THE CAREER AND LIFE DESIGN CENTER hosted their Etiquette Mixer on Tuesday, April 8. The event allowed students to practice their networking skills and walk the runway with appropriate — and funny — outfits to wear to the office. Learn more about the
on page 5.
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Letter from the Editor: Signing off as your editor-in-chief
OLIVIA CHIAPPELLI
Editor-in-Chief
I truly cannot believe that this is my last issue as editor-in-chief of The Oakland Post — not only my last issue as editor-in-chief, but my last time being a part of The Post in any capacity after almost four years.
The Post has been something that I’ve always had in my life throughout college, since before I knew what my major would be, what career I wanted to eventually pursue and where I wanted my college experience to take me.
I credit The Post for so much, and in many ways it has shaped my entire life for the last four years. The Post has become a part of my identity that I will truly have a hard time parting with, and hope to carry with me forever.
I also think I’ll still wake up in a sweat thinking that I forgot to send the press order on many Tuesday nights to come.
I have had the pleasure of being a features reporter, arts reporter and arts editor throughout my tenure at The Post, but my time as editor-in-chief has been the most formative experience of not only my academic career, but my life — not to be dramatic.
We say that The Post is a learning lab, and learn I did.
I knew how to write before my time as editorin-chief — and I felt comfortable with that — but this role opened my eyes to so much more. Like how to manage people, hire for my weaknesses,
solve unexpected problems on the fly, be brave and take a spark of an idea and turn it into a reality. Creating this paper every week has been the most gratifying experience.
This has been a very eventful year for The Post. From starting off hot in the summer with faculty contract negotiations to covering the presidential election to being on the ground for many powerful protests on campus, The Post was there for it all.
None of this could have been possible without the team around me.
Thank you to our Content Editor Morgan Warneke for editing every single article with me every week — from late Sunday nights to early Monday mornings. I am going to miss seeing your name pop up in SNO when I thought I was alone at 2 a.m.
Thank you to our Managing Editor Megan Judy for guiding our graphic design team and making our paper come to reality every week. I will miss witnessing the magic of your center spreads every Monday, but you have created an amazing team of designers and I know The Post will be in good hands.
To our section editors, Adrian, Noah, Chelsea, Mallory and Kurt, thank you for being such present leaders for your reporters. You have done an amazing job shining a light on topics that really needed it this year, and I am so proud of the content that we have produced. I will miss watching you all pitch stories that I wouldn’t even think of at our editors meetings.
To all of our reporters, thank you for being the boots on the ground, feeling out what’s really important to our student body and amplifying their voices. Your work is the reason why we could create
this publication every week, and is truly needed in our world.
To our graphic designers, I loved seeing The Post’s creativity flourish this year with full page designs for stories, covers beyond just photos and collaborative center spreads. I will miss watching your creative ideas bounce off of each other each week — and your music recommendations.
To our photographers, thank you for bringing our stories to life each week beyond just written words. Our covers, stories, center spread designs and Instagram posts would not be possible without you guys.
To our distributors, thank you for believing enough in the power of print to deliver papers in freezing cold weather. You guys rock.
And finally, to our adviser Garry Gilbert, thank you. You have been a great mentor to me, and I hold your guidance in such high regard — from how to approach daunting topics to niche AP Style questions. I can only hope that I have made The Post proud.
My time at The Post was an opportunity that I will never forget, and an experience that I will cherish no matter where life takes me.
Long live The Oakland Post.
Signing off as your editor-in-chief, Olivia Chiappelli
P.S. Don’t be surprised if you see a random movie review or something from me sometime between now and May 2 — I can’t go out like this.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LAILA CARLSON
The Community House Grand Honoree: Ora Hirsch Pescovitz
ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
Campus Editor
The 2025 Grand Honoree recognition awarded by The Community House (TCH), a local nonprofit that helps other nonprofits, was given to Oakland University’s President, Ora Hirsch Pescovitz for her impact on higher education and the Metro Detroit community.
“Anybody who has seen Ora tackle anything knows that she does with relentless energy, but more importantly, she couples with measured and thoughtful consideration, which only a true leader knows how to do,” Camille Jayne, founder and president of TCH, said. “She and her team have led Oakland University to be the excellent university it is today, and also led a much deeper impact of partnership in the community. And we applaud you for that, thank you.”
The honoree award is given to those who embody the four pillars of vibrancy at The Community House: education, culture, wellness and philanthropy. Thus on April 11, local community members and various OU administrators were invited to downtown Birmingham to celebrate Pescovitz in her latest accomplishment.
The Community House’s main hall erupted with applause during a three course meal — a fundraising effort to support the arts and volunteer programs — to celebrate the OU president. Congratulations expanded beyond the building with a video presentation in which former collaborator of Pescovitz, Dr. Joseph A. Majzoub, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School expressed his gratitude for her.
“I’ve known Dr. Pescovitz for many years in our
field of pediatric endocrinology, where she was well known as an innovative investigator and clinician,” Majzoub said. “Dr. Pescovitz was known as a stellar clinician, as a gifted educator and as a teacher of young doctors. I personally saw this in action when Dr. Pescovitz visited us in Boston to give lectures at Harvard Medical School.”
In the same commemoration video, the OU president championed the university and its students for enhancing the pillars of vibrancy.
“The students that come to Oakland University, they are uniquely transformed by the educational experience that they get when they get the opportunity to attend Oakland University,” Pescovitz said. “I really love to see us become much more of a cultural hub. I love all forms of liberal arts and all forms of art and culture, and I really do believe that they enrich the lives of our
individual students, but also of our community.”
Later invited to speak in front of the attendees, the Grand Honoree confessed to feeling undeserving of the award at first, explaining that her team does all the work and she gets all the recognition.
“When Camille notified me that I was supposed to get this recognition, I did everything in my power to try to decline it,” Pescovitz said. “I previously had gotten one of these pillar awards, and I thought it was time for someone else to get one of these. ‘Well,’ Camille said, ‘I have to come meet with you in your office.’ And she sat down in my office with me, and she would not leave.”
Between laughter and cheers as her words continued, Pescovitz explained that she had thus accepted the award to advance the collective accomplishments of the university and its community partnerships like TCH.
“I came to Oakland University eight years ago because I recognize the enormous potential that we have to impact the lives of our students, individually and the community as a whole,” Pescovitz said. “I really want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Board of Directors of The Community House and the entire team.”
Concluding the night of long dresses and ornate halls, the OU president called for attendees to keep supporting the programs at TCH, at the university and across the state to revitalize the community.
“Tonight, as we celebrate The Community House and the values that we share, I encourage each of us to reflect on how we can continue to learn, to earn and to return,” Pescovitz said. “Let us commit to advancing the pillars of education, culture, wellness and philanthropy.”
Former US Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor at OU
MATILDE RABAJOLI
Campus Reporter
On April 7, Oakland University’s Center Ballroom hosted a presentation and interview with Ukraine’s former American Ambassador and Chargé d’Affaires, William B. Taylor.
The ballroom hosted a large turnout of attendees, ranging from students, faculty, staff and interested locals. The event was the inauguration of the World Affairs Council of Southeastern Michigan (SEMIWAC). An organization that works to “provide community education on international issues, through a notable speaker’s series and educational outreach programs,” the official website states.
“Ambassador Taylor has had a long and distinguished diplomatic career, and we are excited to have him come to Oakland University to share his insights on American foreign policy,” said Peter Trumbore, professor and chair of the Political Science department, in a quote for Oakland University News.
The event was focused solely on Ambassador Taylor’s position on present matters involving Ukraine after the third commemoration of the war had just passed on Feb. 24. The interview-like evening involved pre-noted questions by a moderator and questions by audience members.
Taylor was able to speak about how the war may not have been avoidable due to preexisting tensions between Russia. “He [Putin] was going to do it one way or another,” Taylor said. He was also able to cover certain aspects of what he expects for the future of the country.
Taylor continued to discuss how the U.S. has played a part in the conflict negotiations. He admitted that President Joe Biden was able to start the conversation of peace, but ultimately, President Donald Trump’s close relations with Russia’s leader allowed for President Trump to “bring him to the table,” as Taylor put it, and begin effective negotiations.
“For those seven months that the Congress delayed sending that support, that ammunition, that military assistance, those seven months were very costly. It was very painful,” Taylor said in an interview with The Cipher Brief. “The Russians took advantage of the fact that the Ukrainians did not have the artillery and ammunition that they needed to be able to stop the Russian offensives.”
Progress was seen in President Trump’s talks with Ukranian President Volodymir Zelensky when negotiating the thirty-day ceasefire in March, but President Vladimir Putin ultimately negated them, Taylor explained.
A map of Ukraine was projected to showcase the 18% of land that has been fought over for the past three years, and Taylor discussed that certain parts of Ukraine may have to remain under inevitable Russian siege until the country can fully join the European Union and regain it.
The lack of change in leadership in both Ukraine and Russia raised some questions from the audience until Taylor described that it is embedded in the Ukrainian Constitution that if the country is at war, no elections can be held, leaving the same leader in office until the conflict is resolved. Chances of re-elections for both leaders happen to be stagnant as Zelensky is tied to
the office until the war’s end, and Putin’s fluctuating popularity depends on its outcome.
William Taylor ended the event by answering questions from the audience, transitioning into lighter topics regarding his most enjoyable experience as an ambassador. To those questions, he answered that traveling the country itself in his first tour before the war and the opportunities to converse with local Ukrainians and students were what he enjoyed most.
For the next event, which will be concentrating on Afghanistan, please visit the official website of the SEMIWAC and Oakland University’s Center for Civic Engagement.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SPIRIT OF AMERICA
PHOTO BY ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
Oakland University Esports and OU Eats collaborate for ‘Level Up Your Lunch’ event
CHELSEA BOSSERT Arts Editor
OU Eats and the Oakland University Varsity Esports team partnered recently for a series of events that have taken place in the Pioneer Food Court, titled “Level Up Your Lunch.” These events involve members of the OU Esports team, student gamers, Nintendo Switch games and most importantly: free food.
“Level Up Your Lunch” featured two events on April 1 and April 7, where students could challenge a member of the Varsity Esports team to a match of Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, but the game would depend on what day they were there.
The OU Varsity Esports program, which has been steadily growing since its inception in 2019, features teams competing in League of Legends, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Overwatch 2 and Rocket League.
Greg Richards, who is the Director Of Marketing for Eastern Michigan University’s Chartwells program, helped plan this event for OU Eats.
“The ‘Level Up Your Lunch’ series was actually inspired by a TikToker we saw who would challenge people to beat him in a game, and if they won, he’d buy their lunch,” Richards said. “We thought it was a fun and engaging concept, so we teamed up with the Varsity Esports team to create our own version. It was a great way to showcase their talent while also highlighting lunch offerings in the Oakland Center.”
Several students lined up for both days of the
event and many won a free, $12 lunch voucher for the Pioneer Food Court.
One of the Esport athletes that the students could challenge was Matthew Jurj — more commonly known in the GrizzDen as “Jax.” Jurj is the captain
of the Overwatch 2 team and is a graduate student.
“I feel like not a whole lot of students — that don’t go down into the GrizzDen – really know that we have an Esports team,” Jurj said. “Getting our information out there is definitely important.”
A few of the assistant coaches, like Kalle “Ori” Wanagat, and the head coach of OU Varsity Esports, Carl Leone, were present at the events as well.
“This is also to bring awareness to the Esports program to the general student body,” Wanagat said. “There’s a reason why you see that wall go up, down in the GrizzDen at night, it’s not just because its being blocked off, its because the Esports team is there practicing — and if you are interested in learning more about the program you now know where to look.”
The events brought awareness to not only the OU Esports teams, but to OU Eats and their recent outreach campaigns. OU Eats has been recently hosting a myriad of different events to bring more OU Eats awareness — and food — to the student body.
“The turnout and energy at both events were awesome, and we’re excited to continue this collaboration into the fall,” Richards said in a written statement to The Oakland Post. “It’s just one of many ways we hope to use dining as a platform to support and celebrate student life at OU.”
For more information about OU Eats, follow their Facebook and Instagram.
OU Varsity Esports’ home page can be found at goldengrizzlies.com/sports/esports. They can also be found on X and Twitch.
Professional Dress to Impress: CLDC Etiquette Mixer
ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES Campus Editor
On April 8, the Founders Ballrooms hosted a networking dinner and fashion show where students could practice their networking skills and refine their professional presentation at social events. The Career and Life Design Center’s Etiquette Mixer also featured a fashion show with examples of appropriate, fun and funny outfits to wear to the office.
“Networking is so imperative because you never know who someone else knows; because everyone has a network,” Bill Stec, manager of Recruitment and Campus Relations at Yeo & Yeo, said. “So even though you could be talking to me right now, I may not have a job for you within my company, but once I learn more about you, I may know someone from another company that could possibly interview you.”
Stec kicked off the event with a brief presentation about his professional career in the entertainment industry, where he conducted hospitality and sales events for various celebrities like Kid Rock, Three Days Grace and the Blue Man Group.
“The way this event was set up tonight, it broke the ice — it was because of the way the presentation was delivered, and then the fashion show,” Stec said. “It just made it not so intimidating, and that
allowed people to just get up and just get some food, get some mocktails, and go have a conversation.”
Stec went over everything you should and shouldn’t do at a networking event, like giving assertive handshakes, how to eat while talking to people and how to excuse yourself from a table.
“Just have a natural conversation, they’re nervous too, think about it that way. It’s a two way street,” Stec said. “The employers, they’re here for a reason too. They have jobs they need to fill, and they have certain people they want to meet at this event today and they have to make a positive first impression too.”
The star of the show, besides the OU students who styled the Professional Dress Fashion Show, was LinkedIn, the social network for professionals. Stec, the Career and Life Design Center (CLDC) and employers all highlighted the need for LinkedIn in the digital age.
“That’s why I always encourage people to network on LinkedIn, because then you get to see people that are familiar with your contacts within those fields,” Stec said. “It’s a small world out there.”
Sarah Swarz, Career and Life Design Marketing and Events Coordinator explained that the event was a year in the making in collaboration with the Office of Student Involvement (OSI) and the Association of Graduate Students.
“When you’re making an event that’s brand new,
you don’t want to just make it and do it like you want to spend time,” Swarz said. “You got to learn from other events, other people, doing other things in other institutions. Then you have to have time to learn what the students actually want. So we want to give them experiences that they’re looking for.”
Employers from Oakland County government, Rocket Companies and United Wholesale Mortgage were present to network with students who were also incentivized by a raffle. Companies like Yeo & Yeo, American Axle and Bravo Payment Systems also participated in the mixer to diversify the networking opportunities for students.
“You may be getting coffee with a future employer, or wanting to talk to someone about their job, you might be going to an after work function and not know how to operate or what’s appropriate, and I feel like Bill Stec went over some of those things,” Swarz said.
As students embark on job searches for the summer or after graduation, Swarz advised them to prepare as early as possible for their dream jobs.
“You are never too early on in college to start thinking about your career and what you want to do after school,” Swarz said. “So the more practice and more experiences you have to draw on while you’re preparing for that will help the transition be smoother for you.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF OU EATS FACEBOOK
Four OU students face deportation threats
MALLORY WALIGORA Political Editor
President Trump’s administration has implemented a dramatic shift in immigration policy, affecting many international students –including four here at Oakland University facing threats of deportation.
According to Bridge Michigan, more than 70 students at universities across Michigan have lost their legal status to study and reside in the U.S. This includes 22 students at the University of Michigan, 12 at Wayne State University and 12 at Michigan State University. Ten of the 15 public universities in Michigan have confirmed students who have lost their legal status.
As of now, four OU students are facing deportation. One student was detained at Blue Water Bridge – a bridge at the southern end of Lake Huron, a border port between the United States and Canada, according to Rosemary Max, executive director of Global Engagement.
The other three students are considered “system terminations.”
The names of these students have not been released by Oakland University.
Here’s what we know:
The students come from four different countries: South Sudan, China, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.
Three are graduate students and one is an undergraduate student.
Two are engineering students, one is a communication student and the other is a general studies student.
“South Sudan was for no reason at all other than over last weekend the U.S. government, I believe on Saturday, immediately declared South Sudan ineligible for visas. The others have minor charges (no convictions) that were dismissed by a judge,” Max said in an email response forwarded to The Post.
The U.S. has revoked visas for those holding South Sudanese passports and has also barred future entries of those traveling from the country.
According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, this change was a result of actions of South Sudan’s transitional government.
“It is time for the Transitional Government of South Sudan to stop taking advantage of the United States. Enforcing our nation’s immigration laws is critically important to the national security and public safety of the United States,” Rubio said.
“As South Sudan’s transitional government has failed to fully respect this principle, effective immediately, the United States Department of State is taking actions to revoke all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders and prevent further issuance to prevent entry into the United States by South Sudanese passport holders.”
Max emphasized the lack of rationale in this decision.
“So those are the technical reasons but we don’t understand the rationale of doing this when Secretary of State Rubio has stated the reason for this is to eliminate people who are a danger to our country. None of these students are even remotely a danger to our country, our state…,” Max said in an email response forwarded to The Post.
In reaction to these actions, on April 10 the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan
(ACLU) sued the Trump administration. The lawsuit is asking the court to reinstate the legal status of international students in Michigan so they will be able to complete their studies and avoid the risk of deportation.
“The ACLU of Michigan filed a federal lawsuit today, along with a request for an emergency injunction, on behalf of four international students attending Michigan universities who have had their F-1 student immigration status unlawfully and abruptly terminated by the Trump administration for no valid reason and without notice,” the statement said.
According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, international students can enter the U.S. on an F-1 or M-1 visa category. To meet this requirement, students must be enrolled in an academic educational program and be approved by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Revoking the visa means that it is no longer valid and cannot be used for reentry into the U.S. Revocation occurs when the terms of a visa is violated or in this instance — at the discretion of the U.S. government.
“The Trump administration’s sudden revocation of the visas and immigration status of hundreds of university students across the country, including at least six public universities here in Michigan, is the latest in a series of executive actions targeting immigrants and academic institutions. As the ACLU’s lawsuit highlights, international students form a vital community at our state’s universities,
and unilaterally stripping students of their status violates the law,” the ACLU said.
Additionally, the lawsuit highlights two key points. First, the termination of F-1 visas violates the students’ rights with respect to due process. Essentially, the government is required to provide “advance notice and a meaningful opportunity to respond when taking such action.”
“At the most elemental level, the United States Constitution requires notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard,” the lawsuit said. “Due process entitles noncitizens to ‘notice that is reasonably calculated, under the circumstances, to apprise interested parties of the pendency of the action and afford them an opportunity to present their objections.’”
Secondly, the ACLU emphasized the need for an explanation for termination.
“DHS [Department of Homeland Security] did not provide the students or their schools any meaningful explanation for terminating their F-1 student status. At most, what seems to connect students targeted by this newfound and unlawful policy is that the students had some encounter with some American law enforcement official at some point in the past, no matter how innocuous—including receiving a speeding or parking ticket (or even a warning) or lawfully withdrawing an application to enter the United States,” the lawsuit said.
Outside of the Office of International Education, OU has not released any additional information.
PHOTO BY CHARLES CONANT
HC 2010: Experiencing Detroit Symphony Orchestra firsthand
DANIELA CESARIO
Features Reporter
Students in the Honors College course HC 2010 Sebastian: A Course on Bach wrapped up their semester not with a traditional exam, but with a trip to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The final, held on a spring evening downtown, allowed students to experience not only Bach’s work live, but multiple different composers in one of the state’s most acclaimed concert halls. For many, it was their first time seeing the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) perform live.
“I’ve studied Bach’s music in class, listened to it online and written about it,” freshman Miscura Bari said. “But being in that space, hearing the orchestra play in real-time, completely changed the way I experienced the music. It felt alive in a way I didn’t expect and made me appreciate the class more.”
The course, led by Dr. Randall Engle, blends music theory, history and cultural context to explore not only Johann Sebastian Bach’s lasting impact, but other musicians as well, on classical music. Throughout the semester, students analyzed compositions such as “The Well-Tempered Clavier” and “St. Matthew Passion.” The trip to the DSO was planned as a capstone to synthesize everything they’d learned.
“Bach isn’t just a historical figure we study, he’s a living influence in the music world,” Engle said. “The DSO performance allowed students to witness that legacy in action. They were able to apply their
knowledge in a setting far beyond the classroom and I am so happy to have been able to bring them to experience it.”
Before attending the performance, students prepared by researching the selected repertoire and learning about the DSO’s history and role in Detroit’s arts scene. Many noted the emotional
and technical complexity of the pieces played that night, including Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto No. 3.” The honors course encouraged students to think critically about music not just as sound, but as storytelling.
“I was struck by how the orchestra communicated without words,” Bari said. “Watching the conductor and musicians move together brought out the emotion in Bach’s music in a way I hadn’t noticed before. It made me appreciate the artistry involved even more. I wish I could take this class again; it was so fun.”
The DSO visit was also a way to connect students with the wider community and promote arts engagement outside of campus. Some students stayed after the concert to speak with musicians and ask questions about the program. The experience served as both a cultural outing and a practical lesson in applied learning.
“We want students to think of learning as something that goes beyond textbooks and lectures,” Engle said. “When they can attend events like this, it shows them how what they study has real meaning and relevance. It’s about fostering curiosity and lifelong appreciation, thankful for the DSO allowing us to listen.”
The class ended the semester not with a Scantron or essay, but with a shared moment of artistic immersion. For students of Sebastian: A Course on Bach, the evening at Orchestra Hall was a celebration of everything they had studied and felt over the past few months. In the echo of Bach’s timeless melodies, they found a fitting finale.
Mallory Waligora: OU’s Cherry Blossom Princess
NOAH FRANCIS Features Editor
Since 1948, the National Conference of State Societies has rewarded accomplished young women around the United States through the Cherry Blossom Program, a week-long educational, cultural and professional development opportunity in Washington D.C. tailored to those interested in political science, and have a strong desire to serve others through community service, maturity and responsibility.
Applicants are chosen based on their achievements in academics and leadership, as well as their interest in social, civic, community and world affairs. Every U.S. state selects one candidate to represent that state throughout the program.
Although Michigan’s slot is usually filled up by a student at University of Michigan, an Oakland University student, Mallory Waligora, was chosen to be Ms. New Hampshire due to her extended family living in the Granite State.
Originally used as a way to rebuild the friendship between Japan and the U.S. after World War II, the Cherry Blossom Program now focuses on cultural education and cultural exchange by going to different embassies in Washington D.C. and fostering relations between U.S. and Japan.
“The cherry blossoms are a gift from Japan to the U.S., and we planted them in D.C.,” Waligora said. “So we go during the week when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, and we essentially thank Japan for the cherry blossoms, and it’s a week in honor of Japanese American relations, so that’s the main focus of the week.”
Over the course of their week in Washington D.C., the Cherry Blossom Delegates, also referred to as princesses, are tasked with various activities and volunteer opportunities promoting the National Cherry Blossom Festival, having the group of women leaders visit places such as the Embassy of Japan, the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuanian, the Library of Congress and the White House.
“It was actually very, very intense, because I was working long days,” Waligora said. “We were
out all day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. most days, and it was intense, but it was fun because all of our days were filled.”
Despite the busy schedule, Waligora found joy and excitement at every stop.
“Learning about history and learning about the monuments was such a cool experience. Going to the Japanese American memorial was so cool because I love history and I love politics. Learning about that stuff is really important, so with all the information I learned, I really tried to get something out of the week.”
Aside from the rigorous events during the day, Waligora enjoyed the little moments in her downtime.
“Obviously, we have a very strict schedule when it comes to the week, but some of the best experiences I had throughout the week were unplanned,” Waligora said. “Like going to Trader Joe’s at night to get a late night snack with my friends, like talking with someone at the bus late at night, like being stopped by random tourists at the monuments.”
A big moment for Waligora was when the Cherry Blossom Princesses visited the Japanese Ambassador’s residence for a reception.
“A lot of people stopped and talked to me, and they catered in very nice sushi,” Waligora said. “Next thing you know, I’m waiting in the sushi line, and it’s a very long line, because there’s about 600 people at the party, and right behind me is Supreme Court Justice (Samuel) Alito.
(Continue reading on our website.)
PHOTO BY DANIELA CESARIO
General Education Reform Discussions with Dr. Brandi L. Newkirk-Turner
MATILDE RABAJOLI Campus Reporter
Oakland University’s Senate and faculty are pushing to improve General Education courses and pathways for current and future students through a new reform that is being workshopped to seek better success for all Golden Grizzlies.
The reform came to be through the need for modernization, as the committee acknowledges in the opening lines of the “Model Walk” reform, stating that they “have not revised OU’s General Education curriculum in 20 years.”
The Model Walk is a proposal to reform general education structures at OU and turn it into the rebranded “Grizz Core.” Put together by a special committee, the project proposes three different models of general education the university can implement in the future.
“[The university] charged this committee to research new models for general education and propose recommendations for revising the general education curriculum,” The General Education Program Revision Ad Hoc Committee (GEPRAHC) website says. “This committee includes faculty representatives from across the college and professional schools, staff members from advising and other OU offices, and a student representative.”
On Wednesday, Dr. Brandi L. Newkirk-Turner from Jackson State University (JSU) presented to
Oakland University’s faculty, staff and students about improving one’s institutional curriculum structure and general education requirements.
The presentation was sponsored by the GEPRAHC. The committee was established in May of 2022, and it works to “stay relevant to the needs of our students and society we must undertake regular evaluations of our General Education curricular program and revise it as needed,” the official biography states.
The presentation included food and refreshments as a light breakfast for the attendees. It kickstarted with an introduction by GEPRAHC Co-Chair Maria Paino, who introduced the topic and presented Newkirk-Turner as a Communicative Disorders professor, a Doctor of Communication Disorders, and an associate provost for Academic Affairs.
Newkirk-Turner went on to discuss the matters in which the issue of Gen Ed classes came to be, how a committee was created, how the proposal was brought to the various boards at JSU, which marketing techniques worked best and who was included in the process of reform.
She noted how integral students were in understanding what systematic imperfections were stopping them from completing necessary majororiented courses at proper times. Videos of students in the Gen Ed reform committee were shown to showcase a first-person perspective on this.
Newkirk-Turner also included links to marketing videos that were created to properly explain ‘Thee
Pathway,’ the new curriculum plan that helps students better prepare and understand the pathway to their future careers.
The entire JSU Quality Enhancement Plan began in July of 2020, through Covid years, and became solidified in the Thee Pathway proposal about two years later. It started due to student complaints, but also a noticeably decreasing graduation rate.
The people involved in this process were a mix of faculty, staff, and students, as is seen in their committee. Throughout the first two years of planning Thee Pathway, however, many consultations were had with those — other than students — who were directly affected by changes in curriculum.
Meetings were held with advisors from each department to map out proper career plans, athletic advisors for student athletes, success advisors, administration and recruitment offices, etc.
The presentation delivered by Newkirk-Turner was a perfect map and insight on how Oakland University’s own GEPRAHC can improve Oakland’s curriculum and provide our students with the most effective and productive measures to succeed in their education and careers.
For future information on the GEPRAHC’s news on the Gen Ed reform here at OU, check out their website for updates at https://ern.oakland. edu/gened/.
OU freshmen reflect on their first year of college
SOPHIA CURRAN
Features Reporter
As students enter finals week, freshmen students are also wrapping up their first year in college. While the change can be overwhelming, the first year opens up many opportunities for students to branch out and explore their fields of interest. Students reflect on their first year and how the change has impacted them.
The academic freedom offered in college allows students to explore their passions. Nadeen Tomi, a student majoring in International Relations, talked about how her interest in law is what led her to major in the field.
“With my major, a lot of things factored into my final decision,” Tomi said. “Going from Pre-Law to International Relations helped me pick a field of interest. “’Killing Eve’ is a TV show I watched a bit ago and it helped me lead to the decision as well.”
When the inevitable stresses arise from difficult classes and demanding schedules, Tomi found support from those around.
“My family, especially my older sister, helped me because they have already been through college so their wisdom became a guide,” Tomi said. “My older cousin helped as well because she gave me many study tips that I use regularly.”
Oakland allows students to explore and get their foot in the door of the professional field. Biology
major Kamila Ghulam-Rasul expressed how college has allowed to explore her interests within the field of biology.
“I like it, there are a lot of opportunities for doing research outside of school. I am looking forward to getting hands-on experience and working with professionals,” Ghulam-Rasul said.
In the summer, she hopes to deepen her understanding of biology by entering the undergraduate research program in biological
sciences and chemistry.
Outside of the classroom, OU offers a plethora of opportunities, even if it’s your first year attending. Freshman Ryan Polly became a member of the event staff this year. The job provides many roles in social events held on campus, such as working for concessions, setting up for graduations and doing the scoreboard for baseball and softball games.
“I wanted to become more involved, and I needed a job, so I applied to mostly jobs on campus,” Polly said. “Now I work as a part of the event staff. The thing I like most about the job is how flexible the hours are and all of the new people I can meet.”
Students found other ways to get involved, such as attending social events or joining communities on campus. Freshman Gwen Lacovic found ways to become involved while living on campus.
“I adjusted well on campus, especially with living in a dorm and being near everything,” Lacovic said. “My favorite event was when I watched one of the Star Wars movies in the Habitat, and all of the Halloween events as well. I like being involved on campus because it gives me opportunities to meet more people, and to take a break from assignments or classes.”
As the freshmen student body’s first year comes to a close, the flood gates are wide open for many students to explore their own interests and discover what career they will choose to become passionate about.
Olivia Chiappelli, Editor-in-Chief
The Post has left me with many memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Before my time as Editor-in-Chief, I led the arts section and had such creative freedom to write about basically whatever I wanted each week. From movie reviews, to concert reviews to pop culture commentary, I loved getting the chance to add my take to the public discourse. Another memory that I hold really close is whenI travelled to Pittsburgh with our Photo Editor — and my best friend — Katie Reid to watch OU beat Kentucky. I got to watch with some fellow Post alum, which was very special. But what I truly value the most is every Monday production day that I had the pleasure of being a part of. Opening up the office at 9 a.m. and watching people trickle in throughout the day to collaborate on articles, generate ideas, create designs and just hang around and laugh made my job feel complete. I wanted The Post’s office to feel like a safe place to land, and I hope that continues even after I leave!
Morgan Warneke, Content Editor
My favorite memories at the Post are the fun weekly meetings, covering new music releases, and of course, editing. I loved collaborating with so many other talented, creative people! My favorite article I’ve written was definitely when I covered Anna Shoemaker’s performance at The Magic Bag in Ferndale. Getting to interview her myself was really cool, and I hope to do more music journalism in the future. As far as my post-graduation plans, I will definitely be going into freelance writing and editing, but I hope to find a job somewhere in publishing. Thank you so much to our Editor-in-Chief, Olivia Chiappelli, for offering me this position — it has been an experience I’ll never forget.
Megan Judy, Managing Editor
My favorite memories at the Post are working with amazing people! I have met and got to work with so many talented and kind people and being Managing Editor has been so fun and such a great experience. I love designing the center spread each week and getting to be a part of the design team. My favorite design for the Post is the “America Through Our Lens” center spread for the 1.31.2024 Issue. This is one of the first center spreads I made for the Post, and I designed it with my friend Barret! An honorable mention is the “More Three’s Please” center spread for the 3.27.2024 issue. My plan after graduation is to look for a full-time graphic design job in the Metro Detroit area and to take a much-needed break! Shout out to previous Managing Editor Megan Parker for giving me this opportunity and for believing in me to take on this role.
Noah Francis, Features Editor
My favorite Oakland Post memory is when I helped table for the Social at the Circle event at the beginning of the fall 2024 semester, passing out popcorn on behalf of the Oakland Post, as well as bonding with and getting to know my fellow editors, Adrian and Mallory. Although I am double majoring in Journalism and Public Relations, I plan on delving into my journalistic side and make my way into becoming an editor again, hopefully with a newspaper or magazine. Until then, I will continue to perform my odd jobs such as hosting bar trivia and working at the Michigan Renaissance Fair.
Katie Reid, Photo Editor
I have a couple favorite memories from working at The Post. One was from my freshman year when I was a distributor, and I got to do an Instagram takeover. It was oddly one of the funniest things I’ve gotten to do, and I had too much fun getting creative with the videos my friend (now Editor-in-Chief Olivia) and I got to post. My other favorite memory was getting the opportunity to go take photos at March Madness my junior year and getting to experience those two games live. I’ll never forget it. Some of my favorite photos have always been my sports photos, more specifically the ones from Men’s Basketball March Madness and this year’s Swim & Dive Horizon League Championships. My plans after graduation are to keep working in photography, hopefully in sports. I have a couple opportunities lined up and am excited to see where I end up!
Kurt Szymanski, Sports Editor
One of my favorite memories from working at The Oakland Post was covering the Oakland men’s basketball run in March Madness with Brock Heilig. My favorite piece has to be the story I did after Oakland upset Kentucky in March Madness. Looking back on the article, I realize that it’s far from perfect, but I think I captured the crazy environment of the game pretty well. I hope that when people look back on Oakland’s run, they can read that article to relive all the excitement. After graduation, I plan to stick to my journalism and communication roots to pursue a job in the sports industry.
Zachary Oberdier, Graphic Designer
Favorite memory: Collaborating with designers and creating super unique center spreads!
Favorite piece/design: The Take Root center spread! Future plans: Work in the graphic design field!
The Post's opinions on "A Minecraft Movie"
REAGAN REETZ Marketing Director
In the depths of the Oakland Center, the Posties brainstormed topics for this week’s arts section. Only one drew substantial interest and controversy: “A Minecraft Movie.”
“I thought it sucked ass,” graphic designer Ava Guest said.
Personally, I’d say it was a little better than that, but hey, to each their own. It’s certainly not an Oscar winner, but it kept my attention through the entire runtime.
“A Minecraft Movie” has drawn significant crowds so far, with the largest domestic opening weekend of 2025. It’s nearly impossible to escape the phenomenon.
The basis for the film was Mojang Studios’ sandbox video game “Minecraft,” which is one of the highest selling video games of all time. With infinite world generation and online multiplayer, it allows players to build custom structures and engage in combat.
The film itself, while based on the game, does not follow the exact mechanics. For example, one of the central protagonists, Henry, is able to craft a tater tot launcher — something impossible in the original game.
I can appreciate an innovative take on a classic,
but as a lore purist, this was quite upsetting. I did not mind the live action aspect of the film, but I simultaneously yearned for a feature length version of the animation seen in nostalgic YouTube classics such as “Villager News” and “Don’t Mine at Night.”
A highlight of the theater experience for this film is the audience participation. I do not condone the smuggling of a live chicken, or the throwing of popcorn, but I could appreciate the variety of “Steve” cosplays I saw at Great Lakes Crossing AMC on opening night.
Cheering and yelling along with the most iconic quotes was inevitable, whether it was “chicken jockey,” “flint and steel” or “I am Steve.”
Even Posties who hadn’t seen the movie knew the quotes.
“I haven’t seen it yet, but chicken jockey,” graphic designer August Wicker said.
“Chicken jockey,” Managing Editor Megan Judy echoed. “I haven’t seen it either.”
Personally, I was so drawn to the chicken jockey that I selected a chicken jockey cup topper for my collectible “A Minecraft Movie” cup. Even more bizarre, this topper landed me a semi-viral TikTok video.
I’m not sure if the other Posties picked up merchandise at their showings, but opinions on the film were certainly mixed.
“I think the Minecraft movie was one of the best movies I’ve ever seen in my entire life,” graphic designer Zach Oberdier said.
This was quickly met with a lot of laughter and disagreement.
Defending his position, Oberdier said: “It was like a prolonged Instagram reel.”
“That sounds like a nightmare,” Guest countered.
Solidifying his stance on the matter, Oberdier said that he enjoyed the way the actors— and the audience— did not take themselves too seriously.
To elaborate on Guest’s stance, the film came across as overwhelmingly corny and contained poorly written dialogue. Several jokes landed as bizarre or confusing.
“There were just weird moments and strange jokes that I was just like ‘What’s happening?’” Guest said.
Despite the criticism, the communal aspect of the movie stood out as a highlight.
“I loved the audience,” Guest said. “The best part about it was the community experience.”
Whether considered a masterpiece or a mess, “A Minecraft Movie” has undoubtedly made room for itself in the cultural dialogue.
Student thoughts on Coachella 2025
DANIELA CESARIO Features Reporter
Coachella 2025 transformed the desert into a vibrant runway, with festival-goers showcasing a spectrum of styles, from minimalist chic to bold, to crazy belts and fashion statements. The scene sparked diverse reactions among many students, who are keen observers of these trends. Many are questioning whether these outfits enhance or detract from the festival’s original spirit.
“I appreciate the creativity, but some outfits seem more about getting likes than enjoying the music,” freshman Heather Czekai said. “It feels like Coachella is becoming more of a fashion show than a music festival. I miss when the focus was on the performances and the shared experience, rather than all the expensive details that seem unnecessary.”
This year’s fashion highlights included a resurgence of bohemian styles, with flowy maxi dresses, fringe jackets and many layers of belts making a strong comeback. The 70s bohemian look embraced the free-spirited, laid-back vibe of the era, featuring earthy tones and natural materials. These bold choices have sparked discussions about the evolving nature of festival fashion.
“The boho look is timeless, but it’s refreshing to see it updated with modern touches,” freshman Lana Gamoura said. “It’s about blending nostalgia with current trends. I think it adds depth to the festival’s fashion scene. I also like to see new trends come out of Coachella, it normally sparks a lot of
microtrends that take over the internet.”
Beyond individual outfits, broader trends have emerged. Sustainable fashion made a notable appearance, with attendees opting for upcycled clothing, plant-based fabrics and ethically sourced accessories. This shift could demonstrate a growing awareness of environmental issues among festival-goers.
“It’s pretty cool to see sustainability becoming a trend at such a high-profile event,” Czekai said. “Fashion has a huge environmental impact, so this is a step in the right direction. I hope it’s more than just a passing fad.”
However, some students express concern over the commercialization of Coachella fashion. Reports suggest that certain styles are becoming overly homogenized, leading to critiques that the festival is becoming more about content creation than genuine expression. This practice has led to debates about the authenticity of festival fashion.
“When everyone is wearing similar outfits, it loses the individuality that festivals are supposed to celebrate,” Gamoura said. “It’s like watching a curated Instagram feed come to life. Authenticity seems to be taking a backseat, I wish more people didn’t care so much about the material aspect of the festival as well, I think it more enjoyable to live in the music.”
As Coachella continues to evolve, its fashion scene remains a topic of debate. While some celebrate the creativity and innovation on display, others yearn for a return to a more music-centric experience. The festival’s future may well depend on finding a balance between these competing visions.
“Fashion will always be a part of Coachella, but it shouldn’t overshadow the music,” Gamoura said. “At the end of the day, you are there for the performances. The outfits should complement the experience, not dominate it. Everyone just seems to care more about what they post on Instagram.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BETCHES
US House of Representatives passes the SAVE Act
MEGHAN BAREIS Political Reporter
On April 10, The U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act”.
Also known as the SAVE Act, this bill seeks to amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections.
The Republican party has spearheaded this initiative, claiming that the need for this bill stems from voter fraud. Their sentiments echo those of President Trump, as proof of U.S. citizenship is one of his top electionrelated priorities.
Last month, Trump issued an executive order aimed at revamping the U.S. election system. The order called for individuals to provide official proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections and requires that all ballots be received by Election Day.
This is the second time that Republicans tried to pass the SAVE Act. Last year it passed the House but lost in the Senate due to intense Democratic opposition. Now, the bill is in the hands of the Senate, needing at least 7 Democrats to vote yes.
The bill proposes multiple new additions to the voter registration process, raising concerns about the potential disenfranchisement of millions of U.S. voters, especially women. The SAVE Act requires in-person voter registration, with original or certified documents proving identity and U.S. citizenship. For most Americans, that would mean showing a passport or birth certificate. However, not all U.S. citizens have the
proper documents readily available. For instance, more than half of Americans don’t have a passport. Among the acceptable documents are a valid U.S. passport and a government-issued photo ID card presented alongside a certified birth certificate.
The Brennan Center for Justice and other groups estimated in a 2023 report that 9% of U.S. citizens of voting age, or 21.3 million people, do not have proof of their citizenship readily available.
Democrats are especially concerned about the extra
requirements, specifically worrying about older people in assisted care facilities and military service members who wouldn’t be able to solely use their military IDs. Additionally, women are expected to be disproportionately affected, especially married women. Approximately 69 million American women have taken their partner’s last name, so their current legal name doesn’t match the one on their birth certificate. This would force married women to need multiple documents to prove their citizenship if they have changed their name, creating even more obstacles for these voters.
As a response to this worry, Republicans will give states discretion on determining registration processes.“The truth is, those who were registered to vote would still be able to vote under their current registration,” said Rep. Chip Roy, a Texas Republican who sponsored the bill. “We have mechanisms giving the state fairly significant deference to make determinations as to how to structure the situation where an individual does have a name change, which of course is often women.”
Legal experts worry that the vagueness of the bill will cause uneven policies across the country because it is up to individual states, meaning that some states will enforce stricter requirements.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed this concern in a press conference.
“The Democrats have been fear mongering about this bill, have been saying if married women change their name, they would not be able to vote. That is a complete fallacy,” she said.
Senate confirms new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
MEGHAN BAREIS
Political Reporter
In a late-night vote on April 11, the U.S. Senate confirmed Gen. Dan Caine in a 60-25 vote as the new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), the top military official in the country responsible for advising the president on issues pertaining to national security.
After a two-month vacancy, Caine is replacing his predecessor Gen. CQ Brown Jr., picked by former President Joe Biden in 2023, but later fired by Trump amidst the administration’s vigorous strikedown against DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) in government offices, which he claimed Brown supported. This action seemed unprecedented due to Brown’s outstanding accomplishments and because he was only 2 years into his four-year term.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth additionally criticized Brown for allegedly backing what he called a ‘woke’ agenda within the military. However, it seems that he has high hopes of having Caine as the next chairman.
“The president respects leaders who untie the hands of warfighters in a very dangerous world,” Hegseth said. “I think Dan Caine is the man to meet at the moment.”
Despite being a decorated F-16 combat pilot and being in military service for 37 years, Caine is not technically qualified for the position of chairman. Caine doesn’t meet certain qualifications outlined in a 1986 law, which typically requires the chair to have served as a combatant, commander or the head of a military branch. These rules can be bypassed if the president determines the appointment serves the national interest.
“The Goldwater-Nichols DOD Reorganization Act of 1986 identifies the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as the senior ranking member of the Armed Forces. As such, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the principal military adviser to the President. He may seek the advice of and consult with the other JCS members and combatant commanders. When he presents his advice, he presents the range of advice and opinions he has received, along with any individual comments of the other JCS members,” the CJCS website states.
While there is widespread support for the new chairman, Cain has also received backlash –specifically from Democrats. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer opposed the confirmation, saying in a statement that “I remain outraged” about Brown’s firing, yet he hopes that “he will continue to fight for the needs of our service members, speak truth to power, and resist Donald Trump when he’s wrong.”
At his confirmation hearing on April 1, Caine pledged to be a non-partisan leader.
“If confirmed, I’ll continue the traditions and standards of my oath of office and my commission as a nonpartisan leader who will always strive to do the right thing,” Caine said. “I am committed to the well-being of our service members and ensuring that America’s military remains apolitical and world-class.”
Caine holds a position of incredible power and will likely face difficult executive pressures and a divided political climate. The position of CJCS is difficult and will keep Caine on his toes as new military advancements and challenges come every day. His appointment to the position has been met with support and also fervent disapproval from political opponents.
PHOTO BY COURTNEY BLACKETT
It’s getting political, even at Coachella
SOPHIA CURRAN Features Reporter
Clairo, the Indie artist most notable for her hit songs such as “Bags” and “Sofia,” performed over the weekend at the popular Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. However, her opening act garnered much attention — U.S. Senator and former Democratic Presidential Nominee Bernie Sanders took to the stage to address the audience of mainly young voters. Alongside fellow congressman Maxwell Frost, they both spoke out against President Donald Trump and the current state of the country.
Sen. Sanders has been traveling across the United States in his “Fighting the Oligarchy” tour, where he and other representatives, such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have been speaking out against current policies enacted by the Trump administration.
“We’re living in a moment where a handful of billionaires control the economic and political life of our country … with a president who has no understanding of the Constitution of the United States,” Sanders said in his most recent rally in Downtown Los Angeles.
During his stop in Los Angeles, he made his surprise visit at Coachella, a prominent music festival that brings in around 250,000 attendees during its two weekends. While there, he specifically addressed the audience of young voters.
“This country faces some very difficult
challenges. The future of what happens to America is dependent upon your generation,” Sanders said. “You can turn away and ignore what goes on, but if you do that, you do it at your own peril.”
He went on to encourage his audience to fight against the current injustices he feels this country is facing.
“We need you to stand up to fight for justice, to fight for economic justice, social justice and racial justice,” Sanders said.
Throughout his speech, he criticized President
Donald Trump and his current policies and opinions on the future of the environment.
“Now we have a President who thinks climate change is a hoax,” Sanders said. “He is dangerously wrong and you and I are gonna have to stand up to the fossil fuel industry and tell them to stop destroying this planet.”
He also addressed current actions being taken against abortion rights in states across the U.S.
“In Florida, where Maxwell is from and many other states, politicians are trying to take away a woman’s right to control her own body,” Sanders warned the audience. “We need you to stand up and fight for women’s rights.”
Before he left the stage, he thanked Clairo for her work in advocating for the rights of women and for advocating against the current conflict in Gaza.
“Clairo has used her prominence to fight for womens’ rights, to try and end the terrible, brutal war in Gaza — where thousands of women and children are being killed. So I want to thank Clairo — for not only being in a great band — but for the great work she is doing,” Sanders said before Clairo walked on stage.
The truth is that politics is everywhere. It affects the stock market, it’s an inevitable subject on a first date and it’s even at Coachella – a weekend meant for fun and celebration at a music festival. With such a large audience attending, Sanders made sure that his voice was heard at the festival.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BILLBOARD
The Post’s NBA playoff pick: Pistons vs. Knicks
KURT SZYMANSKI AND EVAN BLANCHARD
Kurt Szymanski: The Pistons will beat the Knicks in six games.
It’s truly shocking that the Detroit Pistons are gearing up to play playoff basketball just one season after having had the worst season in franchise history.
Luckily for the Pistons, they drew the most favorable matchup they could have asked for in the first round of the playoffs with the New York Knicks.
For starters, the Pistons have the series win over the Knicks in the regular season, winning three games while losing just one. This Knicks team has also hit a wall to end its season, losing four of its last seven games.
It’s also important to note that this Knick’s team is coached by Tom Thibodeau, who is notorious for running rotations that push his players to the absolute limit.
Take, for example, the opening game of the 2012 NBA playoffs. Thibodeau, the head coach of the Chicago Bulls at the time, left his star player, Derrick Rose, in the game with under two minutes to go, with the Bulls up by double digits.
What happens next? Rose tears his ACL. It’s one of the most grim parts of the MVP’s career as the top-seeded Bulls would lose in a seven-game series to the Philadelphia 76ers.
You would think a moment like this would shift how a coach runs their rotations, but it hasn’t. The
Knicks have five players in the top 20 in minutes per game this season, with three players in the top five, according to StatMuse.
In comparison, the Pistons have just one player in the top 20 — Cade Cunningham.
Combine the Pistons’ relentless defense with the abominable rotations of Thibeodeau, and you have a recipe for the Pistons to wear the Knicks down game by game. Although the Knicks might look like the more dominant team to start this series, I’m confident the Pistons will come away as winners.
Evan Blanchard: The Pistons will lose to the
Knicks in six games.
I promise I don’t intentionally go against Kurt in nearly every column.
Detractors of my opinion will point to the Pistons’ recent victory over the Knicks on April 10, a 115-106 contest at home. But I would like to bring to your attention the fact that the Knicks were missing starters OG Anunoby and Josh Hart, as well as rotation player Mitchell Robinson. The Pistons might’ve been able to contain Jalen Brunson in the matchup (15 points on 5-15 shooting), but if Hart and Anunoby are playing, that takes a lot of defensive attention off of Brunson.
I really do love this iteration of the Pistons, and I think that their physicality and three-point shooting are going to be a lot to handle for the Knicks. And yes, Cunningham could be the best player on the floor in this series. And yes, yes, yes, I have heard countless times about the Knicks’ 0-10 record against the Celtics, Thunder, and Cavaliers. Are the Pistons those teams? No. Are they nearly as talented as those teams? Big time no.
The bottom line is that the Knicks simply have too much talent to lose to this Pistons team, especially in this core of the Pistons’ first playoff push.
If I were going to predict an upset, I would lean heavily on betting that Detroit’s three-point shooting gets red hot, the Knicks keep dealing with injury issues to key players, and Cunningham takes a step even further in his ascension to NBA stardom. But I’m not going to predict that because I’m a realist. Knicks in six. It rhymes.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DETROIT FREE PRESS
Oakland’s offseason shakeup continues with Jones, Hoth and James in transfer portal
KURT SZYMANSKI Sports Editor
Oakland’s offseason retooling just got a bit more urgent.
Three more Golden Grizzlies men’s basketball players have entered the transfer portal, including Isaiah Jones, Chang Hoth and Justin James.
Below, you will find each player’s role during their time in the black and gold and what their departures mean for the future outlook of the Oakland roster.
Isaiah Jones | G/F | 6.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.6 APG
Leading off the list is Jones, who, despite dealing with an injury to start the season, has been an important player in his last two seasons for the Golden Grizzlies.
After making 22 starts during Oakland’s historic 2023-24 season, Jones started in 25 games this previous season and was a focal point of the Oakland defense, finishing with 36 steals, the second-most for Oakland last season.
During Jones’ three-game stretch during the Horizon League tournament, he played an essential role in helping the Golden Grizzlies reach the semi-final round. In the first round against Green Bay, Jones put up a season-high 15 points, and in the semi-final game against Robert Morris, he recorded four steals.
Chang Hoth | G | 0 PPG, 0 RPG, 0 APG
Next on the list is Hoth, who didn’t see any action on the court last season for the Golden Grizzlies after tearing his ACL. With his twin brother, Jack, also in the transfer portal, it will be interesting to see if both
players remain on the same team next season.
Justin James | G | 0 PPG, 0 RPG, 0 APG
James is another player from the previous season who did not see any in-game action for Oakland.
With a large number of guards on the roster last season, it’s not too shocking that the junior from Macomb Community College found himself buried on the depth chart and didn’t have the opportunity to showcase his skills.
Looking Ahead
With Jones, Hoth and James now in the transfer portal, the number of players set to be on the Golden Grizzlies roster next season has further dwindled.
As I discussed in an article last week, the Oakland
squad has three newcomers: Amarco Doyle, and twin brothers Danny Yeager and MJ Yeager. Between the three of them and the other players currently on the roster who haven’t entered the transfer portal, the Oakland roster has nine players.
With at least six holes to fill, the Golden Grizzlies will be looking for a little bit of everything as the offseason continues.
Although the Yeager twins can both slot in nicely as point guards on the roster, Jones’ departure could mean Oakland will look to add more of a veteran presence to lead the offense next season. None of the returning Oakland players, aside from Nassim Masshour, has notable in-game experience at the point guard position.
Jones’s departure also points to the Golden Grizzlies adding some forward depth to the roster, as Jones could cover essentially every position on the floor except for the center.
At the time of this writing, Buru Naivalurua, Cooper Craggs and Zavier Banks remain the only returning forwards for the Golden Grizzlies. Although the addition of Doyle benefits Oakland in this regard, adding a couple of forwards could further strengthen the rotation.
Additionally, Oakland will have to add another big man or two to complement Naivalurua and strengthen the center depth. With JUCO product Isaac Garrett recently visiting Oakland, it seems the coaching staff is already well underway in filling this gap on the roster. All in all, the Golden Grizzlies certainly have a long offseason ahead of them.
Golden Grizzlies softball stumbles in series showdown against Purdue Fort Wayne
KURT SZYMANSKI
Sports Editor
In a three-game series against the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons, the Oakland Golden Grizzlies softball team notched a win before losing to the Mastodons in the series’ final two games this past weekend at the Oakland Softball Field.
The series loss brings Oakland’s record to 12-22 on the season, with a conference record of 5-10, good enough for seventh place in the Horizon League standings.
Game 1: Oakland 3, Purdue Fort Wayne 1
In the series’ first game, the Golden Grizzlies struck fast and early. In the first inning, Madi Herrington and Kamryn Troyer hit back-to-back singles, turning a groundout from Kayla Turmell into a run.
Alexa Kownacki singled to center field on the next at-bat, but got caught at second to end the inning. Still, Troyer made it home before Kownacki’s out, giving Oakland a 2-0 lead to start the game.
The Mastodons showed some resistance in the second inning as Alexa Carter got the first hit of the afternoon with a double to center field. Brooke Lickey would follow up with a double of her own on the next at-bat to bring Carter home, making it a 2-1 ball game with Oakland still in control.
With Purdue Fort Wayne on the scoreboard, the
Golden Grizzlies responded in the following inning. Herrington hit a long triple to right field before Troyer hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Herrington to score to give Oakland its two-point lead back.
The Golden Grizzlies kept the lid shut on the Purdue Fort Wayne offense the rest of the way. While Oakland couldn’t tab on any more runs, Kenna Bommarito wasn’t giving up anything from the mound, leading to an Oakland win.
Game 2: Oakland 3, Purdue Fort Wayne 4
In game two of the series, the Golden Grizzlies seemed to carry momentum from their first win as Troyer belted an RBI double to left field in the first inning to give Oakland the early lead.
After some early struggles in the batter’s box to start the game, the Mastodons made headway in the fourth. With the bases loaded, Tori Countryman roped in a run with a sacrifice fly to left field before Faith McClain added to the Mastodon tally with an RBI single, giving Purdue Fort Wayne their first lead of the afternoon.
Despite the pushback, the Golden Grizzlies reclaimed their lead in the bottom of the fourth. Taylor Carraway sent Troyer home with an RBI single, while a Mastodon error was costly enough to bring home Maraina Smith, who pinch ran for Carraway.
With Oakland in control for the next couple of innings, the Mastodons tied things up in the seventh inning. After a double from Brooklyn Lickey, Purdue
Fort Wayne opted to bunt twice on the following two at-bats, driving in Lickey to tie the game at 3-3.
The game went to overtime following Oakland’s three-up, three-down seventh inning, and the Mastodons quickly capitalized. In the top of the eighth, Purdue Fort Wayne’s Carter hit a home run to right field, leaving the Golden Grizzlies with an inning to write their wrongs.
Although Troyer rattled off a double to start things for Oakland, the Golden Grizzlies couldn’t bring in the tying run, resulting in a loss.
Game 3: Oakland 1, Purdue Fort Wayne 8
The third and final game of the series was won by the Mastodons quite handily.
After Purdue Fort Wayne got on the board with an inside-the-park homer to begin the game, the Golden Grizzlies answered in the bottom of the first as Troyer brought home Brooklyn Plitz after grounding out.
However, from there, it was the Mastodon’s game to lose. Purdue Fort Wayne added runs to their total in the third, fourth, fifth and seventh innings while Oakland struggled to make it on base consistently, resulting in a series loss for the Golden Grizzlies.
Up next, the Golden Grizzlies will look to get back in the win column as they travel to Indianapolis to take on the IU Indy Jaguars in a three-game series that starts on Friday, April 18, and ends with a doubleheader on Saturday, April 19.
PHOTO BY KATIE REID
Men’s baseball can’t pull off big win over Michigan Wolverines in 10-inning loss
EVAN BLANCHARD
Sports Reporter
To quote Morgan Wallen: “We got close, but close doesn’t cut it.”
Last Thursday evening, the Oakland men’s baseball team traveled west to Ann Arbor to take on the University of Michigan Wolverines in a one-game stand. The game was a 10-inning slugfest, with Oakland falling just short of a huge comeback win.
Both teams went scoreless through the game’s first two innings as Oakland starter Tanner Ware kept the Wolverines off the board early. However, he started to slip up in the third inning. After retiring the leadoff batter on a flyout, Ware walked a batter, and another reached on a fielder’s choice. The OU coaching staff chose to pull Ware from the game after throwing just 47 pitches.
In came sophomore Luke Riggs to relieve Ware. Riggs promptly surrendered two singles, scoring two runs for the Wolverines and putting the Golden Grizzlies in a 2-0 hole. He would finish out the inning with no further damage.
OU showed signs of life on offense in the fourth with back-to-back doubles from Matthew McGann and Carter Hain. Michigan’s starter, Cade Connolly, got out of the bind with three consecutive flyouts. Unfortunately, U-M was ready to do some more damage in the bottom of the fourth. Austin Fisher took the ball for the fourth but could only record one out before being pulled. Fisher let up three
singles and a walk to drive in two additional runs. It was up to Blake Sehlke to get out of the inning; he would hit his first batter to load the bases and then give up a run on a ground out. At the end of the fourth, the score now stood at a daunting 5-0.
Oakland finally got things rolling in the fifth inning. Trent Rice earned a base on a hit-by-pitch and immediately stole second base. Brandon Nigh got to second base on an error, giving OU two men on with no outs. Up came Taylor Tomlin, who roped a single through the right side to score Rice. Nigh would also score on a pick-off attempt of Tomlin, getting the Golden Grizzlies back in the game down 5-2.
In the bottom of the frame, Sehlke would allow a run after a walk, a hit-by-pitch, and a single. Besides some struggles with control, he had a solid outing. His teammates had his back, though; they started off the top of the sixth with a double from Hain, a single from Ben Clark, and a walk from Sam Griffith to load the bases. However, Oakland would only scrape a run out of the promising inning. Rice got a fly out to bring Hain home, sandwiched between two strikeouts to end the frame.
It was again Hain and Tomlin that would do the damage in the seventh inning. Tomlin began the inning with a pivotal walk before the next two Golden Grizzlies hit groundouts. Hain came up clutch with a single to drive Tomlin in, inching Oakland closer 6-4. Huge props are due to relievers Drew Delcollo, Gage Smith and Ryan Donley, who combined for four innings of shutout baseball to help Oakland claw their way back in the game.
And claw their way back in, they did. Rice tied the game with a huge two-run homer at the top of the eighth inning, bringing in teammate Jack Lux, who reached base on a walk. OU had a chance to take the lead with two men on and two outs, but McGann hit a fly out to center field to end the frame.
The Golden Grizzlies’ defense made a huge play to cut off a Wolverine runner trying to reach home base. Left fielder John Lauinger threw a missile to the catcher McGann before McGann threw it up to third base for Boston Halloran to tag the runner out, securing the tied game.
In the top of the 10th, everything was going Oakland’s way. Rice continued his excellent play with a double to lead off the inning. Nigh earned a walk right before Tomlin reached on a throwing error to load the bases with no outs. Lauinger came up big again with a single to drive home Rice, taking Oakland’s first lead of the day.
The Wolverines elected to intentionally walk McGann, again loading the bags with one out. As I said before, though, OU failed to make the most of an excellent opportunity. Hain struck out before Aidan Schuck was called on to pinch-hit and hit a fly out to end the frame. It’s just another example of the frustrating ways that the Golden Grizzlies let this game slip away.
(Continue reading on our website).
Oakland star Allen Mukeba explains his move to Arizona State
EVAN BLANCHARD
Sports Reporter
Coming off a stellar 2024-25 campaign, OU men’s basketball center Allen Mukeba entered the transfer portal to capitalize on his fantastic season in the NIL market.
Mukeba, a 6’6” center from Charleroi, Belgium, earned second-team all-conference honors from the Horizon League after posting averages of 14.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game on 56.9% field goal shooting. With such a successful year under his belt, it was no wonder that big-time schools like Arizona State came calling.
Allen is one of a flood of college athletes benefiting from a special waiver approved by the NCAA in December. This waiver allowed for an extra year of eligibility for athletes who competed for one or more years at a non-NCAA school, such as a junior college. For Mukeba, because he spent one season at Colby Community College in Kansas, he was granted one more year to play. It was just one more unexpected move for Allen in a string of unexpected moves on his basketball journey. But his story isn’t one that’s particularly unique; stories like his are becoming the norm. Mukeba was originally forced to leave his home country of Belgium when COVID-19 hit, as it shut
down all basketball activity in the country.
“It was a tough decision to leave my own country to pursue a dream on my own. Basketball was dead in Belgium because of COVID back then,” Allen said.
The next step would be moving to California to attend Golden State Prep School.
After his short stint at Colby Community College, Mukeba took his talents to the Division I level, committing to play at the University of MissouriKansas City for the Roos. His two years there ended when he decided to enter the transfer portal and attend Oakland.
We all got to see how dominant Allen was all year. Nobody could guard him one-on-one in the paint--sometimes, even two-on-one wasn’t enough to contain the bruiser inside. His great footwork, touch and incredible strength were just too much for the Horizon League to handle.
And now it’s time for him to cash in for that extra year. Talking to Allen about the whole process, he was very honest and open with his thought process for taking advantage of his extra year.
“I just feel like players are getting paid even more than when they are going to go pro, so what is really the difference between being a pro and going to college and getting paid?” he said.
His top three schools that were giving him attention were Arizona State University (ASU),
the University of Southern California, and the University of California, Santa Barbara. The deciding factor for ASU?
“I chose ASU because of Coach Bobby Hurley, a true legend. He likes me for who I am as a player. He checked all my boxes,” Allen told me. “I also chose ASU because I wanted to be back on the west side of the country.”
It’s also an opportunity to play at an elite level and showcase his talent against the top talent of the Big 12. It’s an opportunity that isn’t lost on Mukeba.
“I’m so excited to play in the second-best conference in the US, the Big 12. I look forward to going at big shots in the league and showing what I’m able to do on that bigger stage.”
Of course, tough feelings come with leaving a school and all the people you got close to.
“I will miss my teammates so much; we had such great chemistry on and off the court. It’s one of the first times I’ve had where the whole team got along like that,” Allen said.
But it’s just another step in the journey, something that Allen understands and embraces.
“I’m appreciative of everything Oakland did for me and all that the Lord Jesus Christ provides for me. It wasn’t always easy, but I am in the story of making it! Watch!”
Oakland University Athletics hosts 11th annual Black and Gold Awards
REAGAN REETZ Marketing Director
On the evening of April 14, Golden Grizzlies athletes gathered in the OU Credit Union O’rena to celebrate the annual Black and Gold Awards. This end of year event celebrates athletic, academic and community service achievements of studentathletes over the course of the past year.
Greeted by a red carpet upon entry to the event, attendees dressed to impress to enjoy photo opportunities available prior to and following the ceremony that began at 7 p.m. Appetizers and desserts were served, including a chocolate fountain.
Twenty-seven awards were given out, some with multiple recipients. Most notably, senior track and field athlete Romario Jackson won men’s athlete of the year, while senior swimmer Jordyn Shipps received women’s athlete of the year. For team of the year, men’s and women’s swimming and diving walked away with a tie.
Shipps would also receive the Golden Grizzlies Champions Club Future Leader Award, making her one of the most decorated student-athletes of the night.
“I honestly couldn’t have done it without my coaches and teammates, so I’m just thankful I was able to end my whole career on a high note and with the best team in the world,” Shipps said.
A new award this year, the Muscle and Hustle Award, was presented by Golden Grizzlies director of strength and conditioning Terry Sauerby.
Awarded to student-athletes who consistently push themselves in the weight room, junior track and field athlete Alex Mansfield would walk away with the men’s award, with junior Anika Prisby of volleyball receiving the women’s award.
“It means that putting effort in the weight room actually pays off,” Mansfield said. “Even something like this means a lot, especially coming from Terry.”
Top play of the year went to Isaiah Jones and DQ Cole of men’s basketball for the assist from Jones to Cole, whose 3-pointer against the University of Detroit Mercy sent that game into overtime.
Jones, a junior, will use that moment as motivation heading into his senior year.
“It is definitely pushing me to go harder and be great,” Jones said. “Beating them off that shot, going to overtime, was really big.”
Other standouts from the night included senior baseball player Hunter Pidek, who received the Golden Grizzlies Champions Club Men’s Future Leader Award, and sophomore tennis player Emilia Jarvinen, named Women’s Newcomer of the Year. On the men’s side, freshman track and field athlete Tyler Donovan took home the Men’s Newcomer of the Year Award.
Charles Brown, Harry Nicholson, Micah Scheffer and Jack Wike of the men’s swim team were honored with Men’s Performance of the Year after breaking a 21-year old pool record in the 200 freestyle relay. Ellie Chalifoux earned Women’s Performance of the Year after securing first-place finishes in both the one-meter and three-meter diving events at the Horizon League Championships.
Competition of the Year was awarded to men’s soccer for their match against Michigan State, and Comeback of the Year went to women’s basketball for their first-round performance against IU Indianapolis.
In recognition of progress, sophomore Lucas Fehn of Esports earned Most Improved, while fifth year soccer player Gabe Babylon received the Tom Ford Award.
The Black and Gold Spirit Award was presented to the dance team, recognizing their energy throughout the year.
The Hollie L. Lepley Awards went to senior baseball player John Lauinger on the men’s side and graduate student and cross country athlete Grace Nolan on the women’s.
Fifth year soccer player Alex Flowers and senior volleyball player Emily Wichmann were awarded the Men’s and Women’s President’s Awards, respectively.
In academics, men’s cross country and volleyball were recognized as the highest-achieving teams. For community service, baseball and volleyball led the way.
Awards with multiple recipients included certificates for outstanding community service involvement and academic achievement, the latter awarded to student-athletes with a cumulative 4.0 GPA.
The evening capped off a year of achievement, recognizing student-athletes for their success in competition, the classroom and beyond.
