Oakland University

Oakland University is a public university located in Rochester Hills, Michigan, and is part of the Michigan public university system, which includes University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Western Michigan University. The university was founded in 1957 by Matilda Dodge Wilson and Alfred Wilson, with the help of Michigan State Legislature and Governor G. Mennen Williams. Oakland University has a strong connection to the Automotive Hall of Fame and the Detroit Institute of Arts, reflecting the region's rich history in automotive industry and arts. The university is also near the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets and Somerset Collection, making it an attractive location for students who want to experience the best of Midwest culture.

● History

The history of Oakland University dates back to 1957, when it was founded as Michigan State University–Oakland, with the goal of providing higher education to the growing population of Oakland County, Michigan. The university's early development was influenced by General Motors and Chrysler, which were major employers in the region. Over the years, the university has undergone significant transformations, including the establishment of the School of Business Administration in 1971, and the School of Engineering and Computer Science in 1985. The university has also been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and has received awards from organizations such as the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators and the American Council on Education. Notable figures such as Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela have visited the university, highlighting its strong connection to the Civil Rights Movement and social justice.

● Academics

Oakland University offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as business administration, engineering, computer science, nursing, and health sciences. The university is composed of several schools and colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business Administration, School of Engineering and Computer Science, and the School of Health Sciences. The university is also home to several research centers and institutes, including the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, which is affiliated with Beaumont Health and Detroit Medical Center. Students at the university have the opportunity to engage in research projects with faculty members from institutions such as Harvard University, Stanford University, and University of California, Berkeley. The university has also established partnerships with organizations such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and DTE Energy to provide students with hands-on experience and career opportunities.

● Campus

The campus of Oakland University is located in Rochester Hills, Michigan, and covers an area of over 1,400 acres. The campus features a mix of modern and historic buildings, including the Meadow Brook Hall, which was built in the 1920s and is now a National Historic Landmark. The campus is also home to several state-of-the-art facilities, including the Oakland University Recreation Center, which features a swimming pool, fitness center, and indoor track. Students can also take advantage of the university's proximity to Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Lansing, which offer a wide range of cultural, entertainment, and career opportunities. The campus is near the Paint Creek Trail and Stony Creek Metropark, providing students with opportunities for outdoor recreation and environmental education.

● Student Life

Student life at Oakland University is vibrant and diverse, with over 200 student organizations and clubs, including the Oakland University Student Congress, Greek life, and cultural organizations such as the African American Student Association and the Asian American Student Association. Students can also participate in community service projects, such as the Oakland University Volunteer Center, which partners with organizations such as the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity. The university also offers a range of recreational activities, including intramural sports, club sports, and fitness classes. Students can also take advantage of the university's proximity to Detroit and Ann Arbor, which offer a wide range of cultural, entertainment, and career opportunities, including events such as the Detroit Jazz Festival and the Ann Arbor Art Fair.

● Athletics

The athletic teams of Oakland University are known as the Oakland Golden Grizzlies, and compete in the Horizon League of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The university offers a range of sports programs, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track and field. The Golden Grizzlies have won several conference championships, including the Horizon League Men's Basketball Tournament and the Horizon League Women's Soccer Tournament. The university's athletic facilities include the Athletics Center O'rena, which hosts basketball and volleyball games, and the Oakland University Soccer Field, which hosts soccer games. The university has also produced notable athletes such as Kay Felder, who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA), and Eric Coleman, who played in the Canadian Football League (CFL).

● Notable Alumni

Oakland University has a strong network of notable alumni, including business leaders such as Dan Gilbert, founder of Quicken Loans, and Matt Rizik, founder of Rizik's. The university has also produced several notable politicians, including Pete Hoekstra, former U.S. Representative from Michigan's 2nd congressional district, and Candice Miller, former U.S. Representative from Michigan's 10th congressional district. Other notable alumni include artists such as Tyree Guyton, founder of the Heidelberg Project, and musicians such as Jack White, founder of The White Stripes. The university has also produced several notable scientists and engineers, including Nancy Giles, a NASA engineer, and David Tarver, a Microsoft engineer. The university's alumni network also includes notable figures such as Jalen Rose, a former NBA player, and John Stoll, a former General Motors executive.