The Oakland Post 11.15.2023

A TRUSTED SOURCE OF INDEPENDENT STUDENT JOURNALISM SINCE 1987.

VOLUME 49 l ISSUE 7 | NOVEMBER 15, 2023

2 | NOVEMBER 15, 2023

EDITORIAL BOARD Arianna Heyman Editor-in-Chief aheyman@oakland.edu Autumn Okuszka Content Editor aokuszka@oakland.edu Megan Parker Managing Editor meganparker@oakland.edu

EDITORS

Lindsey Sobkowski Photo Editor lsobkowski@oakland.edu Brock Heilig Sports Editor brockheilig@oakland.edu Payton Bucki Features Editor paytonbucki@oakland.edu Olivia Chiappelli Arts Editor oechiappelli@oakland.edu

MARKETING Evelyn Gandarilla Marketing Director evelyngandarill@oakland.edu

GRAPHIC COURTESY OF THE OAKLND OBSERVER

DISTRIBUTION Rory Strachen Distribution Director Zachary Oberdier Distribution

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Courtney Blackett Photographer Katie Reid Photographer

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Christopher Udeozor-Nweke Graphic Designer Sean Whitaker Graphic Designer Megan Judy Graphic Designer

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REPORTERS

Brian Einowski Ads Director

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Chloe Kukuk Reporter

Summer Weathers Reporter Noah Francis Reporter

Noah Thompson Reporter

Ana Gjorgjevski Reporter Moe Del Rosario Reporter

Mallory Waligora Reporter

CORRECTIONS CORNER: The Oakland Post corrects all known errors of fact. If you know of an error, please email editor@oaklandpostonline.com.

ADVISING

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

CAMPUS

NOVEMBER 15, 2023 | 3

Letter from the Editor: A trip down memory lane ARIANNA HEYMAN Editor-In-Chief

As a self-proclaimed history nerd, I am continually fascinated by the past and how it has impacted our futures. When pondering the idea of a special edition of The Oakland Post, I thought of no greater avenue than to explore and inform the Oakland University (OU) community on the events that have shaped our campus and the lives of former and current students.

In issue seven of volume 49, we want to take a deeper look at some of our history and reflect on how OU’s past still connects to our present.

At The Post, we have an archive of each edition printed from 1959-present. In the past week, the staff of The Oakland Post has carefully combed through these archives to learn more about the history of our campus and find the most interesting content for our community of readers.

As we dug deeper and deeper into OU’s past, we found ourselves shocked by the small details we had never heard before such as OU’s consideration of renaming the college to either Pontiac State University, Wilson University, Dodge University, Rochester University, Varner University and Meadow Brook University.

It was unanimously agreed upon by Oakland Post staff members that this edition was the most fun to research and create. Autumn Okuszka, Content Editor at The Post, stated that the experience of working on this special edition made her feel more deeply connected to the student journalists of the past.

“I felt like I was connecting with the post in a way that I haven’t before by reading some of our previous staff’s stories and hearing their thoughts on stuff that’s happened around campus,” she said. “It almost felt like time traveling into the past.”

Oakland Post marketing director Evelyn Gandarilla commented that going through the post archives was an emotional experience for her.

“It was kind of emotional just seeing other people’s words that were printed out,” she said.

“I really felt like they had no filter back then and what they believed in was what they truly believed in and they would write about it. So it was kind of emotional. They just felt really passionate, and that made me really proud to be an Oakland student.”

Megan Parker, the post’s Managing Editor noticed the attention to detail in every aspect of the designs of the past editions.

“From a design perspective, it was very eye opening to see how much our newspaper has changed over the years and over the decades,” she said. “The style is a lot different and it was really cool to see everything that was created before we got into this era of abundant technology. It was really cool to see custom type and a lot more design work [was] put into the images and the graphics of prior editions.”

On behalf of The Oakland Post team, we hope you enjoy the opportunity to foray into The Oakland Post’s past. It has been an exciting and informative experience for all of us and we hope that you are left with that same sentiment.

GRAPHIC COURTESY OF FOCUS:OAKLAND 11/11/1970

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A history of The Oakland Post ARIANNA HEYMAN Editor-in-Chief

Since its establishment in 1959, The Oakland Post has served as Oakland University’s primary source of student news. The Post has gone through many iterations, but has always stayed consistent in its efforts to inform, educate and enlighten the OU community.

Below, we take a look at some of the different eras of The Oakland Post –– from its founding to present day.

The Oakland Observer 1959-1969 On October 23, 1959, The Oakland Observer released its first edition to the campus community.

The newspaper was written, edited, and published by students under the guidance of OU’s faculty. Oakland’s charter class was asked to name the paper by choosing from a list of several names including “The Oaklander” and “The Egg Head.”

The early editions of The Oakland Observer covered mostly university and campus news, but slowly became more politicized in the 1960’s.

Students from OU’s chapter of Society for a Democratic Society took control of the Observer’s editorial policy and chose to focus on issues

such as the vietnam war and other radical 1960’s movements and sentiments.

Focus: Oakland 1969-1974 Focus: Oakland began publishing in the fall of 1969 and did not shy away from controversial topics. Following in the footsteps of The Oakland Observer in the late 60’s, Focus: Oakland published articles on controversial topics such as women’s liberation, racism and national politics.

Focus: Oakland was at the forefront of reporting on national and international affairs which impacted the student body. The final issue of Focus: Oakland came out in October 1974, as the faculty and students tried to find a better model for the student newspaper format.

The Oakland Sail 1975-1987 President Donald D. O’Dowd stated in the first issue of The Oakland Sail that “we thought it important that there be a newspaper, and it is clear that we can’t have one under that entirely independent policy; it just doesn’t work. So the effort was to find a policy that would be somewhere between the older policy, which truly is independence; and the other option is that the paper, as we used to have it, is sponsored and funded by students through a student fee, where in effect it’s totally a feature of the institution.”

CAMPUS Published bi-weekly, The Oakland Sail focused on campus related events such as student government and parking issues. This was a shift from the political leanings of Focus: Oakland and The later years of The Oakland Observer.

The Oakland Post 1987-present In the Fall of 1987, the newspaper changed its identity once more and became The Oakland Post.

The Oakland Post is owned and operated by the Oakland Sail inc., a nonprofit company which is entirely independent from OU. The Oakland Post covers a variety of issues ranging from campus news to national and international affairs. The Post has become OU’s most trusted source of independent student journalism and offers students the opportunity to lend their voices to a variety of topics without direct involvement from OU faculty. Since 1987, The Oakland Post has stood for honest, objective reporting and treasured the right to a free press.

Information for this article was compiled from The Oakland Post archives.

Matilda Dodge Wilson’s birthday celebrations revisited CHLOE KUKUK Campus Reporter

In Oakland University’s first years, few traditions were more extravagant and involved than Matilda Dodge Wilson’s annual birthday parties hosted on campus on or around Oct. 19.

Although Wilson gave her entire estate to Michigan State University to create OU, she reserved Meadow Brook Hall as her home until her death and lived close to the students on campus. She was frequently seen at the university’s events and, on many occasions, would invite students into her residence. Thus, Wilson became a beloved figure to OU’s first students.

The first known large birthday celebration in Wilson’s honor was a surprise party in the Oakland Center (OC) in 1962, planned by a group of students.

Nearly all the students were present to sing “Happy Birthday” and give Wilson a giant card.

1963 The following year, for Wilson’s 80th birthday, the party was also hosted in the OC and included a giant replica of Meadow Brook Hall, measuring 64 inches long, 40 inches wide and a foot high. The dessert was created by Ed Goodwin, the manager of University Food Services, and took more than 150 hours to make.

The oversized birthday card of the previous year made a return. Wilson was given a 15-foot birthday card signed by all student and faculty members.

She was given 35 roses — the average age of OU’s faculty at the time — and the guests celebrated with music from Stan Kenton and his orchestra.

1964 At midnight on her 81st birthday, Wilson and students rang a bell repainted with OU’s colors that

had been retrieved (under somewhat dubious means) from Delta Upsil-On at MSU, which kicked off the evening’s celebration.

The party was held in the resident cafeteria and was a semi-formal affair. Students, faculty and Wilson herself enjoyed the five-foot-tall birthday cake, topped with a model of the recently-built Baldwin pavilion, which additionally adorned the birthday card she was given, signed by 1,500 students.

The roses made a return — one red rose to signify 50 years of life and 31 yellow.

1965 On her 82nd birthday, Wilson laid the cornerstone of the building to be named in her honor — Matilda R. Wilson Hall. Inside the cornerstone were sealed OU catalogs, issues of The Oakland Observer (OU’s student newspaper of the time) and a copy of the Pontiac Press’s issue announcing OU’s opening.

A birthday party was planned for that Friday night, and a dance was hosted Saturday in the Oakland

Center. Goodwin once again created an extravagant cake modeled after the new building.

1966 Wilson’s most extravagant birthday party at OU — her 83rd — was hosted on Oct. 28 and 29.

The plans for the weekend included a performance from Back Porch Majority, a popular folk band, on Friday night at the Sports and Recreation building.

Students held house parties on Saturday in Fitzgerald, Van Wagoner and Pryale House. Wilson visited each.

Jack Runyon and his orchestra provided the music on Saturday night for the dance. Vandenberg Hall was also dedicated this weekend.

She once again received flowers, an oversized card and a massive cake.

1968 Wilson passed away a month before her 84th birthday in 1967 and paused the traditional celebrations. However, the university once more hosted a fun weekend to celebrate her legacy the following year.

Titled Wilsons’ Weekend, students attended the week’s soccer game on Oct. 12, hosted pre-parties in their dorms at 8 p.m. and “The Night of the Knights Dance” in Vandenberg Hall at 9 p.m.

The Wilsons’ Weekend traditions continued throughout the years. The birthday celebrations in mid-October echo what is now considered OU’s Homecoming weekend, meaning Wilson’s legacy of parties continues to be honored.

Information for this article was compiled from OU Libraries’ archives and The Oakland Observer archives.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OAKLAND OBSERVER ARCHIVES

NOVEMBER 15, 2023 | 5

FEATURES Oakland University’s first student: Lynn Anderson Ruth 6 | NOVEMBER 15, 2023

PAYTON BUCKI Features Editor

In 1959, stellar high school senior Lynn Anderson Ruth was invited to study at the newly established Michigan State University – Oakland (MSU-O). When she went to register for classes, Anderson Ruth received student number 000001, making history as the first MSU-O student.

Anderson Ruth’s eagerness to study at MSU-O faded to apprehension once she realized the high academic rigor that students were subjected to.

“Back then, it was known as ‘Egghead University,’” Anderson Ruth said. “We had 500 students in my freshman class and only about 120 graduated.”

While ‘Egghead University’ may seem like an insult in today’s slang, the term egghead was considered a compliment in the 1960s — at least at Oakland University. n at MSU-O, described an egghead as “an intellectual in the good old sense of the word.”

Hoopes and his fellow faculty members aimed to create eggheads out of all MSU-O students.

Despite the high academic performance expected of MSU-O students, Anderson Ruth found joy in expanding the opportunities

available to students on campus.

“We only had the Foundation buildings for classrooms. We had no residence halls and no library building,” Anderson Ruth said. “We created all our clubs and wrote our constitutional by-laws.

It was fun creating from scratch. You learn so much doing this yourself.”

Anderson Ruth played a large role in establishing the university’s original Student Senate, creating the OU chorus and organizing the Senior Prom at Meadow Brook Hall.

The Senior Prom is considered to be one of the fondest memories MSU-O Charter Class graduates share.

The 60th-anniversary celebration of the MSU-O first graduating class was held this past September at Meadow Brook Hall. Several members of the charter class, including Beverly Miller, recalled the exciting experience.

“For our last year, we had a Senior Prom at Meadow Brook Hall. We wore fancy dresses for the evening and ate breakfast on the lawn of the mansion the next morning,” Miller said. “Even though we entered the university in its formative years, we made the most out of our experience.”

Little did Anderson Ruth know she was paving the way for an annual tradition to be established

for subsequent generations of OU students.

The Meadow Brook Ball is now organized annually by OU students. The ball is hosted at the Meadow Brook estate and invites students to take an evening off their studies by dressing fancy and engaging in activities at the mansion.

Anderson Ruth’s Student Senate has also stood the test of time, evolving into what is presently known as the Oakland University Student Congress (OUSC).

OUSC, like the original Student Senate, encourages students to voice their opinions and concerns about campus happenings. The Congress works together to solve issues brought forth by student body members.

The establishment of the university’s first chorus was further instrumental in developing OU’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SMTD).

Today, the school is well-known for its renowned vocal performances.

First student Lynn Anderson Ruth made several notable contributions to the campus community throughout her years of study at MSU-O. Without Anderson Ruth, OU would not be the postsecondary institution gem it is today.

Notable OU alumni: Barbara Dale, Randall VanWagoner ANA GJORGJEVSKI Features Reporter

Oakland University is proud to have educated a remarkable group of alumni whose achievements span many fields. The successes of the following OU alumni serve as a testament not only to their talent and drive but also to the power of an Oakland University education.

Barbara Dale Barbra Dale is a cartoonist, illustrator and fine artist who attended Oakland University from 1970-1973.

During her time at OU, Dale was an English major.

Dale’s English studies, she says, helped develop her writing skills. A few short years after graduating from OU and attending Cranbrook Academy of Art, Dale created her own company. Using $500 left to her by her grandfather, she printed her own funny and edgy greeting cards known as Dale Cards.

Dale’s hilarious way with words is her own. She has created a wonderful brand and uniqueness about her art. She has received many awards and recognition throughout the decades, including the Jack Davis Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cartooning from the National Cartoonists Society and the Reuben Award Division Finalist in 2001 for Greeting Cards.

“I absolutely love that my time is my own,” Dale said. “I can work when I want, absorb life as much as I want, then delve back into work again. It’s a rhythm that works for me. And, in the end, I create something that didn’t exist before. It feels like playing God.” Dale recognized a few special OU faculty members that allowed her to realize her artistic potential.

“My student advisor and political science professor was Shelley Appleton,” Dale said. “He was wonderful. I also owe a great deal to Helen Schwartz and John Immerwahr. Helen was an English professor, and John taught philosophy.”

Randall VanWagoner Randall VanWagoner is the president of Mohawk Valley Community College in Oneida, New York.

VanWagoner attended OU as a transfer student from the fall of 1987 until May 1990. During his time at OU, he received a bachelor’s degree in communications.

“I found a supportive place at Oakland where I could make some mistakes — learning the hard way — and have the mentors around to help me grow and give myself some grace as I clarified my future,” VanWagoner said.

“I had several meaningful opportunities to test myself — particularly in my senior year when I was a resident assistant with the men’s swim team on 2nd Hill House, played on the golf team and had on-campus jobs working in the office of the dean of students a few days a week and the fun job of being intramural coordinator most nights.”

Becoming an RA on campus helped VanWagoner focus on his passions and make memorable connections with other students and faculty.

VanWagoner was a popular face on campus. In fact, at his graduation, he was one of the three finalists for the Alfred Wilson Award.

Upon graduation, VanWagoner was accepted into the University of Michigan School of Education and received his master’s degree in community college administration. Later, he received a Ph.D. in higher education leadership.

VanWagoner’s career started in Ann Arbor at the Washtenaw Community College and took him to New York, where he has served as president of Mohawk Valley for 17 years.

VanWagoner’s other notable accomplishments are publishing a book, “Competing on Culture,” and becoming the chief academic officer at Red Rocks Community College and Metropolitain Community College. VanWagoner is the second longest-serving president of his current college.

VanWagoner recognized a few faculty members who made his OU experience memorable and extraordinary.

“The people that literally changed my trajectory were Jean Ann Miller and David Herman,” VanWagoner said. “Jean Ann hired me as an RA and helped me see strengths I didn’t know I had and apply them in ways that have helped me become the professional I am today. I owe her so much for tapping me on the shoulder and saying, ‘Hey, you can be more than you think.’”

Miller introduced VanWagoner to David Herman, the dean of students at the time.

“Dean Herman took an interest in me, and even though I was just a student worker, he’d take time out of his day to ask me questions and have these mentoring conversations about my future,” VanWagoner said. “There I was a senior with no real plan after graduation, with unemployment at 14%, and he helped me reflect on my experience at Mott Community College and told me I could go to graduate school and have a career working in community colleges.”

Joe Davidson Joe Davidson is a federal insider columnist at The Washington Post. Davidson attended OU from 1967 to 1971 and received his bachelor’s degree in education and political science. Davidson was also awarded the Wilson Award for Outstanding Male Graduate.

During his time at OU, Davidson, at the bequest of Chancellor Woody Varner, met with the publisher of The News.

To continue reading, visit oaklandpostonline.com

FEATURES

NOVEMBER 15, 2023 | 7

OU’s first recycling program: residence halls environmental committee PAYTON BUCKI Features Editor

Campus sustainability has been a hot-button issue in the minds of Oakland University community members, especially in recent times.

This year, activists have made many gains in preserving campus sustainability. In January, a student-led protest—and subsequent negotiations— led to the suspension of East Campus development considerations. Throughout the spring, pollinator gardens bloomed around campus due to the hard work of the Pollinator Conservation Organization and Oakland University Student Congress (OUSC).

In June, OU hosted the fourth annual Michigan Climate Summit. During the summit, it was announced a director would be hired to head the university’s first sustainability program.

October, sustainability month, saw an increase in environmentally conscious initiatives, one of which was the first-ever sustainability showcase.

At the showcase, a large array of organizations — including the Student Organic Farm, CASE-OU, the Vintage and Secondhand Fashion Club and Sustaining Our Planet Earth (SOPE) — promoted their eco-friendly missions to attendees.

Environmental activism and education are values held by many. However, it would be remiss to ignore the efforts of the 1989 residence halls council

in advancing the proliferation of sustainability initiatives on campus.

Residence halls council: Environmental committee The OU residence halls council established its first environmental committee in 1989. The committee established a recycling program, encouraging residential students to promote environmentally conscious living practices.

Autumn Page, the marketing director of The Oakland Post in 2020, wrote an article chronicling the historic efforts of the first sustainability-focused student organization on campus.

“We want to maintain and promote a nice environment to be seen outside and inside the campus,” Kathy Terbrack, vice president of the residence halls council and coordinator of the environmental committee, said.

Recycling bins were placed on each floor of every residence building to promote the initiative.

Recyclable items included flyers, typing paper, note pads, computer paper, brown grocery bags, corrugated cardboard, glass containers with no lids and metal containers, like pop cans.

The recycling program saw much success.

Residential students eagerly engaged in the program, seeing their actions as a small part of a larger movement.

“My roommates and I went and got one of the recycling bins they have been giving out. It’s not

like it’s hard to recycle, and a lot of good comes out of it, so why not?” Kelley Lind, a Vandenburg Hall resident, said.

Sustainability in the residence halls today Today, the residential hall recycling program has evolved under the guidance of Sustaining Our Planet Earth (SOPE). SOPE is an OU Housing student-staff-led organization that promotes environmental awareness and supports sustainability projects on campus.

Members of SOPE are responsible for leading the residential recycling program, which has evolved greatly since 1989.

“SOPE ambassadors take out recycling from the residential halls each week,” Christina Eisenman, a SOPE ambassador, said. “We also educate students on which items are recyclable and which are not.”

In addition to managing the residential recycling program, SOPE provides environmental education to students by hosting engaging programs throughout the school year.

“In the past, we organized a program that taught students about microplastics. We handed out free water bottles at the event,” Eisenman said.

SOPE is committed to promoting sustainability awareness on campus. Yet, the important organization would not exist if it were not for the efforts the 1989 residence halls council made to establish the first campus recycling program at OU.

From Rochester Hills to Hollywood Hills: Actor Curtis Armstrong’s ties to OU AUTUMN OKUSZKA Content Editor

Curtis Armstrong wasn’t always an actor on TV and film, cementing his name in timeless classics and starring alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest names. He was once an aspiring actor at Oakland University, performing in plays produced

by Meadow Brook Theatre and studying at the Academy of Dramatic Art (ADA).

Armstrong was born in Detroit and lived in Switzerland for a few years before returning to the area. He attended Anderson Middle School, where his aspiration to become an actor developed from his first mentors – his teachers.

“At Anderson, we had a teacher for speech and drama named Will Young,” Armstrong said. “Will was an actor – a professional actor who had started a family, so he was teaching… so he was the one who really inspired me at that age, like, ninth grade.”

Armstrong then started pursuing anything and everything involving dramatic acting. He attended Berkley High School, meeting two more teachers who were vital in developing the actor Armstrong is known as today.

“When I went up to Berkley High School, Dwayne Thompson was there. He was one of the two drama teachers, and then there was a speech teacher named Peggy Metzger,” Armstrong said. “I think that they saw that I didn’t have a lot going for me except this [acting]… these were people who really set that fire.”

Through Thompson, Armstong discovered the ADA at OU. Established by John Fernald of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, the academy ran as a counterpart to Meadow Brook

Theatre, existing from 1967 to 1977.

Despite the school sounding like everything he could’ve dreamed of, Armstrong attended Western Michigan University his first year to appease his parents, who didn’t want him to pursue acting.

Nevertheless, once they moved to the U.K., Armstrong moved to OU. Armstrong (center) in a Meadow Brook production of William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” Photo courtesy of Oakland University Under the direction of Fernald, Armstrong recalls the ADA as “an English school in all but geographic location.” However, once Armstrong became a part of the academy, he says the school had changed.

“Paul Lee, who was sort of the artistic director, one of the English contingent, left,” Armstrong said.

“An American teacher came in named Al Lucia who was this sort of rough, New York Neighborhood

PHOTO COURTESY OF CURTIS ARMSTRONG Armstrong as Miles Dalby in “Risky Business.”

Playhouse type of guy who could not have clashed more completely with this tradition… between the time I auditioned and the time that I finally went there, there had been this change.”

Despite this change, Armstrong still benefited from his education at the ADA. After graduating in 1975, Armstrong and some classmates formed the theatre troupe, “Roadside Attractions,” performing first in Ann Arbor before moving to the Attic Theatre in Detroit.

Armstrong also continued a relationship with his teachers at the ADA as they aided him and his classmates in producing productions put on by their troupe.

“We asked them [ADA teachers] to continue workshops with us so we could keep learning.

Some of them came and directed plays for us in Ann Arbor,” he said. “They were seeing, in front of them, in real time, the effect that they were having on people beyond graduation.”

Armstrong continued acting at Meadow Brook Theatre long after graduating from the ADA. Here he is in a production of “Present Laughter” in 1985.

Photo courtesy of The Oakland Sail Archives Armstrong heavily focused on classical theatre for several years, portraying characters such as Puck in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and Sylvestre in “The Adventures of Scapin,” both Meadow Brook productions. After being a part of plays that got some notice, Armstrong began to audition for movie roles.

Armstrong’s first movie role was in a little movie called “Risky Business,” released in 1983. Starring alongside Tom Cruise, Armstrong played Miles Dalby, a role that changed everything for him.

Read more at oaklandpostonline.com

8 | NOVEMBER 15, 2023

Oakland’s first lady, Matilda Dodge Wilson ANA GJORGJEVSKI Features Reporter

Matilda Dodge Wilson was born in Walkerton, Canada, in 1883 and became one of the most influential women of 20th-century America. Wilson is best known for her contributions to the founding of Oakland University and the lasting legacy she left upon the institution.

“While in the early years, her [Wilson] goal was to uplift the poor, both physically and emotionally, later she concentrated on higher education and cultural enhancement in southeastern Michigan,” Laura S. Riggs, author of “The Responsible Philanthropy of Matilda Dodge Wilson,” said.

Although she was born in Canada, Wilson’s family moved to Detroit shortly after her birth in 1884. She attended Detroit Public Schools and later graduated from Gorsline Business College in 1902.

After graduation, Wilson found employment as a secretary to John and Horace Dodge at their automotive business, the Dodge Motor Company.

Wilson found passion and love through her job as a secretary under the Dodge Brothers. In 1907, she married John Dodge.

Throughout her marriage, Wilson maintained the

Meadow Brook Hall estate — the property would later be donated to Oakland University and be a cornerstone of its vibrant and cumulative history.

Even while maintaining multiple households, including the Meadow Brook Farms property and her family home in Grosse Pointe, Wilson made a point to ensure that she never neglected her interests. Wilson enjoyed several hobbies, including art, history, agriculture and philanthropy.

After the passing of her first husband, John Dodge, Wilson inherited his shares in the burgeoning Dodge Motor Company. In 1924, Wilson and Anna Dodge — Horace Dodge’s widow — sold the company.

In 1925, Wilson married Alfred Wilson, and they settled down in the Dodge farmhouse located on the Meadow Brook estate.Wilson gradually expanded the farmland and stock over the years, and by 1939, the farm was spread over 2,600 acres.

John Hanna provided valuable assistance to Wilson in developing Meadow Brook’s poultry stock, and they became close friends.

Hanna became the president of Michigan State University in 1941. In 1957, Wilson donated the Meadow Brook estate to the school, becoming Michigan State Univeristy-Oakland (MSU-O).

Along with their land, the couple donated $2 million to help fund the school.

FEATURES

In 1963, the school was renamed Oakland University. OU became independent of MSU in 1970.

During the founding and establishment of OU, Wilson served as the first female lieutenant governor of Michigan, much to the disappointment of many male politicians.

Despite the judgment of her male political peers, Wilson was not unfamiliar with being recognized as the smart and capable woman she was. In her lifetime, she was board chairman of Fidelity Bank and Trust Company, elected to the State Board of Agriculture (the governing board of MSU) and served as a trustee on MSU’s board for a few years.

“Matilda Wilson was a tremendously vital person.

She was 83 years old when she died, and she died in Belgium on a search for new blood for her line of Belgian draft horses. This is an example of the energy she put into her work,” Frederick Nash, Matilda R. Wilson fund former president, said.

Matilda Dodge Wilson should be remembered for her outstanding achievements in postsecondary education. Even today, Oakland University continues to impact the lives of thousands of students each year.

To learn more about Matilda Dodge Wilson’s lasting legacy, visit the Meadow Brook Hall webpage.

Posties share their favorite decade THE OAKLAND POST The 60s was a time of counterculture, mod fashion and “The Animals.” The 70s had Watergate, bell-bottoms and disco ruled the airwaves. MTV launched in the 80s, and with it brought Michael Jackson to the forefront. The 90s was when The Fresh Prince moved to Bel-Air, and everyone around the world gained five more “Friends.”

The 2000s saw the rise of YouTubers, and Barack Obama was elected as the 44th president of the United States.

Whether lived through or heard about through stories from those who were “there when it happened,” everyone has a favorite decade they’ve lived through or wish they’d lived through. Posties share their favorite ones below.

Courtney Blackett, Photographer My favorite decade is the 70s because of the music!

Donna Summers is my go-to.

Mallory Waligora, Political Reporter My favorite decade is the 80s! Nothing is more iconic than scrunchies, windbreakers, big hair and bright colors.

Not to mention the music and movies – Top Gun, E.T., Dirty Dancing, Michael Jackson and Madonna. Nobody puts Baby in a corner!

Christian Udeozor-Nweke, Graphic Designer My favorite decade is the early 2000s! Something about the old nostalgic feeling of the music, TV shows, commercials, fashion and food gets me going!

I remember waking up to iconic commercials early in the morning and doing dance battles with iPods blasting music in the background. Those times were honestly some of the best memories I have.

Megan Judy, Graphic Designer My favorite decade is the 80s because of the music. I feel like music changed so drastically in the 80s, and so many sub-genres emerged, such as 80s new wave. Some of my favorite bands are Tears for Fears, Hall & Oates, Wham! and Talking Heads.

I feel that so much creativity and good art/media was born, and I take so much inspiration from that time period. I would definitely use a Walkman if I had one!

Autumn Okuszka, Content Editor My favorite decade is the 80s. As the child of parents who grew up in that era, I’ve known the words to “(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)” by the Beastie Boys and “Walk This Way” by Run-D.M.C. and have been saying, “I was born in the wrong generation” since the fifth grade.

The ’80s just seemed like such a fun time. From “We Are the World” to Live Aid, what other decade sees the best of the best in the music industry join together for the sake of charity? There will never be another decade quite like the 80s.

Brock Heilig, Sports Editor I love everything about the 90s. I would have loved to grow up in such an awesome decade. Music was great, and fashion was solid, but the selection of TV shows in the ‘90s is truly unmatched. Headlined by “Friends” (the greatest show of all time, in my opinion), the ‘90s featured some of the best TV shows I’ve ever seen. “Boy Meets World,” “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “King of Queens” are all shows I still watch to this day.

Additionally, the University of Michigan featured the Fab Five, two Heisman Trophy winners (Desmond Howard and Charles Woodson) and a football national championship in 1997. The ‘90s might be the best decade in human history.

Ana Gjorgjevski, Features Reporter My favorite decade is a toss-up between the 70s and 80s. Both had iconic fashion trends and media that became the blueprint for later decades. I love the big hair and bold colors of the 80s combined with the amazing sitcoms such as “Designing Women” that incorporated both those aspects wonderfully as well as many iconic soundtracks from movies during that time.

The sitcoms of the 70s were another ballpark, and nothing, to this day, can compare. “One Day At A Time,”

‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” and movies like “What’s Up Doc?” were all born in the 70s and left an everlasting impression on the industry. I have most of these on VHS, DVD box set, or vinyl!

Moe Del Rosario, Arts Reporter My favorite decade is probably the 80s. It’s a mix of loving the movies that came out from that decade, like “E.T.,” “Heathers,” “The Empire Strikes Back” and also loving the music. My dad is an avid listener of 80s rock, especially when he was first learning English, so I grew up listening to that and was constantly surrounded by it.

I also really enjoy 80s fashion. It was definitely an iconic era, and the use of color is amusing to see. Comics were at a peak in the 80s too, so overall, it was a great decade for media and fashion.

Chloe Kukuk, Campus Reporter I’m obsessed with all things vintage, but if I had to choose only one decade to call my favorite overall, I would probably say the 60s! Not only is the fashion iconic — any other mod fashion fans in here? — but I enjoy reading about the culture (and counterculture) of the time period.

The 1960s was also when the New Journalism movement began, and that movement established a lot of the reasons why I enjoy journalism today.

Noah Francis, Features Reporter The 90s are by far my favorite decade. The fashion was iconic, it was the golden age of hip-hop music, many classic TV shows started, but my favorite aspect would be strides in video game history.

Starting the decade off with the Super Nintendo, many unforgettable gaming experiences originated here. Sega unleashed “Sonic the Hedgehog” into the world a year later, with his classic trilogy taking the gaming scene by storm. Gaming leaped into the third dimension with Sony’s first Playstation, the Sega Saturn and the Nintendo 64. For the gaming scene, the 80s walked so the 90s could run.

Read more at oaklandpostonline.com

The Space Race, college rivalries and the pioneer spirit — The creation of OU Oakland University was not always Oakland University.

One of the younger universities in the state, OU began as Michigan State University-Oakland (MSU-O), a sister school to MSU. The establishment was made possible by a donation from Matilda Dodge Wilson and Alfred Wilson to MSU in 1957. The couple donated the entirety of their 1,400-acre estate to become OU’s campus and donated an additional $2 million to establish the university.

The Wilsons were approached by Robert Swanson, chairman of the Oakland County Planning Committee, with the idea of situating a college campus on the Meadow Brook estate at a time when there was a growing need for higher education in the area — in 1957, Oakland County was the largest county in Michigan without a public university.

Matilda had already considered what to do with the estate and was pleased with establishing a college — especially with MSU, as she had earlier served on the university’s Board of Regents. She had asked MSU president John Hannah if he was interested in the new campus being affiliated with MSU, to which he heartily agreed.

The donation was announced in early 1957 by Matilda at a luncheon for industrial, business, educational and political leaders from Oakland County and representatives of MSU at Bloomfield Hills Country Club.

“We are very happy to turn Meadow Brook Farms over to Michigan State University. My long association with Michigan State University has shown me the tremendous contribution it is making to our educational and cultural life,” Matilda said. “Mr. Wilson and I have admired the policies adopted in East Lansing, and we believe the institution has a tremendous future in this area. We are very happy to be of assistance.”

D.B. Varner, former MSU vice-president of off-campus education and legislative relations, spearheaded the creation of the university and became its first chancellor. In a 1996 interview, he said he felt like “a real pioneer” in the venture.

In the background of MSU-O’s founding was the rivalry between MSU and the University of Michigan (U-M) — as Varner tells it, there were rumors U-M was surrounding MSU with branch campuses to “choke it out.” When Varner received a call that U-M was about to announce a donation from Ford Motor Company to create a branch in Dearborn, the deal between MSU and Matilda

was expedited and announced ahead of U-M. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on May 2, 1958. In the fall of 1959, OU held its first convocation. OU had merely two buildings, 24 faculty members — all young, new PhDs — and 570 first-year students. It had no sororities, fraternities, athletics and dormitories for the sake of being “no frills” — an idea that emerged out of the Meadow Brook seminars in 1958, which brought together leaders from several fields to flesh out the idea of the university.

Varner said the Space Race was a huge factor in determining the university’s vision.

“Here Russia already had Sputnik One going around the world, and we were sitting here twiddling our thumbs wondering why we hadn’t been able to do it,” he said. “There was a lot of heat generated about what higher education was doing, that maybe it was frittering away its resources when we should have been doing things more visible in terms of world leadership. That was part of the background of this whole institution and the development of it and its curriculum.”

Faculty and students had a very close relationship in the early years, mingling at picnics, square dances and other events hosted by the administration. Local farms accommodated students, and a faculty subdivision was built on the east side of campus for faculty to live nearby.

Additionally, Matilda was active in the community, for she still lived on the estate. She was often seen at tea parties, balls and graduation ceremonies — at the charter class’s senior dance, she gave each student a gold class ring with a diamond.

MSU-O was renamed OU in early 1963, though it remained affiliated with MSU until 1970. By that point, the university began to flourish with over 5,000 students, five major schools, a graduate program and continued to grow after gaining independence.

Looking back, Varner said the community that came together made the university possible.

“We were a team. It’s one of the great strengths of Oakland,” Varner said. “We had a family mentality that we had a task to do, and we buckled down, all of us. We sort of held hands and gathered in a tight circle.”

Story by Chloe Kukuk | Design by Megan Parker & Sean Whitaker

ARTS

12 | NOVEMBER 15, 2023

Taking a walk down ‘Abbey Road’ OLIVIA CHIAPPELLI Arts Editor

The Beatles shot one of the most famous album covers of all time on Aug. 8, 1969, and did not even have to write their band’s name or album title on it to get the world to pay attention.

John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney and George Harrison were photographed walking single file on a zebra crossing on Abbey Road outside of EMI Studios — known today as Abbey Road Studios — and history was made.

The Beatles released their eleventh studio album “Abbey Road” on Sept. 26, 1969. The now iconic album — and arguably most recognizable — was the last to be recorded by the band. However, it was not the last album to be released.

“Abbey Road” was recorded during April, July and August of 1969, while the band’s album “Let It Be” was recorded in January 1969 and released in May 1970 — after their April 1970 breakup.

Focus Oakland — the Oakland Post’s previous name from December 1969 to October 1974 — was not yet prescient to this pop culture-defining event when they reviewed “Abbey Road” for their Oct. 15, 1969 issue, yet their review was timelessly prophetic.

“There is the feeling in it that the 70s are coming, ‘Wrap it up, get it together and be ready!’ But there is also a nostalgic feeling that the Beatles were concluding their decade and are preparing for the next — or maybe that they have no idea at all of what’s liable to come

after this,” Focus Oakland writer Allan wrote in their review of the album.

Despite the common conclusion today that “Abbey Road” is a classic, the album was met with mixed reviews upon its release, with critics calling it complicated, inauthentic and artificial because of its musical inventiveness and apparent incongruity.

PHOTO BY COURTESY OF RECORDMECCA

“Then, ‘Oh, Darling’ hits an immediate and heavy 1956 rock. Yech. If one is inclined to be repulsed by the 50’s sound — he’ll be prone to nausea here,” Allan said.

When digging through the archives of past Focus Oakland stories, reading this review from 1969 and relistening to “Abbey Road” in 2023, it is hard to imagine that the long-held classics of my life had once been seen as anything but.

Songs like “Come Together,” “Oh! Darling,” “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” and “Here Comes The Sun” are some of my favorite Beatles songs of all time, and now viewing them through a different lens has only made them better, personally. Even songs that the Beatles themselves didn’t hold in high regard like “Mean Mr Mustard” and “Her Majesty” have become cheeky reflections of the band’s musical style.

The creative songwriting, inventive production and emotionally gripping moments of juxtaposition from track to track on “Abbey Road” display the Beatles at their very best — a fact that is maybe better defined in hindsight.

That is not to say the genius of the Beatles and “Abbey Road” was completely overlooked upon its initial release. But rather, people were still putting together the pieces of what the Beatles’ musical legacy would be for decades to come.

“At any rate, it’s the Beatles: Unpredictable, heavy, beautiful, sickeningly sweet and well done. If only I knew what they were trying to do to me! But that’s how one always feels with any of their new works,” Allan said.

Fleetwood Mac and the rumors behind “Rumours” MOE DEL ROSARIO Arts Reporter

Rock bands were never short of making history, but few are still gossiped about today. Fleetwood Mac is one of those bands.

First created in 1967, Fleetwood Mac was formed with members Peter Green, Mick Fleetwood, Jeremy Spencer and Bob Brunning. As the band continued to evolve, new members were introduced and replaced initial members. Currently, the band consists of Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Stevie Nicks, Mike Campbell and Neil Finn.

Fleetwood Mac is known for many things. With 18 studio albums, 25 songs that landed on Billboard’s singles charts and seven Grammy nominations, the group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.

Interestingly enough, the band is also notable for the drama surrounding a good portion of their history.

“Rumours” — the band’s album released in 1977 — is one of the biggest turning points in the group’s long run of internal dilemma.

In 1973, one of the initial breaking points shined with guitarist Bob Weston having an affair with Fleetwood’s then-wife Jenny Boyd. Weston was fired from the group, which introduces two new faces: Lindsay Buckingham and, of course, Stevie Nicks.

At this point, several tensions had brewed within the group — especially with couples like John and Christine McVie and Nicks and Buckingham.

“Rumours” brought the tension within the group to

light. The album was released at the height of turmoil — from more affairs to drug abuse, there was no shortage of gossip involved.

The album was released on Feb. 4, 1977, and featured songs like “The Chain,” Dreams” and “You Make Loving Fun.” It also was the first of Fleetwood Mac’s albums to hit number one on the UK Albums Chart.

“Dreams” hit Billboard’s Hot 100 top 10 at number one. “Rumours” even sold over 10 million copies in the first month of release.

Some lyrics used in songs were direct jabs at other group members. One iconic example of this is the first line of “Dreams,” where Nicks writes directly to Buckingham.

The tour expanded on the drama — if that’s even possible. The group now had to perform these songs with each other for over a year amid their peak drug use and new affairs forming.

The tour ended, and a new album was in the works.

However, the group could barely stand one another enough to work on it together — yet did for another decade. Individual members started solo careers, and in the end, Buckingham left the group for good. Other members soon followed.

The group has had several reunions throughout the years, with new albums here and there, but after the death of Christine McVie, they are no longer touring together.

“Who am I going to look over to on the right and have them not be there behind that Hammond organ? When she died, I figured we really can’t go any further with this. There’s no reason to,” Nicks said in an interview with Vulture.

The drama surrounding the group has even served as inspiration for modern media, such as the book — and now miniseries on Amazon Prime — “Daisy Jones & The Six” written by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

“Sometimes you forget...the enormity of 50 years of making music and being lucky to do that and blessed to do that, and when you get something like this happens, you’re really grateful for what you’ve been part of,” Fleetwood said to CBS News.

Fleetwood Mac has 33.8 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Their popularity hasn’t diminished, and I hope it never does. And while they’ve all gone their separate ways, it’s important to remember the good parts of the group’s long-lived career and everything they created.

PHOTO BY COURTESY OF NPR

ARTS

Iconic movies decade by decade MOE DEL ROSARIO Arts Reporter

Films play an important role in society and pop culture. Each decade produces films that portray what audiences want to see, and how they respond could create classics we still watch today. The movies listed below are what I would consider classics to this day.

1950s: “Singin’ in the Rain” “Singin’ in the Rain” was released on April 11, 1952, and was considered one of the greatest Hollywood musicals ever made. Iconic actors Gene Kelly, Stanley Donen and Betty Comden starred in this technicolor film.

The film’s premise is a retelling of the era change in Hollywood films from silent films to what is known as “talkies” — films with audio and dialogue. The film was made with no intention of

receiving the recognition it got. “[Co-writer] Adolph Green was the only person who really thought that it might have legs. And the others thought that ‘An American in Paris’ would be the sine qua non of the American movie musical.

But interestingly also, Stanley Donen did not think ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ would make it at all,” Patricia Ward Kelly — leading actor Gene Kelly’s wife — said in an interview with Indiewire.

1960s: “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” Released on Oct. 5, 1961, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” became a pop culture phenomenon for both the fashion of iconic actress Audrey Hepburn and the song “Moon River” — written for the film.

With the positives of this movie, it is also important to note the negatives as white actor Mickey Rooney uses yellowface to portray hurtful stereotypes as Mr. Yunioshi, Holly’s neighbor. “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” has been shown in theaters several times since its release but received a restoration in 2016.

“Technology has advanced to a point now where we can make changes to make things look better than we ever could before. What you see is really crystal clear and fantastic,” Vice President of Archive for Paramount Andrea Kala said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times.

1970s: “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” Science fiction kicked off earlier in the 1950s, but “Star Wars” — retroactively retitled “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” — helped the genre peak in popularity.

This film — released on May 25, 1977 — was

NOVEMBER 15, 2023 | 13

the beginning of one of the most popular movie series of all time. The Star Wars franchise now has 12 different films, 11 shows and over 300 books and comics. The list continues to grow, with no end in sight.

1980s: “The Breakfast Club” “The Breakfast Club” — released Feb. 15, 1985 — is another iconic yet problematic film. The film’s theme consists of how teenagers can struggle with their identities — both with adults and themselves.

This sparked the uprise of teen angst films, which have become a staple in society.

That being said, this film also sparked controversy for things such as Claire being sexually harassed by her love interest, Bender, with no apology given.

1990s: “10 Things I Hate About You” The late 1990s were the peak of popularity for rom-coms, and films like “10 Things I Hate About You” helped define that. Released on March 31, 1999, “10 Things I Hate About You” stars Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger in a modern retelling of William Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.”

This film now has a cult following and is known as a classic in the teen rom-com genre — for good reason. This film also introduced many well-known actors and actresses of today.

Overall, each film listed above has its beauties and flaws, but each has also remained relevant in conversations about film. It is important to address the unacceptable problems with classic films, but it is also important to discuss how they changed how we view films and society today.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE IRISH NEWS

Five albums turning 50 in 2023 AUTUMN OKUSZKA Content Editor

1973 – It’s the year the United States withdrew from Vietnam, the World Trade Center opened in New York City and the year Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in the Battle of the Sexes.

It’s also the year many music artists began or continued their careers, creating albums many still listen to today, fifty years after their release. Below is a list of five albums released in 1973 that people still play today, whether through vinyl records or Spotify.

“Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.” – Bruce Springsteen “The Boss” debuted on Jan. 5, 1973, with “Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.,” peaking at 60 on the U.S. Billboard 200. However, the album was almost not as successful as it came to be.

Springsteen first submitted the album to Columbia Records in 1972. Clive Davis, president of Columbia Records, rejected it, feeling the record lacked a hit single. Springsteen then wrote and recorded “Spirit in the Night” and “Blinded by the Light” – later made a hit by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band – and the rest is history.

Lester Bangs of Rolling Stone reviewed the album on July 5, 1973, admiring Springsteen as a “bold new talent with more than a mouthful to say.”

With songs like “Born to Run” and “Born in the U.S.A.” just around the corner, it’s unquestionable that Springsteen’s commentary on the world around him didn’t end with his debut album.

“The Dark Side of the Moon” – Pink Floyd The album that pairs well with “The Wizard of Oz”

and “Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2” arrived on the scene on March 1, 1973. Widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, “The Dark Side of the Moon” has sold more than 45 million units worldwide.

Pink Floyd’s concept album explores the human experience through themes such as time, greed, death and mental illness, specifically, former bandmate Syd Barrett’s battle with mental illness.

Barrett, who founded Pink Floyd, left the group in 1968 when his mental health worsened after excessive use of psychedelic drugs.

Lloyd Grossman of Rolling Stone reviewed the album on May 24, 1973. He recognized its brilliance by saying, “‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ has flash – the true flash that comes from the excellence of a superb performance.”

Pink Floyd would follow up “The Dark Side of the Moon” with other concept albums such as “Animals,” released in 1977, and “The Wall,” released in 1979.

“Queen” – Queen The world first heard Freddie Mercury’s voice on Queen’s self-titled debut album, released on July 13, 1973. With songs like “Keep Yourself Alive,” “Doing Alright,” “Liar” and “Jesus,” it was clear Queen would soon be a rock and roll staple.

The album also featured an instrumental of “Seven Seas of Rhye,” which would later appear in its entirety on Queen’s second album, “Queen II,” released in 1974. “Seven Seas of Rhye” would be the band’s first hit, reaching number 10 on the UK Singles Chart.

Gordon Fletcher of Rolling Stone reviewed the album on Dec. 6, 1973, stating Queen shall soon be known as the “new Led Zeppelin.” He also says

GRAPHIC BY MEGAN JUDY

Mercury has a strong, steady voice that doesn’t lack power and authority.

The comparison between Led Zeppelin and Queen isn’t far-fetched. Rolling Stone readers ranked Robert Plant, lead singer of Led Zeppelin, and Mercury side by side in an article about the best lead singers of all time.

(Continue on our website)

POLITICS

14 | NOVEMBER 15, 2023

A brief history of student activism efforts on OU’s campus MALLORY WALIGORA Political Reporter

Oakland University has a rich history of young adult political activism. Students are young and have new ideas, and most importantly, they believe they can change the world.

The one thing that has changed over time is what students have protested about. From international events to local university issues, OU students have made their voices heard throughout the university’s history.

The Vietnam War protests of the late 1960s are considered one of the first student activism efforts.

The protests were mainly led by younger adults and college students, partly due to the Selective Service’s draft of young adult citizens aged 18 to 26.

In 1968, 12 OU students working at Trumbull Terrace, a restaurant, wore political slogans criticizing Vietnam on their work uniforms. Student workers wanted a right to express their political opinions. An article written by Ruth Louisell in The Oakland Post covers the protest in detail.

“The students had been asked to wear paper hats that evening to fulfill the county health requirements.

When they asked their supervisor if they could write anti-war slogans on the hats, she gave them permission,” Louisell wrote.

After the students wrote anti-war slogans on their hats, a pro-war customer reported his irritation to the restaurant’s supervisor.

“Do you have cages for these animals?” the

Oakland University students join state-wide rally in Lansing against higher tuition. Photo courtesy of The Oakland Post archives

customer said.

The older gentleman was angered by the antiwar slogans and didn’t want any political messages disrupting his dinner.

“As a result of this customer’s complaint, student employees were asked to remove their hats or punch out. Twelve of them decided the issue involved was serious enough to warrant their leaving,” Louisell wrote.

Shortly after the symbolic protests at Trumbull Terrace, OU students organized an on-campus campaign. The students wrote leaflets that advocated against the Vietnam War, and a rally was planned. The students threatened to picket the restaurant if their rally was not successful. Around 100 students attended the protest following the incident at The Terrace.

Dean Dutton, OU’s dean in 1968, posted an

announcement supporting the activism efforts.

“Students can wear any slogans they so desire for the time being,” Dutton wrote.

After returning to work at Trumbull Terrace, the students continued to sport their slogans.

In the 1970s, student concern shifted to rising tuition prices. In 1976, OU students participated in a state-wide protest effort with college students from across Michigan. The students gathered in Lansing to protest tuition hikes.

David Ross published an article for The Oakland Post regarding the protest efforts.

“It was an amazing spectacle as over 800 students from colleges throughout the statement in Lansing to protest against higher tuition,” Ross wrote.

The Students Association for Lower Tuition (SALT) and the Michigan Higher Education Student Association (MHESA) organized the protest.

In support of the protest, students boycotted class on Oct. 13, 1976. Several student organizations gathered at the protest, and speakers took the stand to share ideas and rally support. University Congress bused over 26 students to attend the protest in Lansing.

“I was extremely impressed with the rally. I think it’s going to be a stepping stone,” 1976 University Congress President Don Fuller said.

These issues, including high tuition and U.S. involvement in international wars, are still major concerns for OU students. Contemporary student activism efforts suggest that today’s students are just as, if not more, politically engaged than previous generations.

An overview of the history of abortion in the U.S. NOAH THOMASON Political Reporter

On Nov. 7, Ohio voted to guarantee the right to an abortion in its constitution. Ohio’s fight for abortion rights is one case of a fight on this issue since the historic decision of Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court 18 months ago.

With abortion rights being an ever more present issue, it’s important to recognize history to know how we got to the state we’re in today. Let’s start with what led up to the Roe v. Wade decision.

Roe v. Wade was a landmark Supreme Court decision in 1973 that protected abortion rights in every state through the 14th Amendment’s due process clause. This

PHOTO BY COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES

decision came after decades of fighting laws restricting abortion access since the 1880s.

As we’ve seen with the recent overturning of Roe v.

Wade, the anti-abortion side did not give up their fight to keep abortions illegal. Much of the fighting against abortion sought to limit its access through policies such as the Hyde Amendment in 1976, which forbade federal funding for abortions.

Under the Reagan administration, a global gag order was put in place that bans any organization that gets U.S. health aid from providing information on abortions or referrals for them. This ban has been rescinded during Democrat presidential administrations and upheld during Republican presidential administrations.

There was one step forward for abortion rights in 1981. The Supreme Court ruled that pregnant minors no longer needed parental permission to get an abortion, but they still needed to petition the court for permission. However, in 1989, the Supreme Court ruled state funds, facilities and employees could not help in any way with abortions.

This Supreme Court decision, combined with the Hyde Amendment banning federal funding, were significant blows to the accessibility of abortion care.

These funding restrictions, combined with state laws requiring unnecessary restrictions on abortion clinics, made them difficult to find until some states had only one abortion clinic.

In 1994, President Bill Clinton signed the Freedom of Access to Clinics Act, which made it illegal to interfere with abortion clinic workers and patients through any acts of violence or physical obstructions.

Later, Congress attempted to make it illegal for a doctor to perform a partial-birth abortion unless it was needed to save the mother’s life.

President Clinton vetoed this legislation, but his successor, President George W. Bush, would pass it in 2003.

In 2016, there was one last significant win for abortion access from the Supreme Court. The Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt case ruled that Texas could not create restrictions on abortion access that would make it too difficult for women to get an abortion.

In 2022, it was revealed that the Supreme Court intended to rule against Roe v. Wade, which spelled the end for the historic decision. On June 24, the Supreme Court made its ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade, which has gotten the U.S. to its current situation where states either fervently battle to protect abortion access or ban it.

Currently, about 21 states have banned abortion or set early restrictions on the procedure. But, there is good news for abortion rights advocates as even conservative states such as Kansas have recently voted against ballot measures that would have led to an abortion ban. Other examples of victories for abortion access include California, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana and Vermont voting for some ballot measures that favor abortion rights.

Abortion access has been an issue that’s motivated Democrats to vote, as seen with 60% of Virginia voters saying abortion was a “very important” issue when voting in their state’s election on Nov. 7, where Democrats took back both state’s legislative chambers.

NOVEMBER 15, 2023 | 15 POLITICS When fashion meets finance: The hemline index MALLORY WALIGORA Political Reporter

Skirts are more than one’s fashion style. Throughout history, skirt length has been a direct predictor of stock prices.

The hemline index establishes a direct correlation between how long typical skirt lengths are and the current state of the economy. The index suggests that when skirt hemlines are shorter, the economy is booming. Conversely, longer skirts suggest a declining economy. In simple terms — the shorter the skirt, the stronger the economy.

The 20s The Roaring Twenties was a renowned time for “scandalous” fashion, most well-known for shift dresses and flappers. Throughout the decade, the skirt length gradually decreased inch by inch every year.

In 1926, skirts reached their shortest length of the entire decade. This was one of the first times in Western fashion that women’s knees were exposed.

During this time, women were having more fun and enjoying their independence. The strong economy meant the 20s was an infamous time for glitz and glamor.

1929 In 1929, the stock market crashed, and hemlines returned to the lower calf. This change was drastic, and almost overnight, women’s fashion changed to a longer, more conservative style.

“Hemlines rose with the stock market before falling during The Great Depression,” Marlen Komar stated in an InStyle article.

The 30s Most skirts of the 1930s were below the knee, typically ending around the calf. The lengthening skirt trend signified the economic insecurity of the time.

Women covered up more, as they were not going out and celebrating as often as they did in the decade before.

There was mass unemployment and uncertainty, and women showed this economic fear through fashion.

The 40s In 1941, Pearl Harbor was bombed. Soon after, the United States joined the battle for World War II. Men were drafted off, and women entered the workforce.

Skirts shortened slightly from the 30s and became more practical as women entered the workforce. With their skirts sitting at about a knee length, women were

able to perform physical tasks. The economy slowly strengthened from The Great Depression, and women’s skirts slowly decreased in length.

The 60s The miniskirt became all the rage in the 60s. Women showed more legs than ever before during this time.

America was experiencing an economic boom as unemployment decreased and wages increased.

A general economic growth came over the county, and women dressed accordingly, with a fun and youthful style.

The 90s The early 1990s saw a recession, and the average American consumer was under economic stress. The 1990 recession took about three years to recover and finally improved in about 1993.

When you look at any 90s romantic comedy, such as “10 Things I Hate About You,” you can tell that famous styles of skirts in the 90s were midi and maxi skirts.

Now It is extremely difficult to determine the typical skirt length of the 21st century. With the emergence of fast fashion, trends are changing not by year, as mentioned previously, but every month.

On top of that, social media has made trends more volatile, and it’s almost impossible to find a common trend for this decade. Unlike previous decades, which can be defined by a handful of fashion items, it seems we’re becoming a generation defined by constant change in trends.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GROW YOUR OCCUPANCY

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SPORTS

Recapping Greg Kampe’s greatest

Draft debacles: Exploring Detroit Lions busts

victory at OU

through the decades

Brock Heilig Sports Editor

Greg Kampe has made a 40-year career out of coaching college kids at the game of basketball. Not only has he been coaching for 40 years — which is impressive enough on its own — but he’s been at the same school (Oakland) for the entire time.

Kampe spent the first 17 years of his career leading an Oakland team in Division II. In 1997, the school transitioned to Division I, completed in 1999.

Beginning in that 1999 season, Oakland has had some incredible wins — 413, to be exact, at the time of this writing — and Kampe has been there to see them all.

But which of those 413 sticks out most to the man who’s been there seemingly from the beginning?

According to Kampe’s remarks to the men’s basketball season ticket holders before the start of the 2023-24 season (Kampe’s 40th at the school), it was a 97-90 victory over the University of Michigan in 2000, just one year after Oakland had officially become a Division I program.

The O’rena had only been around for two years at that time, but the Golden Grizzlies were able to get the Wolverines to make the 51-mile trip north to play a game.

For context, Michigan was going through what many recall as the worst years in program history. Fewer than 10 years earlier, Michigan was as popular as any team in college basketball history with the Fab Five.

Freshmen Jalen Rose, Chris Webber, Juwan Howard, Ray Jackson and Jimmy King all signed with the program in 1991. By the midway point of the season, the five freshmen were all starters, and they stole the attention of the college basketball world not only for their high level of play but also for their trendy, long shorts and high socks look.

Fast forward nine years to 2000, and Michigan has seemingly fallen off a cliff as a program. The program self-imposed a myriad of sanctions upon itself, which sent Michigan into a downward spiral for roughly two decades.

By 2000, when Kampe and Oakland hosted Michigan, the talent level for the Wolverines was nowhere near what it was in 1991 with the Fab Five. However, U-M was still a high-major Division I program and was thought of as a heavy favorites entering the contest.

But Oakland junior Jason Rozycki had an upset on his mind, and thanks to a 32-point performance, he led the Golden Grizzlies to the victory.

Rozycki shot 7-14 from the floor, including 6-13 from beyond the arc.

He also added 12 points at the freethrow line on 13 attempts.

Junior Brad Buddenborg also added 22 points on 8-9 from the floor, including a perfect 4-4 from deep.

Freshman Kelly Williams was the team’s third-leading scorer with 18 points in the contest.

Overall, Oakland shot 15-29 (51.7%) from beyond the arc, while Michigan shot just 5-17 (29.4%) from distance.

In 39 years of coaching, Kampe still vividly recalls a win over Michigan in 2000 as his most memorable victory of his 677 total victories as Oakland’s head coach.

As Kampe enters year 40 with the program, his career is nearing its end.

But the current longest-tenured head coach in Division I men’s basketball will look to notch a win even more memorable than the win over Michigan in 2000 before his time is done.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OAKLAND UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

Kurt Szymanski Sports Reporter

In the storied history of the Detroit Lions, the NFL Draft has been a source of optimism and heartache.

As one of nine teams part of the inaugural NFL Draft in 1936, the Lions have drafted hundreds of players. Some selections include alltime greats such as Barry Sanders, Calvin Johnson and Herman Moore.

However, among the triumphs of legendary picks, there exist those who have failed to live up to expectations.

Here are the greatest busts in Lion’s history by decade.

2000s: WR Charles Rogers | Michigan State University Rogers, a former unanimous AllAmerican and Fred Bilentnikoff Award winner was the Lions’ second overall selection in the 2003 NFL Draft.

At the start of the 2003-04 NFL season, Rogers got off to a decent start as a rookie, recording 22 catches, 243 receiving yards, and three touchdowns in five games as a starter.

However, before his sixth game as a Lion, Rogers broke his clavicle in practice, an injury that sidelined the wideout for the rest of the year.

The following season, on the first set of downs for the Lions offense, Rogers broke his clavicle again. Just two days later, Rogers was placed on the injured reserve list, ending his season short for the second year in a row.

In his third season, Rogers appeared in nine games for the Lions following a suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy for the third time. The following season, Rogers was cut in training camp and never appeared in another NFL game.

After the selection of Rogers, 34 pro bowlers were drafted, including wide receiver Andre Johnson, linebacker Terell Suggs, and Hall-of-Fame safety Troy Polamalu. Notably, the Houston Texans took Johnson just one pick after Rogers.

1990s- QB Andre Ware | University of Houston After taking home the Heisman Trophy in 1989, the Lions selected Ware seventh overall in the 1990 NFL Draft.

Ware’s time as a Lion was relatively unmemorable. The signalcaller appeared in only 14 games and started six in his four-year stint with

PHOTO BY COURTESY OF 247 SPORTS

the Lions.

Following his unsuccessful time with the Lions, Ware signed with the Los Angeles Raiders in 1994 and the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1995. Ware never took the field for either team and was cut by both teams, ending his career in the NFL. The following year, Ware went on to play in the Canadian Football League.

Notably, Ware only attempted 161 passes in the NFL. In comparison, the current Lions starting quarterback, Jared Goff, has attempted more than 300 passes through just nine games this NFL season.

Interestingly, 25 pro bowlers and three Hall of Farmers — running back Emmitt Smith, safety LeRoy Butler, and wide receiver Shannon Sharpe — were selected after Ware in the draft.

1980s- DE Reggie Rogers | University of Washington The Lions selected Rogers, a twosport athlete and consensus AllAmerican, seventh overall in the 1987 NFL Draft.

After some off-the-field issues, the defensive tackle played in just 11 games for the Lions across two seasons. Notably, that’s the fewest games played by a first-round pick selected by the Lions since the NFLAFL merger in 1966.

Before the beginning of the 1989 NFL season, the Lions released Rogers. He then had brief stints with the Buffalo Bills and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rogers never appeared in another NFL game after suiting up for the Buccaneers in 1992.

Eventually, Rogers played in the Canadian Football League for three seasons before retiring from football.

Remarkably, 30 pro bowlers and Hall of Famer Rod Woodson were picked after Rogers.

SPORTS

NOVEMBER 15, 2023 | 17

Reliving the inaugural match at the O’Rena after 25 years KURT SZYMANSKI Sports Reporter This week marks the 25th anniversary of the inaugural match at the O’rena, now known as the OU Credit Union O’rena, between the Oakland University men’s basketball team and the Michigan State University (MSU) Spartans.

More than 25 years ago, before the O’rena became the revered home of the Golden Grizzlies, the team was known as the Pioneers. They played their home games at the Lepley Sports Center, a venue that served the team well during their time in Division II. However, as the school transitioned from Divison II to Divison I, the construction of the O’Rena began.

Notably, during the construction of the O’Rena, the men’s basketball team played its home games in an inflatable bubble formally known as the Sports Dome.

Heading into the match, the Grizzlies retained a record of 1-2. The team’s first Division I win came after an upset over the Illinois State University Redbirds.

“We had a 16-point lead Sunday and hung on and won,” Oakland head coach Greg Kampe said in a 1988 press release. “Nobody could believe it. I’m not sure I believed it myself.”

In comparison, the Spartans entered the game undefeated through their first two games of the season and were ranked fifth in the AP Top 25 poll.

The Grizzlies opened the match in front of a sold-out crowd of more than 3,000 people. In the early possessions of the game, OU kept it close with the Spartans, refusing to let MSU pull ahead early.

Midway through the first half, a Brad Buddenborg

3-pointer was the highlight of a 17-10 Grizzly run, and the team remained just one point behind the Spartans at 27-26.

“I knew they had guys who could shoot the lights out,” Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo said. “But they surprised me at how well they could penetrate on the dribble.”

Following Buddenborg’s triple, Spartan guard Charlie Bell put on a show, sinking eight of the Spartans’ last 13 shots in the first half, as the Grizzlies trailed the Spartans 52-43 heading into the break.

In the second half, the Spartans started to pull away from the Grizzlies. Although OU shot an outstanding 47% from distance in the first half, they ran out of steam in the second. Remarkably, the Grizzlies took seven fewer 3-point attempts and shot just 13% from deep.

As the match progressed, MSU continued to wear down the Grizzlies, resulting in a Spartan victory as they defeated the Grizzlies 96-66.

Dan Champagne led the way for the Grizzlies with 30 points. However, it wasn’t enough, as three Spartan starters, Mateen Cleaves, Antonio Smith and Bell, each scored more than 20 points.

“I’ve got some kids that can play,” Kampe said. “Now everybody knows that Illinois State was not a fluke. But we’re not the No. 5 team in the country. Those kinds of fairy tales just don’t come true.”

Although the Grizzlies didn’t win their arena’s inaugural match, the team made a statement: they were here to stay and compete with the best competition that college basketball had to offer.

“Make sure you understand this,” Izzo said. “We didn’t play bad tonight. Oakland played well. In years to come, I think they’re going to have a good program. When they do, I hope they never invite me back.”

Throughout the men’s basketball team’s 25-year journey in Division I, Kampe has coached the entire time. Under Kampe’s steady leadership, the Grizzlies have retained an overall winning record of 425-376 since becoming a Division I program.

PHOTO BY SOPHIE HUME

Forty years of OU basketball: A look back in time BROCK HEILIG Sports Editor

On Nov. 6, 2023, Greg Kampe began his 40th season as the head coach of the Oakland men’s basketball team.

He is the longest-tenured head coach in Division I men’s basketball, meaning no head coach in the country has been at his school longer than Kampe has been at Oakland.

As Kampe’s 40th season begins, The Oakland Post was able to examine the archives of Oakland University to see just what the hiring process looked like for Kampe back in 1984 and the years that followed.

Kampe, who was 29 years old at the time, had spent the last six seasons as an assistant coach under Bob Nichols at Toledo.

Lee Frederick, who was the head coach at Oakland before Kampe from 1979-84, had just been dismissed by the university, and the search for a new head basketball coach commenced.

The then athletic director Paul Hartman ultimately settled on Kampe in March of 1983. “[Kampe] has outstanding recommendations that were very sincere,” Hartman said. “He knows the type of players it will take to win the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Conference, and his contacts in the Michigan area will make recruiting one of his strengths.”

Back then, Oakland played in the Division II GLIAC. Since then, it has transitioned to Division I, and it now competes in the Horizon League.

Division II or not, Kampe was elated to have landed a head coaching job at just 29 years old — something that would be

unheard of in today’s day and age of college basketball.

“I think this is a great job with tremendous potential,” Kampe said. “I feel there is unlimited potential at Oakland University. This is an exciting time for me, and I left a secure situation for this opportunity because of the potential this program has to be successful.”

Even back in 1984, when Kampe was first hired, Oakland was eyeing a transition from Division II to Division I, which didn’t start until 13 years later, in 1997.

“The talent level is, of course, different,” Kampe said.

“We’re gonna try to get some Division I players into our program.There’s really not that much difference between good Division II ball and Division I.” Kampe’s hope for “tremendous potential” materialized in 2005, when, in just its sixth season at the Division I level, the program qualified for its first NCAA Tournament.

Oakland took on Alabama A&M in the opening-round play-in game of the 2005 NCAA Tournament. The winner would take on No. 1 seed North Carolina in the official first round of the Big Dance.

Kampe’s Golden Grizzlies defeated the Alabama A&M Bulldogs 79-69 to land a date with the top-seeded UNC Tar Heels.

In the moment, after putting in countless hours of work, building a program from scratch and coaching for more than 20 years, Kampe couldn’t help but focus on his players.

“This is the greatest experience our kids have ever had, and don’t change it,” Kampe said. “We wanted to be in it, and it was everything we wanted. You do it for the kids, and you made 15 kids’ lives tonight.”

Oakland was defeated by the mighty, eventual national

champion Tar Heels in the first round of the 2005 NCAA Tournament. UNC scored 59 points in the first half, one Kampe called “as good as it gets.”

“That was an unbelievable first half. I said the other day I’m really happy to be here, but I wasn’t too happy to be involved in that first half. They scored 59 points on 32 possessions. That half of basketball was a clinic. That is as good as it gets… They are an outstanding basketball team.”

The Golden Grizzlies stood no chance against North Carolina, but it was more than a basketball game for the university and its students.

“In the past few days, our relatively quiet commuter campus has been transformed,” then Editor-in-Chief Libby Baker wrote. “We’re singing (or learning) the fight song and proudly wearing our black and gold.

“Hundreds of students, faculty and alumni made the trip south to cheer on our Golden Grizzlies, and it was an experience most of us will never forget… Hopefully, our excitement and pride won’t come to an end when this season does. We’ve come too far now to let that happen.

“So thank you to Coach Kampe and the men’s basketball team for giving us all something to remember and be proud of.”

A decision by Hartman to hire 29-year-old Greg Kampe in 1984 will live in Oakland lore forever, and it has made a ginormous impact — one exponentially greater than Hartman could have ever imagined.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

18 | NOVEMBER 15, 2023

Oprah Winfrey draws record audience THE OAKLAND SAIL, FEBRUARY 9, 1987 Alisa Nass

The largest guest speaker turnout in Oakland’s history, 1,300 people, greeted talk show host Oprah Winfrey in the Oakland Center last Wednesday.

The audience consisted of students, faculty, staff, general public and 300 seventh and eighth graders participating in Project Challenge, a program aimed at preparing minority students for college.

Winfrey spoke on Black Awareness Month and the importance of taking responsibility.

Tony Boganey and Ellen Jones, the student cochairs of Oakland’s Black Awareness Month, opened the program. Joyce Goins of the OU Gospel Choir led the audience in a verse of Lift Every Voice and Sing, the “Negro National Anthem.” Winfrey was introduced by Wilma Ray-Bledsoe, vice president of student affairs.

Winfrey’s speech, with humorous quips throughout, touched on her upbringing in Kosciusko, Mississippi. It also mentioned the great legacy of men and women like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Sojourner Truth, a famous black woman who spoke at a women’s suffrage convention.

The dramatic reading of a speech by Truth and the reflections of a slave named Bryon Brown were emotionally presented and received.

“It makes no difference if you were born in a slum or a condominium overlooking a lake. The power to take control over your life begins and ends with

you,” said Winfrey. “Conceive an idea, believe in the idea, achieve that idea.”

Feelings of frustration, anxiety, anger and jealousy are self-destructing, according to Winfrey.

She also spoke of discovering “God’s gift” in “your inner self.”

“If you are doing what you are suppose to do it feels right,” said Winfrey.

“Everyone cannot be famous but everyone can be great. If you delight yourself in the Lord he will give you the desires of your heart…”

A short question and answer period followed her speech, with questions ranging from her show to metaphysics.

Throughout the program Winfrey was warmly received by the audience.

“I was surprised,” said Nancy Peebles, a general public ticket holder. “I didn’t know she was such an eloquent speaker. Very talented and gifted by the readings she gave.”

“I love her,” said Andrea Cannon, freshman. “She really knows what she’s talking about and really feels it.”

Alumna Eva Dorsey thought Winfrey brought out many good points and gave young people something to think about.

“She’s a dynamic speaker. I wish she would have told more about her background and college education,” said De Witt Dykes, associate professor of history and the faculty chair of Black Awareness Month.

“She spoke to the people inspirationally and down to Earth at the same time.”

PHOTO BY MARK WINKELBAUER

Top stories of 2004 THE OAKLAND POST, DECEMBER 1, 2004 Elizabeth Gorecki

Feb.1 Super Bowl halftime show provokes FCC regulations Janet Jackson bares her breast after a ‘wardrobe malfunction’ on live television during the Super Bowl halftime show. Public outrage causes the FCC to institute a time delay on all ‘live’ TV programming and to institute stricter regulations. (Nov. 24) The FCC fines CBS/Viacom $550,000 for the incident but CBS/Viacom settles, paying $3.5 million for a number of incidents.

Feb. 29 Jean-Bertrand Aristide overthrown in Haitian rebellion Rebels drive Aristide out of power after he refuses to step down until his term is up in 2006. (March 8) Boniface Alexandre, Haiti’s chief justice, is sworn in as interim president. (March 16) After seeking exile in South Africa, Venezuela offers Aristide refuge. (June 1) Troops begin taking over from a U.S.-led multinational force.

March 11 More than 200 killed in Madrid terrorist attacks At least 10 bombs explode on four commuter trains in Madrid during rush hour, killing 202 people and wounding about 1,400. (March 14) Spanish officials say they found a videotape on which al-Qaeda takes responsibility for the bombings. Police arrest three Moroccans and two Indians in connection with the attacks. (Nov. 16) The first trial in the bombings begins after a 16-year-old admitted to being paid to transport explosives. Eighteen others are also charged.

March 23 White House officials testify before the 9/11 Commission Secretary of State Colin Powell and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld appear before a federal commission investigating the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. (April 8) National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice tells the committee that President Bush was warned of suspicious activity by terrorists in the U.S. before the attacks. (April 29) In a closed-door meeting, President Bush and Vice President Cheney are interviewed by members of the committee. (June 16) The Committee reports no link between al-Qaeda and Iraq. The report suggests the White House reaction to the attacks was chaotic.

April 30 Photos of abuse by American soldiers at Abu Ghraib spark outrage around the world CBS’s 60 Minutes broadcasts graphic photos, taken in late 2003, of American soldiers grinning as they abuse Iraqis in the Abu Ghraib prison. (May 5) In interviews on Arab television, President Bush calls abuse and deaths of Iraqi prisoners “abhorrent.” Bush upbraids Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld for not informing him about the photos earlier. (Oct. 22) The highest ranking U.S. soldier charged in the abuse scandal was sentenced to eight years in prison. Six other members of the 372nd Military Police Company were also charged.

June 5 Former President Reagan Dies Ronald Reagan, the 40th president, dies at age 93. He had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for several years. (June 11) World leaders gather in Washington, D.C.

for Reagan’s funeral.

June 16 Pistons win championship Team effort and defense prevail as the Detroit Pistons humiliate the L.A. Lakers with a 100-87 win in Game 5 to become the 2004 NBA champions for their first title in 14 years.

June 28 U.S. hands over power to Iraq Paul Bremer III, the U.S. administrator in Iraq, formally transfers sovereignty to Iraqi prime minister Iyad Allawi, who then formally takes the oath of office. (June 30) Americans hand over legal custody of the former Iraqi dictator and 11 of his aides. The U.S. will, however, retain physical custody of the prisoners.

July 1 Saddam Hussein and his aides arraigned Former Iraqi president and 11 codefendants are arraigned on charges of crimes against humanity. Hussein’s trial date is set for sometime next year.

July 16 Martha Stewart sentenced in stock-tip scandal Martha Stewart is sentenced to five months at Alderson Prison Camp in West Virginia and fined $30,000 after being found guilty of four counts: obstruction of justice, conspiracy and two counts of making false statements.

Read more at oaklandpostonline.com

FROM THE ARCHIVES

NOVEMBER 15, 2023 | 19

Hartman Selects Kampe as Men’s Cager Coach THE OAKLAND SAIL, MARCH 25, 1984 Cliff Weathers

Greg Kampe, formerly assistant men’s basketball coach at the University of Toledo, has been selected to replace Lee Frederick as the university’s men’s basket-ball coach. Upon Athletic Director Paul Hartman’s announcement Tuesday, Kampe reported to OU where he immediately began at his new post.

Kampe spent six years at Toledo under Head Coach Bob Nichols. Toledo, a Division Ischool, has been very successful under the leadership of Kampe’s mentor. Hartman had much applause for his choice: “He (Kampe) has outstanding recommendations that were very sincere. He knows the type of players it will take to win the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Conference and his contacts in the Michigan area will make recruiting one of his strengths.”

The 29-year-old plans on a successful career here at OU. I think this is a great job with tremendous potential,” he said. “. “I feel there is unlimited potential at Oakland University. This is an exciting time for me and I left a secure situation for this opportunity because of the potential this program has to be successful.”

Kampe thinks it will be tough to salvage these last few weeks of the recruiting season, but he hopes to get something out of the limited amount of time anyway. As for switching from Division I to Division II, Kampe thinks the switch will not be

all that hard.

“The talent level is, of course, different. We’re gonna try to get some Division I players into our program. There’s really not that much difference between good Division II ball and Division I.”

Kampe hopes to have a good relationship with the Oakland 100 Club. He does not see the fact that he is not Lee Frederick (the founder of the club) hurting his chances of soliciting money for his program.

“I think those who have supported basketball in the past will continue to do so no matter who the coach is,” he said. “My job is to make Oakland’s basketball program successful. I’ll do whatever they want to help the 100 club.”

Kampe is hoping to have two assistant coaches under him. His number one priority now is recruiting and he is probably seeking a staff which would benefit him in that respect.

“I think Oakland has made a commitment to become competitive,” he said. “I think we’ll be an exciting team to watch.”

Kampe’s game will probably run different than the “run and gun” offense that Lee Frederick had taught his players. Kampe’s game should be characterized by a strong defense and an offense which would rely mostly on plays inside the key.

Kampe is a graduate of Bowling Green State University with a bachelor’s degree in business and journalism.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OAKLAND SAIL

OU to separate from MSU by ‘71 FOCUS: OAKLAND, OCTOBER 29, 1969 Focus: Oakland At the October 16 meeting of the Oakland University Senate, Dr. William Sturner, representing the University Steering Committee, presented a recommendation that Oakland undergo its final separation from Michigan State University by January 2, 1970 by requesting the creation of a board of trustees independent of MSU. The recommendation met unanimous approval of the senate, and was read twice during the proceedings –– a formal sign of approval that is usually omitted in normal senate business.

The resolution was immediately presented to the board of trustees that now governs both this university and MSU. Oakland now awaits the decision of that board. Sturner outlined for Focus, the reasons for the proposed resolution.

The recommendation quite clearly states that OU is in no way dissatisfied with the guidance of the present board of trustees. However, a number of facts indicate that the separation would be beneficial to both Michigan State and Oakland.

The task of the new president of MSU will be tremendous in itself, without the added burden of OU’s six thousand students. The rapid growth of both universities, although not presently a major problem for administrators, will undoubtedly soon result in difficulties. It is far better to prevent the inception of such a problem than to alleviate it when it becomes apparent.

Oakland has grown quite a bit in ten years’ time. This university’s administrators feel that we are ready to take our place alongside the independent self-governing institutions of Michigan.

Why was the resolution proposed now? The situation outlined above is just now reaching a crucial point in the development of both universities. The separation, Sturner added, would actually cause little change in the present management of Oakland, in respect to either the student as an individual or the university as a whole. This is because OU has always had a good deal of self-government.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EPSN

Sturner is optimistic that the resolution will be adopted soon by the board of trustees. Already a five-member committee, consisting of three board members, Mr. Lee Carr, the university lawyer, and Oakland’s Chancellor Varner, has been established to investigate the situation.

This committee must report its finding to the board no earlier than thirty days and no later than sixty days from now.

If the resolution is approved, the recommendation must then be endorsed by the state legislature. Already Donald Bishop, republican representative to the state legislature from Rochester, has thrown his full support behind the resolution.

Should it be given the OK by the state legislature, the governor would appoint a new board of trustees for Oakland. It is stated in the resolution approved by the OU senate that it is hoped that the new system will be in effect no later than by January 1, 1971.

This date is mentioned because of the election for governor to take place in November, 1970. The originators of the resolution wish to show no preferences politically, as party control of the governorship may change with that election.

When might the proposal actually go into effect?

Mr. Sturner indicates that there are too many factors in – volved for a reasonable answer to that question.

Hopefully, as the resolution states, it will go into effect “not later than January 1, 1971.”

It is expected that the resolution will be considered at the December meeting of the present board of trustees.

20 | NOVEMBER 15, 2023

Focus group narrows mascot pool THE OAKLAND POST, MARCH 18, 1997 Bill Petrick The search for the mascot is almost over, and it looks like the Pioneers will have to move on and settle in a new frontier: The Mascot Advisory Committee has narrowed the field down to three, and while Pioneers is still one of the choices, its chances seem slim based on recent testing. “Pioneers did not test well at all,” said Geoff Upward, director of communications and marketing at OU. “It would be the least desirable of the three.” The other two options are the Sabercats, and Grizzlies, (or Golden Grizzlies).

Upward said the final decision will probably be made sometime this month by President Gary Russi and his cabinet. Upward, along with SME Design Inc. in New York, the company designing the new graphic-image for the school mascot, has done a large amount of testing over the past four months to gather feedback on the subject.

In December, the committee conducted focus groups with several hundred people. These included students, coaches, faculty, alumni and others. The results did not bode well for Pioneers.

“From the committee’s standpoint, the favorite is the Grizzlies,” said Student Congress President Bryan Barnett, who serves on the committee. “(But,) I personally voted for the Pioneers.”

There are several reasons why Pioneers is likely to lose out in the end. The committee established certain attributes it was looking for in a new mascot, and Pioneers failed to measure up in many areas.

“What the committee wanted to focus on was motion. They wanted it to be lively,” Upward said.

Greg Economou, vice president of sports marketing at SME, cited several other criteria the committee set, such as excitement, aggression and uniqueness.

“The school wanted an animal image,” Economou said. “There are no other Sabercats out there, and that is unique.”

Aaron Baldwin, junior, communications, agreed that an animal mascot is the way to go. “I think Pioneer is cool, but I really wouldn’t want to go to a school in Division I with a Pioneer as a mascot,” he said.

While most members of the committee did not think Pioneers portrayed the aggression of a sabercat, Barnett feels that the current mascot was never given a fair chance.

“I think that it answered to the fierceness and ferocity,” Barnett said. “The committee considered it unmarketable.”

The images SME design has designed for OU so far are not the final drawings, Economou said. He said the final drafts will be of higher quality and in full color. One of the toughest challenges Economou and his staff faced was to create a graphic image for a Pioneer. The committee decided that even if Pioneers is kept, it will still have an animal image.

The design favored by the committee is a bear dressed in a buckskin outfit, resembling a Pioneer. Two main criteria where Pioneers failed were gender and race, a problem that many students want addressed. “It was always portrayed as a guy,” said Michele Burcar, junior, elementary education.

“Gender and race issues should be neutral, and one of the problems with Pioneer Pete was that he was a white male,” Economou said, referring to the school mascot that led the cheering at OU sporting events.

With Sabercats or Grizzlies, there would be no problems because neither design can be labeled by gender or race. Upward said the mascot search has been divided into three stages: name, graphicimage design and costume design.

Although all are very important, perhaps the one receiving the most emphasis is the graphic-image stage.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Once the image has been decided upon,OU can begin implementing its marketing strategies. These could include projects such as painting the mascot image on the basketball floor, to coming out with a line of clothing featuring the new logo.

“We’re trying to create excitement, with people buying shirts and coming to the games,” Upward said.

Another area of graphics design currently in the works are secondary marks, or small designs different from, but resembling the main logo.

“If it’s a bear, there might be a paw,” Upward said. “You might just have a word mark in graphics, like ‘OU’.

Those who are upset over the possible loss of the Pioneer can take heart. OU will not abandon the name completely. The idea of OU being a pioneer in education is still alive, and Upward said there will be no changes to anything already bearing the Pioneer name.

“We’ll continue to think of the university in that way,” Upward said. “That name still applies.”

Whether the choice is Pioneers, Sabercats or Grizzlies, one thing is cer-tain: the hope of the design is sure to draw attention to OU. “We’ve put a lot of time and effort to get where we are,” Economou said. “Whatever we come up with, it’s going to be smokin’ “ Upward is also confident that the result will be a success. ” I think in either case, there are plenty of possibilities.”

Combined with the jump to Division I-AAA, the mascot and new logo could help a successful athletic program that hasn’t received much recognization.

“There’s going to be a lot more marketing,” Economou said.

“You want this platform to try to communicate the great strengths of the program.”

General Hospital, It’s soap opera fever for these students THE OAKLAND SAIL, SEPTEMBER 28, 1981 Geri McGregor

If you were to look in the lounge area of the Oakland Center during the day, you would probably find a number of OU students watching television — maybe to see their favorite show, or just to relax. At 3 pm, though, the television set belongs to a growing minority — the students with General Hospital fever.

True, not all the students are in the lounge to watch General Hospital because they’re hooked. Some viewers, like Susan Diefenbacher and Shebel Joseff, are in the lounge as a break from classes or homework.

Others may not even watch the show. Pam Estep decided to take a nap.

But the channel is set for the soap opera General Hospital, and that means students like Erika Nemela, who terms herself a fanatic, don’t have to miss the show.

To make sure that she didn’t miss the daily episode, Cheryl Brown arranged her daily schedule around the program.

“My class is at one o’clock, so I just stay at school,” Brown said. “I didn’t want to drive home, because I’d miss it.”

Such dedicated students are only a small part of the national audience for the show. According to ABC, General Hospital is watched by more people than any other soap opera, and the ratings are high enough that the show could compete with prime time programs.

General Hospital’s now growing audience isn’t made up of just housewives anymore. A look in the OC lounge sometime around three in the afternoon would prove that.

Like other soaps, General Hospital draws viewers of all

ages, females—and males, though some of those males say they don’t feel right at home yet.

When two lounge viewers, Sean Gretkierewicz and Bill Suit, were asked about dabbling in what used to be an all female pastime, they were insulted.

Another longtime General Hospital fan, Jose Posada, hasn’t had it easy either.

“I’ve had a lot of women laugh at me,” Posada said.

“I’d say I have to go watch General Hospital and it would freak them out.”

Other males seemed undaunted by the situation. Ken Smothers, who has been watching the show for about three years, was more than glad to talk soap.

During the time that he has watched the show, Smothers said he has found that the show draws and keeps an audience because the writers know when they’re onto something — like one of the current plots about a madman trying to take over the world with a weather machine.

“It’s getting а little wild,” Smothers said. “But, it’s interesting.”

Perhaps the unusual plots have helped to expand General Hospital’s number of viewers. Following a soap opera trend, General Hospital writers have managed to send some of their main characters to exotic locations to experience uncommon adventures.

For example, Luke and Laura, two of the show’s more popular characters, have been marooned on an uncharted tropical island just off the coast of Venezuela.

That’s where they set up housekeeping, while helping an undercover agent save the world from the madman.

Sound ridiculous?

“It’s more comical than realistic,” said two-year General Hospital fan Sean Gretkierewicz. His soap co-

watcher Bill Suit agreed.

“It’s more like a movie than a soap opera,” Suit said.

Watching General Hospital in the OC lounge is more like going to the movies, too, since one sits with an audience and shares the experience. At any rate, students say, it’s not like sitting in your living room and watching it.

In the lounge, there are exchanges of information during the commercials and an undercurrent of conversation during the show as well. In fact, some students in the lounge shout remarks to the shows’ characters, and most of them groan and cheer in response to the show.

Of course, not every episode is action-packed and worth shouting about. “It gets boring, but I still watch it,” said Sharon Staniszewski.

That’s from someone who knows. Staniszewski has been watching the show for about six years.

PHOTO BY JERRY DITTRICH