OU to celebrate founder, honor alumni during Homecoming Weekend

OU to celebrate founder, honor alumni during Homecoming Weekend
OU Homecoming 2017
Oakland University’s Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, a two-day celebration featuring a variety of family-friendly activities, will kick off at noon on Friday, Oct. 13 with a special event honoring the 134th birthday of OU’s founder, Matilda Dodge Wilson.

Oakland University’s Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, a two-day celebration featuring a variety of family-friendly activities, will kick off at noon on Friday, Oct. 13 with a special event honoring the 134th birthday of OU’s founder, Matilda Dodge Wilson.

 

Featuring cake, ice cream, music, presents and more, “Matilda’s Birthday Bash” will take place outside of the Oakland Center, between North and South Foundation Hall. In the event of rain, it will be held in the Pioneer Food Court at the Oakland Center.

 

“Matilda’s Birthday Bash has been revived for OU students to celebrate the founder of Oakland University and kick off this year’s OU Homecoming and Reunion Weekend,” said Jean Ann Miller, director of the Center for Student Activities and Leadership Development. “If it was not for her vision and generosity, Oakland University, as we know it, would not be here today. This event is a memorable way to honor her.”

 

In addition to Matilda’s Birthday Bash, this year’s featured events will include:

 

  • Midnight Madnezz, 10 p.m. on Oct. 13 at the O’rena: Join us as we tip off the 2017-18 Men’s and Women’s Basketball season in Golden Grizzly style. You will be introduced to members of both teams and will watch Grizzly Motion in action with the opportunity to participate in activities, win prizes and receive some great #WearTheBear gear.

 

  • Football Club at Oakland University, noon on Oct. 14 at the Recreation and Athletic Outdoor Complex: Cheer on the Football Club team at Oakland University as they face off against the Football Club of Eastern Michigan University. The game will be held on the track infield. There is no cost to attend.

 

  • Homecoming BBQ & Tailgate, 1 p.m. on Oct. 14 in the P-16 parking lot: Students, alumni, family and friends are invited to share in the OU Homecoming spirit at the Homecoming BBQ, which will feature great food, music and fun for all ages, as well as a chance to reconnect with fellow alumni in reunion tents and join current students in the OUSC Tailgate tent. There is no cost to attend, and a cash bar will be available. Advanced registration is highly encouraged at oualumni.com/events.

 

  • Men’s Soccer vs. Detroit, 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 14 at the soccer fields: Join the Grizz in cheering on the Men’s Soccer team as they take on Metro Series rival, University of Detroit Mercy. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for OU faculty/staff/youth, and $3 for groups of 10 or more. OU students are free with ID.

 

“Whether you’re a Pioneer or Golden Grizzly, Homecoming is the perfect opportunity for alumni, students, faculty, staff, donors and community members to show their school spirit,” said Erin Sudrovech, director of Alumni Engagement.

 

Other events and activities planned for this year’s Homecoming and Reunion Weekend include:

 

All Audiences:

 

  • Alumni Awards Banquet, 6 p.m. Oct. 13 at Meadow Brook Hall

 

  • Residence Halls Association Presents the Comedy of Paige Weldon, 8 p.m. Oct. 13 in the Banquet Rooms at the Oakland Center

 

  • 24-Hour Filmmaking Challenge, 10 a.m. Oct. 14 in Room 112 at Varner Hall

 

  • Parent Reception & Tour of Meadow Brook Hall, 10-11:30 a.m. Oct. 14 at Meadow Brook Hall

 

  • Women’s Soccer vs. Milwaukee, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at the soccer fields

 

Alumni:

 

  • 1960s Alumni Reunion Lunch, 11 a.m. Oct. 13 thru 6:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at Meadow Brook Hall and Kresge Library

 

Faculty & Staff:

 

  • Pioneer Club Retiree Brunch, 10 a.m. Oct. 13 in the Oakland Room at the Oakland Center

 

For more information about these and other events and activities, as well as parking, traffic and hotel information, visit the Homecoming website.