The Oakland Post 6.5.19

THEOAKLANDPOST Volume 44 l Issue 27 l June 5, 2019

Oakland University’s Independent Student Newspaper

RAMY REDEFINES MUSLIM REPRESENTATION New Hulu series focuses on struggle between religion and peers Page 7

OU GOES AUTO

EasyMile partnership will bring selfdriving shuttle to campus PAGE 3

PHOTO BY NICOLE MORSFIELD

SNAIL INVASION

Oakland researchers test waters for New Zealand mudsnails PAGE 5

DEBT RELIEF

New graduate program helps students finish their degrees PAGE 8 & 9

THIS MONTH

JUNE 5, 2019 | 2

THEOAKLANDPOST

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

EDITORIAL BOARD

Trevor Tyle Editor-in-Chief editor@oaklandpostonline.com 248.370.4266

Katie LaDuke Managing Editor katelynladuke@oakland.edu 248.370.2537

Katie Valley Content Editor kvalley@oakland.edu 248.370.4268

EDITORS

COPY&VISUAL

Ben Hume Web Editor bhume@oakland.edu

Mina Fuqua Chief Copy Editor Erin O’Neill Copy Editor Ashley Averill Copy Editor Jimmy Williams Graphic Designer Prakhya Chilukuri Graphic Designer

Michael Pearce Sports Editor mpearce@oakland.edu

Ryan Pini Photographer Sergio Montanez Photographer

Nicole Morsfield Photo Editor nmorsfield@oakland.edu

Jordan Jewell Engagement Editor jjewell@oakland.edu

A BREWING STORM Parts of Michigan were lucky to have been just graced with light storms and a decent amount of rain as April showers carried into May and are expected into June. Our friends in the South can’t say the same as Northeast Texas through the Ohio Valley have been ravaged by tornadoes and horrible weather. Let’s hope summer weather will be in the forecast soon. PHOTO / KATIE LADUKE

MAN, THESE FRIES SURE ARE TASTY!

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REMAKING A CLASSIC The 2019 reboot of Disney’s Aladdin falls short for fans.

Photo/IMDb

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A YEAR IN THE LIFE Steve Waterfield reflects on his first year with OU Athletics.

Photo/Rachel Basela

WILL WE EVER HAVE WARM WEATHER? A) SPRING HAS SPRUNG AND IS HERE TO STAY

C) I’M GOOD WITH 65 DEGREES D) LET’S TALK IN A WEEK OR TWO

Dean Vaglia Staff Reporter Bridget Janis Staff Reporter Ben Nicol Staff Intern Katelyn Hill Staff Intern Rachel Basela Staff Intern

ADVERTISING

Angela Gebert Ads Director Whitney Shelby Ads Assistant

DISTRIBUTION

Kat Malokofsky Distribution Director

ADVISING

Garry Gilbert Editorial Adviser gjgilber@oakland.edu 248.370.2105 Don Ritenburgh Business Adviser ritenbur@oakland.edu 248.370.2533

KETO FRIENDLY Proven ways to bond with pals over their new diet.

Graphic/Jimmy Williams

POLL OF THE MONTH B) MAYBE IN AUGUST

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please no...

REPORTERS

QUOTE OF THE MONTH “BYE, SISTER.” – TATI WESTBROOK

VOTE AND CONNECT AT: oaklandpostonline.com

JUNE 5, 2019 | 3

CAMPUS

Futuristic transportation coming to Oakland Autonomous buses by EasyMile will temporarily travel the Bear Bus route offering free rides to students DEAN VAGLIA Staff Reporter

The future is coming, and it’s riding on the bus.

Oakland University, in partnership with EasyMile, Continental and the city of Auburn Hills, will be hosting an autonomous bus. Coming from the EasyMile fleet, the autonomous shuttle will run on campus for six months once it is cleared to run by the School of Engineering and Computer Science (SECS).

According to SECS Dean Louay Chamra, EasyMile will be using OU as a real-life lab as part of a $103,600 PlanetM pilot grant.

“This autonomous bus will be running in a controlled environment,” Chamra said. “And the best way to utilize [OU as a controlled environment] is to use the same route as [the Bear Bus] that we have over here to give the students an opportunity to actually experience going into that bus.”

According to Chamra, the EasyMile bus would be the first shuttle on campus to operate without a steering wheel. However, despite the lack of a wheel, the dean said students have no reason to fear the futuristic transporter.

“Now, a student on board of the bus will be hired as a safety coordinator in case of emergency or in case they need to react, but nobody will be driving that bus,” Chamra said. “The way EasyMile designed that bus is so they have redundancy in terms of the safety, so there are multiple

PHOTO COURTESY OF EASYMILE/MEDC

Oakland University is partnering with EasyMile, Continental Auburn Hills to host an autonomous shuttle on campus. The bus will run for six months.

ways to stop it and to make sure that nobody gets hurt or to not run over any animals. So bottom line — it is a very safe bus.”

While the bus is at OU, it will be collecting data for the companies involved in the project. Continental will have an involved role in monitoring the bus and collecting rider feedback.

Chamra said he would like SECS to work with the Bear Bus and Oakland University Student Congress to figure out how to best implement the EasyMile bus and get student

feedback in the best way possible. The bus will be free to ride, a testament to its role as an experimental program rather than a revenue-generating service.

With this pilot program, the future of mass transit will be on active display at OU. Despite only having a capacity between 10–15 people and a maximum speed of 25 mph, the data that can be collected will be critical for the development of larger autonomous buses.

Therefore, it seemed fitting that a city that uses bus transit like Auburn Hills would be a partner. “[Auburn Hills’] commitment to the grant is basically inkind services for the design and installation of signage to support the project,” Donald Grice, Auburn Hills assistant city manager, said.

The signage varies from standard bus stop signs to “landmark” reference signs that help the bus navigate through the streets of OU. While Grice said Auburn Hills does not have any immediate plans regarding autonomous public transport, having up-to-date information on the vehicles allows the city to better prepare for the autonomous arrival.

“One of the biggest hurdles I think we are going to have for autonomous vehicles is they are probably more ready than society is,” Grice said. “I think getting society comfortable with the idea of having these autonomous vehicles on our roadways is a very important part of [coming to] full acceptance of these vehicles at some point.”

CAMPUS

4 | JUNE 5, 2019

RecWell offers

free memberships DEAN VAGLIA Staff Reporter

DEAN VAGLIA | STAFF REPORTER

This year’s Grizzlies Racing creation, the GRX9, is displayed after competing around the globe.

Grizzlies Racing team competes internationally DEAN VAGLIA Staff Reporter

Around the turn of the century, the Ford Model T entered mass production. In factories like the Highland Park plant on Woodward, laborers were able to produce a drivable car with only the essentials in under three hours.

At Oakland University, a car is built by a team of students between two shops in about a year.

Grizzlies Racing, the OU team competing in Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (FSAE) events across the world, created the GRX9 during the Fall 2018 and Winter 2019 semesters to compete across the world. The 2019 events sent Grizzlies Racing to Brooklyn, Mich. and Barry, Ontario. The team will travel to Hockenheim, Germany in August.

Once the final event of the season ends, Grizzlies Racing begins work on the next car.

“It was in the last few weeks of August when we sent out the frame,” said Adam Delbeke, president of Grizzlies Racing. “The car building process starts with the leadership and what they want to get out of the car for this year. We wanted to iterate on last year’s design to complete the car on time, and we were satisfied with how the car ran by the end of the competition season.”

Once the team at-large decides on the objectives, the sub teams begin to figure out their goals. The designing process ends around November, kicking off the full production period. This is when parts are machined, welded and attached to the car.

“This year, [the manufacturing process] is getting a lot better,” Delbeke said. “We are starting to make drawings to line people up, so we are kind

of making a manufacturing side. Where last year or the year before, it was up to the lead [to say] whoever was managing the part and designing it …

Obviously there are going to be issues because we are young engineers. We do not understand everything, but we usually overcome them with assembly after some time.”

While OU is not unique for having an FSAE program — Michigan State, University of Michigan and Wayne State are some of the local schools to take part in the international competition — it is the hands-on approach to the manufacturing process that sets Grizzlies Racing apart from its competitors.

“All the manufacturing we do is in-house,” Delbeke said. “Having the students design their parts and then also work with them, while I think other schools rely on their sponsors. It really helps the students and the members of the team … We have a great facility here that allows us not only learn about design but how to manufacture components and makes us better engineers at the end of the day.

The Grizzlies Racing and the GRX9 competed at FSAE Michigan from May 8 – 11, placing 58th out of the 120 entrants. The team was able to take part in all events but had to be pulled out of the endurance event due to a suspension failure. But Nivisa Vakeesan, head of business and marketing, is certain the team will be ready for the Formula Student Germany competition from Aug. 5 – 11.

“Some of our team members are pretty disappointed,” Vakeesan said. “Obviously, everyone has their own different views — some people are pessimistic, some people are optimistic … but from what I have seen, a lot of people are like, ‘Okay let’s get our head back in the game.’”

Looking to join a gym this summer? The on-campus option might be worth your time.

From May 4–Sept. 2, Oakland University Recreation and Well-Being (RecWell) will be offering free summer memberships to continuing OU students. The discount, done in partnership with the Oakland University Student Congress (OUSC), is the first time in 20 years RecWell has offered free summer access to students.

The program is directed at continuing students, who are students “enrolled in Winter 2019 and already enrolled for classes for Fall 2019,” according to Mackenzie Hill, OUSC student services director under former Student Body President Ryan Fox. A determined Fall 2019 schedule is required for a free membership, though RecWell will provide free memberships to recent graduates. Incoming and non-OU students can apply for a fourmonth $80 membership.

The free memberships have all the benefits of a normal RecWell membership, meaning students who apply have access to the pools, fitness classes and other programs and services offered.

Some intramural sports will still require a $25 signup fee. Students can bring guests with them at the cost of a $10 guest pass.

If students take a liking to the services of the RecWell while using the free membership, their wallets need not cry. Once the Sept. 2 deadline reaches, all of the student memberships will become the standard free in-session membership.

Fox credits the idea to former Campus Health Director Alex Bertges for the free membership idea. One of the people he says helped the most in negotiating the deal was RecWell director Greg Jordan.

“I cannot downplay how helpful Jordan was in this whole project,” Fox said. “Jordan was supportive and stood up for the

RYAN PINI | PHOTOGRAPHER

Students can now obtain a free summer membership.

idea in every administrative meeting he went into. He truly felt that this was the next step for the rec and that the service was vital to OU students and RecWell’s mission to make people happier and healthier.”

Current OUSC Vice President Julia Alexander believes the relationship that made the free summer memberships possible will continue into the foreseeable future. Along with the free memberships, OUSC and RecWell have been working together to create several unannounced projects on campus.

“We do have a couple of initiatives that we are doing,” Alexander said. “Hopefully, we can continue the memberships for continuing students for next summer, as well as more initiatives. We have had a really great partnership with OU RecWell this year, and we hope to continue it with [my] and [current OUSC President] Destinee [Rule]’s administration.”

A frequent user of the RecWell, Alexander had only positives to say regarding the facility.

“I think [RecWell] provides a lot of great services that you cannot find at other universities,” she said. “[At] most universities, you are going to have to pay to get into the rec center, so having it be free is really great for students.”

To apply for a summer membership, visit the center’s website for more information.

Students will need proof of Fall 2019 enrollment to get the free or discounted membership.

JUNE 5, 2019 | 5

LIFE&ARTS

Researchers attempt to prevent

mudsnail invasions in Michigan waters KATIE VALLEY Content Editor With summer comes fishing, but an invasive species may be lurking if fishers do not take the proper precautions to keep it from spreading.

New Zealand mudsnails are small, invasive aquatic snails that are self-cloning and easily adapt to changing climates, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. At just 1/8 inch long, one adult mudsnail can create a colony of 40 million in one year.

Oakland University began researching mudsnail prevalence and prevention in 2016 after receiving funding from the Department of Natural Resources’ Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program, which led researchers to test the species’ prevalence in the Au Sable River in Frederick Township.

Dr. Scott Tiegs, professor and principal investigator of OU’s aquatic ecology lab, said the research team has found up to 100,000 mudsnails in a square meter of water, a density that is likely to have negative consequences for native biota.

“In the Great Lakes region, we have 20 percent of the world’s liquid fresh water, and, unfortunately, this is also one of the world’s hotspots for biological invasions,” Tiegs said. “There are over 180 aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes that really compromise this amazing natural resource.”

Mudsnail presence can be detected by environmental DNA (eDNA) samples, which detect whether a material’s DNA is present in certain settings. Samples are taken at OU’s research stations or remotely by “citizen scientists” using sample kits and then sent to Dr. Douglas Wendell, biological sciences professor, for testing.

Citizen scientists have been able to play a part in eDNA research through a partnership between OU, Grand Valley State University, Michigan Trout Unlimited and Anglers of the

Alumnus recognized by The Plant Cell scientific journal JORDAN JEWELL Engagement Editor Oakland University alumnus Jacob Corll spent five and a half years studying biology and philosophy, earning two degrees from the university.

With a bachelor's and master's degree under his belt, Corll has reached another milestone in his career: having a project he worked on published in a scientific journal, The Plant Cell.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OU AQUATIC ECOLOGY LAB Researchers collect samples at a water site to test for the presence of New Zealand mudsnails. This research has been conducted since 2016.

Au Sable. Wendell said eDNA samples from fishers have led to mudsnail detection in new locations.“One thing eDNA is nice for is with citizen scientists who maybe wouldn’t be equipped to go and do the actual looking for the organism — they’re just out there fishing — they can take a water sample, and if it comes up positive, then Dr. Tiegs’ people can follow up on it,” he said.

“It sort of expands our reach beyond where we can get our crews out to.”

The research team emphasized that early detection is the best way to handle mudsnail invasions. After using eDNA to test how many mudsnails exist in a body of water, different measures can be taken to keep infestations from spreading.

Formula 409 was found to be effective in eradicating mudsnails. Anglers can simply spray their waders and other gear with the substance, which can be a simple way to keep mudsnails from moving to unaffected bodies of water.

Further research has discovered New Zealand mudsnails may have an adverse effect on

fish. According to research team member and Ph.D. student Jeremy Geist, trout are increasingly ingesting mudsnails, but the snails are passing through their digestive systems and coming out alive, possibly keeping the trout from receiving nutrition.

Mudsnail research is in the developmental phase, as consequences such as their lack of nutritional value are undetermined. Wendell hopes to soon explore the sensitivity of eDNA testing to determine how many need to be present for DNA detection.

With cleaning gear and collecting samples, anglers have been great conservationists and partners in the fight to end the New Zealand mudsnail invasion, according to Tiegs.

“If [anglers] want to continue to enjoy this resource — being fresh water in the Great Lakes — and they want future generations to do that, we have to modify our behavior a little bit,” he said. “And it’s really unfortunate, but that’s the reality that we have now...We need to take more care that we don’t move these around the landscape.”

While at OU, did you have any mentors or professors that made an impact on the route you are taking in your career?

I had many mentors and professors over the years that have influenced my professional career path. Perhaps the first to help direct me is the now sitting chair of the Department of Biology, Dr. Douglas Wendell. I joined his lab as a freshman and spent nearly two years volunteering and learning from him. It was an incredible opportunity that really helped to reinforce the idea that this was the proper career choice for me.

Jumping ahead, I would say my thesis committee during my master’s all had a great impact on me. Dr. Fabia Battistuzzi was the first person to really help show me how incorporating computational skills into biological research was not only useful, but allows for elucidating answers to questions that would have otherwise been unimaginative, much less possible.

Of course, Dr. Shailesh Lal has been a major influence and guide for my career path. I joined his lab as an undergraduate at the end of my 2nd-tolast semester and continued on into my master’s. Under his guidance, I was able to enter into an ongoing project and help see it to completion, the works of which have been recently published in The Plant Cell scientific journal.

What made you want to pursue plant science, specifically relating to your feature in The Plant Cell?

When I first began my undergraduate degree, I found the area of genetics to be fascinating. My first class I took was the Intro to Bio lab, and the teaching assistant mentioned that Dr. Wendell was a professor who took undergraduates into their labs and offered actual research experience. Dr. Wendell was studying the genetics of the plant model species, rapid-cycling Brassica rapa, also known as Fast Plants. He had developed this particular variant of Brassica rapa for teaching in labs to help demonstrate ideas like DNA fingerprinting. Given my interest in genetics, I emailed him asking if I could work in his lab, and he responded inviting me to talk later that day.

The rest is history.

My interest in plants was not so much about the plants themselves, but what people were discovering in them.

Plants, while not completely perfect, have a lot of advantages in a research setting compared to a mammalian system for studying genetics.

Even more interesting to me was that humans and plants share a large amount of genes and regulatory mechanisms, despite their large apparent differences.

How does it feel to be recognized for your work in such a big way?

It is of course an honor to be recognized for our work, but I would emphasize that while I am a co-first author, this publication was an accomplishment between the three separate labs of Dr. Lal at Oakland University, and Drs. Settles and Barbazuk of the University of Florida. I am beyond excited to have been able to finish my master’s with a first author paper, but it was very much a group effort, as all science is.

LIFE&ARTS

6 | JUNE 5, 2019

PHOTO COURTESY OF OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

Anna Szala, left, and Rania Bellaaj join Oakland’s Department of Psychology as part of the Fulbright scholarship program, which offers grants to students studying abroad.

Fulbright scholars join psychology program BRIDGET JANIS Staff Reporter

The two newest additions to Oakland University’s Department of Psychology are Anna Szala and Rania Bellaaj. They are both part of the Fulbright scholarship program at OU, which provides grants for research projects for students studying abroad, according to the Fulbright website.

Szala is from Toruń, Poland, and was persuaded to apply to OU by a professor at the Polish Academy of Science. She has already received a master’s degree in psychology from Kazimierz Wielki University and another in biology from the University of Wroclaw in Poland. Now, her next step her in career is to attend OU. “Oakland University has one of the best world-recognized labs focusing on evolutionary psychology,” Szala said. “I applied here specifically to be a member of that lab.”

“

Studying personality and social psychology is very important because it allows us to better understand human behavior and how it is impacted by different situations.

RANIA BELLAAJ FULBRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

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With a focus in the evolutionary approach to human behavior, Szala will be trying to understand it. She will be under the supervision of adviser Todd K. Shackelford, a professor of psychology, to help further her research.

“It is definitely a great opportunity for taking the next step into my scientific career,” Szala said. “Working with the professors from OU’s Department of Psychology will

allow me to significantly strengthen my knowledge about the subject I’m studying, and therefore make me well-prepared for diving further into academia.”

Her background working as a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany, the Åbo Akademi University in Finland and the University of Oxford in England will help Szala further her research.

Bellaaj is from Tunisia and earned a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Sciences Techniques of Health in Sfax, Tunisia, with a focus on nonverbal communication. Then, she studied English linguistics, literature and civilization at the University of Arts and Humanities, also in Sfax, with a focus on the mind and process of thinking. The next step in her career was to apply for the Fulbright program at OU. “It is a long process — I applied to Fulbright two years ago, and then when I was accepted, it took one year to finalize all the tests and paperwork,” Bellaaj said. “It is a very selective scholarship, and I am grateful that I was one of the awardees.”

While collaborating with Szala, Bellaaj’s main focus will be on the personality and organizational part of psychology.

“Studying personality and social psychology is very important because it allows us to better understand human behavior and how it is impacted by different situations,” Bellaaj said. “This field can be implemented anywhere: research/academia, working with organizations to enhance job performance or in the psychology of marketing and working closely with governments to develop public policies” The Fulbright program is sponsored by the U.S. government and helps create a further understanding between the United States and other foreign countries to help benefit each other. With the program only giving grants to 20 percent of applicants, both Szala and Bellaaj are happy to be two of the recipients.

Both researchers are hoping to gain as much knowledge as they can while attending OU and use it toward their research and future studies.

LIFE&ARTS

JUNE 5,2019 | 7

NICOLE MORSFIELD | PHOTO EDITOR

Comedians Ramy Youssef and Dave Merheje discuss the important goals of their new Hulu series that aims to “redefine the expecations” of Muslim representation.

Comedians redefine expectations with Hulu series TREVOR TYLE Editor-in-Chief Just two years ago, Ramy Youssef was a relatively unknown name, aside from appearances on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and “Mr. Robot.” Now, he’s the star and co-creator of one of Hulu’s most game-changing new projects.

The series, titled “Ramy,” premiered last month on the streaming service and has already garnered critical acclaim for its contribution to Muslim representation in media. Its titular character, portrayed by Youssef, is a first-generation Egyptian-American and practicing Muslim who struggles to balance the expectations of his religious community with those of his millennial peers. The show is loosely based on Youssef’s own life experiences.

“I think, for me, my approach was very much — in calling the show ‘Ramy’ — to highlight from the beginning that this is just one Arab-Muslim story,” Youssef said. “It’s not an average Muslim family — that doesn’t exist. No one says ‘an average Christian family.’”

He credits the “limited scope” of the show’s narrative to its autobiographical aspect. While the characters on the show aren’t based on real people, Youssef said the personalities of his real-life family and friends helped inform the characterization of the titular protagonist’s inner circle.

“I’m a stand-up in real life, and my family in real life is very communicative, we talk about it a lot,” he said.

“In the show, we kind of try to do a bit of an alternate reality — what if my family didn’t talk as much or as openly? And what if I didn’t have a creative outlet and felt more stuck?”

One character that did draw inspiration from his real-life counterpart was Ramy’s friend Ahmed, played by Windsor native and comedian Dave Merheje. Unlike the character of Ramy, Ahmed was written to his actor’s voice.

“You work so hard at stand-up sometimes to find your voice,” Merheje said. “Then you’re able to do it in acting.”

Youssef and Merheje have been promoting “Ramy” with various stand-up performances across the country, including a stop at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle in Royal Oak last month. Much of Youssef’s set dealt with the same things the show deals with — namely, his millennial status and Muslim heritage.

While Youssef said the latter gave the show a particular “hyperspecificity,” it has also allowed him to connect with audiences in a more personal way.

“So many people kind of connect that aren’t even Muslim,” he said. “We’re seeing somebody engage with their faith in an honest way, which I think is something I don’t see a lot in millennial comedy or millennial discussion.”

Merheje added that Ramy is “a flawed human, instead of always trying to be the hero.” He said the character’s moral ambiguity was an element with which audiences could relate.

According to Youssef, he planned to develop Ramy into a more mature character in future seasons, following the pilot season’s cliffhanger finale.

At the time of his metro Detroit visit, a second season of the show had not yet been ordered, though Youssef said he hoped the audience response would prompt Hulu to renew it. Just one week later, a second season was announced.

No release date has been set, but the show’s renewal will produce 10 additional episodes.

NICOLE MORSFIELD | PHOTO EDITOR

Youssef and Merheje reveal their playful personalities.

“This is not a show that does anything more than it claims to do,” Youssef said. “To take the burden of telling everything at once is something that would only be put on this kind of show.”

Moving forward, Youssef and Merheje said they hope to continue what the first season started by “redefining the expectation” of Muslim representation.

“When you’re Muslim, [people] just want a good hummus recipe — they don’t want you to talk about Allah,” Youssef said. “[But] this type of person, this type of family, this faith that’s so misunderstood can actually be very encompassing.”

Oakland collaborates with Detroit Drives Degrees The Golden Grizzlies Graduate program looks to offer debt relief and boost degree completion story & design by Katie LaDuke

T

he state of Michigan estimates that there are over 1 million adults in the state’s population who have some college credit but no degree.

On May 1, Oakland University announced its new Golden Grizzlies Graduate program to increase degree completion among the 693,000 adults living in Southeast Michigan with college credit but an uncompleted degree.

This new program is a collaboration effort with the Detroit Drives Degrees (DDD) initiative to improve the talent pipeline in the areas surrounding Detroit. Wayne State University and Henry Ford College have also agreed to partner with the DDD initiative.

The Golden Grizzlies Graduate program aims to help individuals return to OU after time off and current students who are at risk of leaving school for financial reasons.

“It is our responsibility to find ways to engage those students and help them achieve their goal by obtaining a bachelor’s degree,” said Dawn Aubry, associate vice president for enrollment management.

There are three micro-grants at the forefront of this program, with three populations in mind. All three grants cover up to $500 a semester for three semesters. This equals a maximum of $1,500 over the three semesters.

With these grants, distribution of money will depend on the amount of funds available and will be announced as more details of the program are finalized.

OU Reconnecter Grant This grant is for students who left Oakland in good academic standing but have a past due university bill of $1,500 or less on their account. These students also need to have had at least a one-year gap in attendance.

OU Comebacker Grant For this grant, students must have left Oakland in good academic standing and have had at least a one-year gap in attendance. However, these students must have no prior balance on their account.

OU Completion Grant To receive this grant, current junior or senior level students must be in good academic standing but are at risk of leaving the university due to financial reasons. Students must show a demonstrated financial need.

“Some universities are very successful in using micro grants to help students,” Aubry said.

The term “loan forgiveness,” which can be understood as an institution taking on an individual’s debt, has been used by other outlets to describe Oakland’s program. The Golden Grizzlies Graduate program is focused on relief of debt a student has with the university (i.e. an outstanding tuition bill), not full loan forgiveness.

Since a major focus of this new program deals with encouraging students who started at OU to return to campus to finish their degree, undergraduate admissions will be heavily utilized. This is specifically for those individuals who have to apply for readmission — anyone who stopped going to OU for six or more years.

“We’re working toward less barriers for these students, so we can make their transition back to Oakland an easy one,” said Shane Lewis, interim director of admissions.

Other departments, such as Student Financial Services and Academic Advising, will also be involved with helping a student return on the right path.

“This is definitely a team effort to support these students in their return,” Lewis said.

On July 24, there will be a Golden Grizzlies Graduate Open House with advisers and representatives from different departments around campus to answer questions for anyone who is interested in the new program. This open house is to prepare for the full launch in the fall 2019 semester.

“We hope to encourage more students to come back and earn that credential, which is why they had started with us in the first place,” Lewis said.

More information on the Golden Grizzlies Graduate program can be found on the Oakland University webpage under Undergraduate Admissions.

At the Lumina Foundation’s National Convening 2019, President Pescovitz announced the Golden Grizzlies Graduate program in support of the Detroit Drives Degrees initiative. Photo courtesy/the Detroit Regional Chapter

Level of education in Michigan Adults (ages 25-64)

*source: www.house.mi.gov

High school graduate/equivalency

Some college, no degree

Bachelor’s degree

Graduate/professional degree

Associate degree 9th to 12th grade, no diploma

Less than 9th grade

28.85%

25.25%

17.31%

10.05%

9.49%

6.64%

2.42%

10 | JUNE 5, 2019

LIFE&ARTS School of Music, Theatre and Dance presents ‘James and the Giant Peach’ KATELYN HILL Staff Intern

The School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SMTD) is bringing “James and the Giant Peach” to campus.

“James and the Giant Peach” transports you back to your childhood, according to Vickie Dubrawski, a 40-year-old teacher and mother of two who loved reading the novel as a child. She hasn’t read the book in years, so it all came back while watching the show. Now, she hopes that her young children take away the perseverance of the characters in the story.

“I just want the kids to know that they can be problem solvers and they can work hard and not give up if they want to achieve something, or work through something that’s troubling them,” Dubrawski said.

SMTD has had performances May 17 and May 19, and has one more scheduled for June 7 in Varner Recital Hall on Oakland University’s main campus. The show is general admission with tickets costing $6 for students and $10 for the general public.

“James and the Giant Peach,” originally a novel written

by Roald Dahl, is a story about how a young boy’s life changes after receiving a magical gift from an old man, leading to the adventure of a lifetime. James ends up escaping an abusive homelife, accompanied by seven human-sized insects in a giant peach.

22-year-old Mannon McIntosh is the stage manager, tour manager and assistant director for the show.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OAKLAND UNIVERSITY “James and the Giant Peach” tells the story of a boy who finds a magic peach and uses it to escape his mean aunts.

McIntosh said the props are made of foam and are purposely oversized, since the story takes place in a magical, cartoon-esque world.

She said the designers, including prop master Leilas Kaakarni, dove headfirst into every idea that she and the director, Lynnae Lehfeldt, had.

“What you’re seeing on stage has come from the director’s imagination and all the designers’ imagination,” she said. “That’s our version of the story.”

Dubrawski said she believes the props helped the kids imagine the story without taking anything away from the quality.

“The timing of everything was awesome,” she said.

“The way the props were moved very quickly, and they were very nice, just kind of helped everything come together and make it more imaginable and more enjoyable.”

McIntosh said she worked at Interlochen Center for the Arts last year as a stage manager, which is where the idea to do “James and the Giant Peach” came from.

As soon as she brought the idea up to the cast, she said it was truly nostalgic for everyone, since most had read the story when they were kids.

McIntosh said they also get that vibe from the elementary schools to which they bring the shows.

“I think the reactions we get from the students at the school are the most fun thing,” she said.

OU has been touring these performances for the last five to six years, with a big emphasis on exposure to theater for young kids. McIntosh said she hopes the kids leave with an appreciation for theater.

Though the story is geared toward children, McIntosh said people of all ages will be able to enjoy it.

“I think what’s really important is sometimes taking a step back and seeing the world the way that you saw it when you were eight,” she said. “A big part of the story is that no matter how bad things seem like they are, things are always going to get better.”

Study shows women with thick eyebrows may be more attractive to men BRIDGET JANIS Staff Reporter

Through the years, women’s eyebrows have been pencil thin, but in a 2019 study conducted by Oakland University pschology professors Dr. Lisa Welling and Dr. Justin Mogilski, men were found to be more attracted to women with thicker, fuller eyebrows.

For the study, the researchers used a conjoint analysis statistical technique.

This process involves multiple versions of an object being presented and then the participants reacting and ranking each object.

“This analysis is typically used in consumer science research to understand which features of a product influence consumers’ decisions to purchase that product,” Mogilski said. “We wanted to apply this same technique and logic to how people perceive and evaluate faces. We expected this to reveal which aspects of the face people pay attention to the most when selecting a romantic partner.”

They used factors such as jawbone prominence, cheekbone prominence, eye size, fade length and eyebrow thickness in both a committed and sexual relation to help determine the desired preferences of the tested individuals. 1,000 people rated pictures on their attractiveness to help with the study.

“We found a number of findings, such as that masculinized jawbones were more attractive in men than women, that facial height was more important for women than men, and, of course, the publicized result that thicker eyebrows were more attractive on women than men, particularly in a longterm partner,” Mogilski said.

The purpose of the study was to understand more qualities than a person’s sociosexuality, or the willingness to have sexual activity outside of a committed relationship. They believe thicker eyebrows allow for more clear expressions and, most importantly, the romantic interest someone is having.

“There is some recent research showing that people can infer person-

ality qualities such as narcissism, the tendency to think highly of yourself, from eyebrows,” Mogilski said. “Eyebrows are also used for many facial expressions. It’s possible that thicker brows allow for more pronounced expressions, including conveying romantic interest.”

Some results of the study, such as a feminine jawbone being more attractive for women and a masculine jawbone being more attractive for men, were what the researchers expected to find.

Welling said men being more attracted to women with thicker eyebrows could be dependent on trends.

“It’s possible that current fashion trends or celebrity icons are influencing preferences,” Welling said. “For example, celebrities like Kim Kardashian or Cara Delevingne — who have thicker eyebrows — could indirectly increase social preferences for this trait. It may also be that this feature is associated with other variables that we didn’t measure, like perceptions of kindness

or trustworthiness, that are optimal in a potential longterm romantic partner.”

Welling hopes further research can look deeper into the idea of factoring in measuring kindness or trustworthiness and how it can affect the results.

Now, women with thick eyebrows can potentially feel less insecure because, based on the results of this study, their thick eyebrows are a good thing.

THE OAKLAND POST ARCHIVES A 2019 study conducted by two Oakland professors found that men are more attracted to women with thicker eyebrows.

JUNE 5, 2019 | 11

PUZZLES

NOVICE

INTERMEDIATE

Across 1. Kind of radio 5. Mgmt.

10. Gangster Diamond 14. Zhivago’s love 15. Recto’s opposite 16. Emmy winner Falco 17. TV figure with a “neighborhood” 19. Strip in the Mideast 20. Block or stock ender 21. Totally blown away 22. Woolly Andeans 24. Article supplement 26. Dismiss unceremoniously 27. 1960 Olympics track star 32. Risk a ticket 35. Add some booze to 36. Project completion?

37. Rolls of bills 38. Mower’s path 40. Bit of perspiration 41. He was thrice the champ 42. Bust’s opposite 43. Loggins or G 44. Big name in cake mix 48. John ___ (the Lone Ranger) 49. Stable worker 53. Charitable Mother 56. Gross minus net, to a

TOUGH

trucker 57. Drink on draft 58. Neck of the woods 59. Mayberry deputy 62. Windshield option 63. Nikon competitor 64. Writer Blyton or Bagnold 65. Crooner Williams 66. Ruhr industrial hub 67. Declare untrue Down 1. Sporty Italian cars, for short 2. ___ Gras 3. Pioneering DJ Alan 4. Like Wonderland’s hatter 5. Frank admission 6. Sterilize 7. Loquacious TV horse 8. Leb. neighbor 9. One exhibiting competence 10. Smooth, musically 11. Dutch cheese town 12. City near the Sphinx 13. Salty septet 18. Enthusiastic, and then some 23. Rich deposit 25. Merino mamas

26. Fresh kid 28. Site of Crockett’s last stand 29. Bank holding 30. Lay out in advance 31. Lamarr of Hollywood 32. Ear cleaner 33. White as a sheet 34. Work in the cutting room 38. Friendly at parties 39. Popular Microsoft product 40. Convy or Parks 42. Free rides at the tourney 43. “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” author Ken 45. War ender 46. Community Chest kin 47. Seoul man 50. “I Believe” singer Frankie 51. Like a North Pole drudge 52. Like an oboe’s sound 53. “Toodle-oo!”

54. Leprechaun’s turf 55. Tear apart 56. Speaker in Cooperstown 60. Two-time loser to DDE 61. Gave grub to

12 | JUNE 5, 2019

Abortion bans sweep across multiple states These proposed bans come as the most restrictive in American history, especially for southern states

BEN HUME Web Editor

In an accelerated effort to eliminate female bodily autonomy, six states have passed legislation of some variety heavily restricting access to abortions. Alabama passed the most aggressive of these bills, outright banning abortion. The other states — Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, and Ohio — implemented so-called heartbeat bills that ban abortions after a fetal heartbeat is found, somewhere between six to eight weeks into pregnancy.

For all intents and purposes, the heartbeat bills are included in the category of abortion bans, as there is hardly any evidence of pregnancy at that point and many who are pregnant do not learn until after the point that a fetal heartbeat first registers.

All the mentioned states provide bare-bones exceptions for allowing abortions. They include if the health of the mother is at risk or if the pregnancy is the result of rape. Alabama once again takes the most dangerous approach, controversially not including the exceptions for rape or incest in its bill.

All of the aforementioned bills are signed, however, abortion is still legal in all 50 states due to the continued adherence to Roe v. Wade at the national level. This means many of these bills are already being challenged by

lower courts. This will inevitably lead to these bills finding their way all the way up to the Supreme Court, which very recently found itself with a conservative majority with the addition of Brett Kavanaugh.

As such, abortion advocates and political analysts are sure that many of the Republican state governments are hoping these cases find their way to the Supreme Court. If they did, it could mean an undermining of Roe v. Wade with a conservative majority. Some, like the Guttmacher Institute, are worried about the possibility of a complete overturning.

This explains why the Alabama bill is so cartoonishly evil — they want the attention to carry the case all the way up, they want it to be challenged.

The effects of these temporary bills are already being felt. As of May 28, the last clinic in Missouri that provides the procedure is at risk of being forced to close at the end of the week. The future of the clinic hinges on the state of Missouri renewing their license. To renew their license, the clinic is being asked to gather all of its staff for interviews.

Helene Krasnoff, head of litigation at Planned Parenthood, told journalists over a phone call that the state “refused to discuss the scope of the interview,” a great concern considering the criminal penalties on anyone providing an abortion after eight weeks.

Planned Parenthood is understandably unwilling to provide the state with what they want until they are promised the interview would not include questions of abortion procedures.

If the Planned Parenthood clinic was forced to close, it would make Missouri the first state in nearly 50 years without access to abortion services.

The banning of abortions at any level is an attack against the autonomy of women’s bodies. In a civilized society, the availability of abortions should be a staple of every community. Common counter arguments never truly identify the core component of this debate — no matter why a woman might want or need to abort a pregnancy, they should have the ability to do so.

OPINION

OPINION

JUNE 5, 2019 | 13

Disney’s ‘Aladdin’ — a mediocre remake that lacks a bit of magic TREVOR TYLE Editor-in-Chief

It’s no secret that Disney is one of the most successful companies in the world.

Forbes recently named it the eighth most valuable brand in the world, and just last month, it snagged the record for fastest film to make $2 billion at the box office with “Avengers: Endgame.”

But in spite of the financial success, the House of Mouse is still struggling in the place where it should be most comfortable — its original classics.

After a slew of successful live-action remakes, including “Cinderella,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Dumbo,” Disney has tackled a modernized adaptation of one of its most beloved films — 1992’s “Aladdin.”

The story follows Aladdin (Mena Massoud), an impoverished young man living in the streets of the desert kingdom of Agrabah, who falls in love with the kingdom’s involuntarily reclusive Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott).

After being manipulated by Jafar (Marwan Kenzari) — the wicked adviser to the Sultan (Navid Negahban) who plots to overthrow him — Aladdin comes into possession of a magic lamp, befriending the Genie that resides inside of it (Will Smith). With the help of his newfound magical acquaintance, Aladdin becomes a prince in hopes of wooing Jasmine and defeating Jafar.

“Aladdin” has always been considered

one of Disney’s finest offerings, which heightened the stakes for anything succeeding it. The 2019 version, directed by Guy Ritchie, is, for the most part, true to the original, which works both for and against it.

Much like its source material, “Aladdin” is a visual spectacle, from its show-stopping musical numbers to its gorgeous costume design — both of which are most evident during the Bollywood-esque “Prince Ali” sequence.

It’s certainly nothing new or innovative — and who would expect it to be? — but it does offer some intriguing changes to the narrative. This version highlights Jasmine’s progressive ambitions to succeed her father as the first female Sultan of Agrabah. The film also introduces Dalia (Nasim Pedrad), Jasmine’s handmaiden and the Genie’s love interest, which provides some unexpectedly necessary humor and depth to the characters with whom she interacts.

But the film’s most glaring change is not the fault of the filmmakers so much as it is that of time. It may be called “Aladdin,” but Genie has always been the real star of this story. Originally brought to life by Robin Williams in the 1992 film, the iconic character’s movement and energy warranted the usage of more extensive CGI when translated to live-action, which is a bit jarring, to say the least — in blue form, Smith’s Genie could easily pass for a character in “Avatar.”

Though many were skeptical, Smith

PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDb Despite the great cast, Disney’s latest film falls short of fulfilling the nostalgia we all long for.

does an impeccable job overall — especially given the unfair task he had of living up to Williams’ legacy. Though he occasionally falters, his portrayal of Genie ultimately succeeds by refusing to replicate Williams’ mannerisms. He brings his own charm and flair to the role, which is both relieving and refreshing.

The combined forces of Smith, Massoud and Scott make up some of the finest casting in any of the Disney live-action remakes, thanks to their solid acting and vocal chops. Kenzari, on the other hand, is a decent Jafar, but lacks the menacing bravado that made the animated version so despicably fantastic.

Overall, “Aladdin” is a solid, enter-

taining addition to the live-action Disney catalog. The film has the potential to be great, but Ritchie failed it by not realizing that a little goes a long way — it suffers from major pacing issues in its final 30 minutes and a headache-inducing dependence on CGI. It may not offer us “a whole new world” in terms of originality, but until Disney stops profiting off our sweet spot for nostalgia, these remakes will probably be around for a while. It may not be the most necessary film at the moment, but “Aladdin” is still a fun opportunity to bring a timeless tale to a new generation.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Olivia Wilde stuns with amusingly authentic directorial debut ‘Booksmart’ TREVOR TYLE Editor-in-Chief

Trying to understand the trials and tribulations of high school is complicated, to say the least. Trying to coherently condense those struggles into a piece of art, though, is damn near impossible.

But Olivia Wilde managed to do it.

The art in question is a film called “Booksmart,” which serves as Wilde’s feature directorial debut. It’s the story of two high school seniors — Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein) — who have prioritized academics at the expense of their social lives to ensure success beyond high school.

The girls have accepted their collective reputation as pretentious buzzkills — that is, until they learn their seemingly “inferior” peers were all accepted to prestigious universities, too. Beginning to fear they’ve missed out on the fun high school experiences their classmates had, Molly and Amy attempt to shed their “goody two-shoes” standing by partying the night before their high school graduation.

Yeah, there’s not a whole lot about this film that sounds fresh or new. But it also doesn’t need to be either of those things in order to work. Let’s be real — the teen comedy isn’t exactly a new concept, but rather than limiting itself to such genre tropes, “Booksmart” cleverly expands on them

in a meaningful and entertaining way.

But thankfully, “Booksmart” also isn’t some super deep, preachy statement on cherishing your time in high school.

(In fact, even though its politically outspoken feminist protagonists — one of which identifies as lesbian — give the film plenty of opportunities to be preachy, it never is.)

Instead, it boasts an authenticity that keeps the narrative grounded and real. There are wild acid trips, drunken bathroom hookups and, as you can expect, a whole lot of drama.

This film perfectly encapsulates the harsh realities of high school, which is what makes it so well-done.

And at the forefront of it all are a plethora of rising female badasses that are going to make — or continue to make — names for themselves in Hollywood.

In spite of her impressive acting career, I can’t help but wonder why Olivia Wilde’s directing abilities were kept from the world until now. Her understanding of her characters — ironically, all misunderstood outcasts, in this case — is astonishingly better than most screenwriters or directors daring to tackle a coming-of-age comedy of this proportion. Her direction is truly remarkable, matched only by her brilliant leading ladies.

The chemistry between Dever and Feldstein is explosive (no pun intended) and only intensifies as the film continues.

“Booksmart” has been compared favorably to “Superbad” — which stars Feldstein’s brother, Jonah Hill — and “Lady

Bird,” which finds Feldstein herself in the role of the supportive sidekick opposite Saoirse Ronan’s titular character. But in this film, Feldstein is the star, and manages to rise above these comparisons with grace and grit.

Dever, on the other hand, has a slightly larger filmography consisting of mostly supporting roles. “Booksmart,” however, puts her directly in the spotlight, giving her the opportunity to exude her star power like never before.

And while the dorky duo of Molly and Amy are front and center here, I can’t review this film without acknowledging the incomparable Billie Lourd, whose role as the strange and screwy Gigi is hilarious enough to make her notoriously funny mother (the late, great Carrie Fisher) more than proud.

As a whole, “Booksmart” is a bit ridiculous, but perhaps that’s because of how real it feels. (And let’s be honest, in a teen comedy, what could be more ridiculous than watching Regina George get hit by a bus?)

“Booksmart’s” brutally honest depiction of high school, layered underneath ridiculous jokes about blowjobs and boning, is refreshing, to say the least. It functions like a genuine high school experience, allowing its attendees to denounce the bad parts, celebrate the good, and most importantly, leave with a smile on their face.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

SPORTS

14 | JUNE 5, 2019

Grizz Gang e-board hopes for growth New executive board prepares for more student support in upcoming seasons.

MICHAEL PEARCE Sports Editor With another new school year comes another new Grizz Gang Executive Board, responsible for everything student section-related. The e-board will consist of four officials and four street team members. The officials are Michael Prestininzi, Chris Cousineau, Travis Fedolak and Mariana Seal.

“

We are all a family. Having the student support really factors into home court advantage and can impact the game and help our players.

CHRIS COUSINEAU GRIZZ GANG VICE PRESIDENT

“

Prestininzi, the president, is a senior pursuing a marketing degree with an entrepreneurship minor. He has been involved with the Grizz Gang since his freshman year of college and started helping the e-board his sophomore year. You might recognize him as one of the fans who always has a painted chest representing Oakland.

After a year as treasurer of the organization, he has taken the role of president with a main goal to expand the reach of the student section across campus.

“I want to expand to more sports and reach out to other student organizations,” Prestininzi said. “Doing events like movies and other things not directly related to sporting events, and just really growing so that more people on campus know who we are and what we do.”

Last year, the Grizz Gang expanded their brand by hosting multiple

bus trips to away games for the men’s basketball team, as well as hosting watch parties in The Habitat for away games during the week. Prestininzi sees potential in the Oakland sports teams as well as the fans that could really be showcased across the state and country.

“It seems like we always have a lot of good programs and good potential, but it goes pretty unnoticed,” he said. “There are some dedicated fans, but none of the sports are regularly talked about. To me, that community isn’t something that is focused on enough, that’s why we are trying to show people that Oakland can be a center for sports.”

To show Oakland is a center for sports, the Grizz Gang is looking to extend the forward progress they made last season. Vice President Chris Cousineau is focused on pride and spirit in all sports, rather than just basketball, which is the most popular sport on campus.

“I want to expand to other Oakland sports — continuing to get students involved in an array of events — not just basketball,” said Cousineau, a senior pursuing a marketing degree as well.

To do this, Cousineau, who is also a member of the pep band, said that they need to work together as a team, much like the Golden Grizzlies they cheer on.

“Teamwork is key, and when I say teamwork, I mean the e-board, the street team and all the students that come out to the events,” he said.

“We are all a family. Having the student support really factors into home court advantage and can impact the game and help our players.”

As the new sports season inches closer and closer, the Grizz Gang hopes to see as many new faces as they can at sporting events.

“Anyone can come out to the games — you don’t have to be a die-hard sports fan to enjoy the games,” Cousineau said. “Grab some friends, come support your school and have a good time.”

RACHEL BASELA | STAFF INTERN

Steve Waterfield is very optimistic about taking on the challenges of his new role.

Year in review RACHEL BASELA Staff Intern When Oakland University Athletic Director Steve Waterfield decided to move his wife and two school-aged sons to Michigan for a job offer, it was a decision made from much consideration.

Previously, Waterfield served as the executive associate athletic director at the University of Nebraska, so deciding to settle down in a completely new state with a different culture was a tough choice to make for the sake of his family, according to Waterfield.

The Waterfields, however, are familiar with the Midwest, as the two children were born in Madison, Wisconsin and have all spent time in Lincoln, Nebraska, which made them comfortable with the choice to make another move. “[Rochester, Michigan] was really a place that we could set roots down,” Waterfield said. “We could make it. It felt comfortable, and it would be good for [the children], good for my wife and had a high quality of life.”

On April 12, Waterfield gave Oakland University a glimpse into his first year of being the new athletic director to provide the university with a sense of success from the past school year, and hope for a promising future under his leadership.

“I oversee the athletics department, and that’s 18 varsity sports, about 340 student athletes, a hundred and some staff — whether they’re students, full-time, part-time, casual workers — and I certainly represent the athletics department on campus and in the community with a focus on really four things,” Waterfield said. “From the get-go, it’s the student athlete experience, competing for championships, collaborating with the university and strengthening our connection with the community, alumni, donors, et cetera.”

An element of potential was evident to

Waterfield before he began his journey at OU, which he described as being rooted in the passion of the university’s athletes and their surrounding community. He said that passion was already evident and, as a prospective employee, was one of the things that attracted him to OU. “I think, just the fact that there’s potential, there are ways to get better, there are things we can do, short and longterm, that will require a lot of hard work, but will allow us to get better across the board in a lot of our sports, which is attractive,” he said. “It’s always that optimism that we can do better than what we did today when we do it tomorrow and down the road. So, that’s been evident, too, which energizes me to want to accomplish and move forward.”

Waterfield viewed his past school year as having optimism and potential.

His plans for his tenure can be considered to have a quite similar attitude.

“I’m looking at trying to expand medical services, nutrition, sports psychology and academic services for all of our student athletes,” he said. “We need to have facility upgrades. We need a basketball practice gym, we need student athlete academic space, we need renovated locker room space, we need a renovated baseball field, we need softball improvements, an indoor golf area.”

Waterfield said he was optimistic about taking on the role of the athletic director of OU from the very beginning.

From taking on the challenges of a large leadership role on campus to finding the potential in the student athletes and creating goals for the department, Waterfield is building what many of his colleagues consider to be a success story in the realm of OU sports.

Waterfield looks forward to progressing the university’s athletics by being dedicated to staff, student athletes and Oakland’s community.

SPORTS

JUNE 5, 2019 | 15

OU alumnus Ben Fielder hired as new associate athletic director Fielder makes move from admissions office to athletic department MICHAEL PEARCE Sports Editor

Ben Fielder remembers 2005 in Tulsa, Okla. He was rushing the court as a pep band member with 50 others, celebrating Oakland University’s first ever NCAA tournament bid.

Fourteen years later, Fielder is working at his alma mater as the associate athletic director for development, attempting to build the athletics program for the future.

As an Oakland student, he helped start the Grizz Gang with Anthony Gallina — now the director of philanthropy for the School of Education and Human Services — while majoring in musical theater. As he became more involved in Oakland sports, he joined the track and field team, quitting after a year due to the conflicting workloads of his musical theater shows and training schedule.

“

I can feel so much positive energy, and that’s key for success. It all stems from a positive environment.

The positive energy we have here is going to really help us continue to the growth that we want for Oakland athletics.

BEN FIELDER OU ASSOCIATE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

“

“That was an eye-opening experience for me to see the amount of time and dedication that student athletes spend,” Fielder said. “It was a great experience. I truly enjoyed it and it allowed me to get to know athletics a little more.”

He previously worked in the admissions department as an admissions adviser, recruiting students to join the uni-

versity that he is so passionate about.

Fielder would recruit around Michigan and Illinois.

“I loved it,” he said. “For me, it was a perfect entry level starting position. I loved Oakland and it was easy to go around and talk about. I also got to learn a little bit of all the areas of Oakland.”

For seven years, Fielder worked in admissions at Eastern Michigan University, where he met his wife and started his family.

After gaining experience at Eastern and working his way up, he set his sights on a return to Oakland, where he has always wanted to return. When he saw a job for development in student affairs, he made the switch back.

Fielder’s job for the past two years has consisted of working with administration and donors to support students through new scholarships and grants.

“I’m very passionate about this place, so it was a great fit for me to talk to alumni and donors of the university,” Fielder said. “These past two years, I’ve really worked hard to establish new scholarship and endowments that are supporting areas in student affairs.”

Fielder will attempt to use the same development skills he used with student affairs in his new position, and having experience as a student athlete, he knows the effort and time they put into their sports.

“Being an athlete just for a short stint helped me as I go out and talk to potential donors about the needs we have in athletics,” he said.

Despite having worked for his alma mater in the past, for Fielder, working in the athletics department is something special.

“It feels like I’m in a dream,” he said.

“I’m blessed to be in this position and share the vision of Oakland athletics. It’s a humbling experience and something I am extremely excited for.”

As someone who has seen Oakland sports grow throughout the last 15 years, Fielder believes there is potential for Oakland to make noise in Michigan, but there still is work to be done in improving facilities and amenities.

“In my opinion, this university is primed for continued success,” he said.

“I also feel like we have some very big needs. We need space for a nutrition space, new locker rooms and workout fa-

PHOTO COURTESY OF OAKLAND ATHLETICS

Ben Fielder, OU alumnus, to become new associate athletic director for development.

cilities. To continue to grow and maintain the caliber of student athletes in the classroom and their sport, we have to have the facilities to get them there.”

Overall, Fielder hopes to bring the same energy and excitement he did as a fan. The excitement he felt from the stands is one he feels now in the workplace.

“Everyone is excited is continue to move this forward,” Fielder said. “I can feel so much positive energy, and that’s key for success. It all stems from a positive environment. The positive energy we have here is going to really help us continue to the growth that we want for Oakland athletics.”

16 | JUNE 5, 2019

SATIRE

Students not to blame for bad driving record in Rochester Hills

MAN, THESE FRIES SURE ARE TASTY!

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Construction at fault for redirecting traffic BEN NICOL Staff Intern Research conducted by QuoteWizard analyzing over 500,000 insurance quotes from 2018 has found Rochester Hills to be the third worst driving city in Michigan. A recent article by Ken Haddad from ClickOnDetroit suggests Oakland University students are to blame. However, my preliminary research suggests another culprit may be responsible for the epidemic of poor driving supposedly running rampant through Rochester Hills.

The number of roads currently undergoing construction means OU students and the rest of the Rochester Hills population have to find creative ways to get from place to place. John Smith, an English student at OU, reflected on how OU’s many commuter students are feeling thanks to the recent construction on Walton and Adams.

“Nobody can’t get anywhere with them roads being so bad,” he said.

Multiple students have been captured by security footage breaking traditional driving customs. Oakland University Police Department Officer Jack Griffin has had his hands tied dealing with report after report of reckless driving.

“Students have learned to take advantage of Rochester Hills’ naturally hilly land by using it as a ramp to propel their car over traffic or construction and onto campus,” Griffin said.

The administration worries these flying cars could hit and cause damage to OU’s most sought after and rare commodity: parking spots.

Michigan’s state flower — or, as many call it, the traffic cone — tends to present it-

self even more come each springtime. Some groups fighting for their conservation, such as the City of Rochester Hills and the Oakland University Police Department, have argued that the cones “help keep people safe.” This has not stopped students from trying their best to destroy the cones with their vehicles.

The City of Rochester Hills claims this is the true reason seemingly every cone is severely physically mangled.

City executives claim the answer to Rochester Hills’ bad driving is simple. While Rochester Hills struggles to stay safe on the roads, their neighbors thrive, according to the QuoteWizard study.

A simple solution for those seeking better driving skills is a quick, five-minute drive west. Drivers will find themselves in Pontiac, and suddenly discover they are now

the fourth best drivers in the state of Michigan. Rochester Hills residents are being asked to make this trip to Pontiac. It is seemingly the easiest solution to promote safer driving and to help residents prepare to face the gauntlet of construction and potholes that awaits them back home.

ClickOnDetroit argues OU students are at fault for the city’s bad driving, but that is simply ignorant. The biggest contributing factor to poor driving in Rochester Hills is not the fault of the drivers, but rather, construction. It is a fact that ahgcbndskcmkvg;hgjg;/ ...

Gosh dangit! I was driving home, finishing typing up this article on my phone, and didn’t see this dang cement truck suddenly jump out in front of me. All I can say is I told you so. It’s not us. It’s the construction.

SHORTCUT! OU

ROAD WORK D AHEA

JIMMY WILLIAMS | GRAPHIC DESIGNER Reckless driving in the Rochester area will only improve once all local construction ceases to exist. Until then, speeding will occur.

JIMMY WILLIAMS | GRAPHIC DESIGNER Do everything to test their dedication to the keto diet so that you both know its real.

How to torture your keto friends KATIE LADUKE Managing Editor

If you don’t live under a rock, I’m sure you’re familiar with the keto craze that has been sweeping people everywhere off their feet. If you do live under a rock, let me explain just what this diet is.

The ketogenic diet — better known as keto — essentially cuts out all carbs and sugar from your daily life for high-in-fat foods. That means no pasta, potatoes or really anything that tastes good. Instead, you pack on all the bacon, butter and cheese your heart desires.

Surely, gobbling down bacon every day while losing weight can’t be that bad. But our keto friends know they’re missing out on the true delicacies. Being the little instigator you are, here are proven ways to remind your friends of the life they once lived.

Eat McDonald’s french fries in front of them Before you pick up your keto buddy for a night on the town, make sure to do a pit stop at your local McDonald’s drive-thru for a fresh batch of those world famous fries.

The aroma will hit its peak just as you arrive in your friend’s driveway. It’s important that not a single fry be touched until your passenger is buckled.

Once their seat belt has clicked, they’ll notice the familiar scent.

That’s your cue to dig out a single fry. Admire it and comment on the saltiness and crispiness before devouring it. Eat one fry at a time for added fun. The bag will last longer, and their mouth will be watering the

entire time.

Show off your bread collection I’m sure we can all agree that bread is one of the wonders of the world. It is also the biggest enemy of the keto community, being that it’s jam-packed with carbs. But you’re not keto, so bread is your friend. The beauty of a fresh ciabatta roll deserves recognition in itself, but this is your chance to try them all. Dig through the finest bakeries for the softest bread and bagels.

Once your bread haul is complete, sit your keto friend down at your kitchen table and unload your findings. Fresh bakery bread looks so squishable, so they may be tempted to touch it. While you have them there, tell them all about the sandwich art you’ll be making with those lumps of carbs. If you’re feeling nice, you can offer to make them a lettuce wrap.

Chat about your cheap groceries Sure, eating healthy sounds like a great time and looks cool, but your wallet won’t be too happy. Why spend $37.62 on a bag of almond flour and chia seeds at Trader Joe’s when a $1 doughnut will fill you up?

You’ll be saving at least an average of $150 on groceries every month compared to Keto Kathy from church group. The best part about eating everyday foods is being able to stick to one store, specifically Kroger, for the best deals. Kathy, on the other hand, has to run to three different organic health stores to pick up her holy grail: coconut oil.

While making fun of your keto friends is all fun and games, they do have one thing over our fat asses — they’re actually losing weight, unlike how we say we will.