter Social and Oakland University Alumni Association Family Festival.
The day will also be highlighted by the Guy Louis Family Concert at 1 p.m. at Meadow Brook Theatre. Back by popular demand with an all new show, Louis will present an interactive adventure for people of all ages. From grandparents to toddlers and everyone in between, all will delight in this fast-paced musical celebration. Tickets are $10 and are available online at
mbtheatre.com or by calling Meadow Brook Theatre at (248) 377-3300.
The Golden Grizzlies men’s basketball team will take to the hardwood for the first-ever Horizon League homecoming against conference foe University of Illinois at Chicago. The game will be televised as the Horizon League Game of the Week on ESPN3 and fans are encouraged to don black and gold to cheer on the home team.
For ticket prices and availability, call the OU Athletics ticket office at (248) 370-4000 or visit
ougrizzlies.com. Attendees are reminded to bring new or gently used mittens for the halftime mitten toss to benefit local shelters.
The evening will conclude with Casino Night from 7 p.m. to midnight in the Oakland Center. Presented by the Student Program Board and University Housing, this “Great Gatsby”-themed event promises a fun-filled evening of poker, gambling games, food, prizes and special performances. Casino-goers are encouraged to dress like the characters from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic 1920s novel.
For a complete listing of homecoming activities and events, view the website at
oakland.edu/comehome.
Oakland University is a vibrant academic community with more than 20,000
students and more than 260 degree and certificate programs. To learn
more about academics, achievements, and events at OU, visit the news
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