The Oakland Post 7.19.23

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

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REPORTERS

Rory Strachen Distributor

Anthony Varchetti Reporter

Chelsea Bossert Reporter

Chloe Kukuk Reporter

Evan Fisher Reporter

Kurt Szymanski Reporter

Summer Weathers Reporter

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

GREEN SUMMER Campus is blooming this summer with lots of trees framing Elliot Tower

PHOTO BY LINDSEY SOBKOWSKI

Letter from the Editor: A new chapter begins

ARIANNA HEYMAN Editor-In-Chief

Philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.”

Those words are especially meaningful to me now. I am incredibly grateful, and honored, to be Editor In Chief. To be selected to lead The Oakland Post is the greatest accomplishment of my collegiate career. I am endlessly thankful for the support of my family, friends, colleagues and the OU community.

When I started at The Oakland Post, I never would have imagined that I would become Editor in Chief. The idea of leading this immensely talented staff never crossed my mind. I was simply happy to just contribute.

As time went by, I started to ponder how I could make a difference in a leadership position. The Oakland Post has a storied legacy of excellence, and the idea of implementing my own vision was increasingly attractive.

Last fall, I came to the realization that becoming Editor in Chief of The Post was more than just a vague desire. I wanted to make it a reality. My time at The Post has been incredibly rewarding. It is invigorating to work with like-minded peers who are as passionate about the future of journalism as I am.

My goals for my tenure as Editor In Chief are to further the work of my predecessors, and build upon the legacy of The Post by introducing some new ideas. I hope to focus on bringing The Post into the digital age, focusing on increasing content and accessibility for our online readers. I also want to build a space for a larger discussion about current events in the American political landscape and its impact on students on our campus.

There is an old adage in politics that all politics is local. I feel the same way about journalism. The importance and protection of the press begins at the local level first, and spreads out to statewide papers, national publications and the international media. This is especially true at a time when freedom of the press appears to be under attack on a global scale.

In 2022, 86 journalists were killed and hundreds more attacked or imprisoned. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of the United Nations cultural agency UNESCO, stated that 2022 was the “deadliest year for the profession.”

Furthermore, it was discovered that disinformation, hate speech and media censorship are threatening freedom of the press worldwide.

“Our freedom depends on press freedom,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said. “Freedom of the press is the foundation of democracy and justice. It gives all of us the facts we need to shape opinions and speak truths to power.”

With reports as dire as these, how could I not feel driven to reaffirm my commitment to the noble cause of fair and objective reporting?

At The Oakland Post, we are thankful for our freedom of press. An independent newspaper is vital to any college campus, and we continue to be vigilant in disseminating true and fair reporting as we strive to protect our treasured right of a free press. We are additionally grateful for the opportunity to educate, inform and inspire our audience. We are and always will be an independent news source committed to serving the OU community.

So with that, I welcome all of you to issue 49 of The Oakland Post. I am proud and excited to start this new chapter with all of you.

June 26 BOT meeting: Campus minimum wage increase and new programs

EVAN FISCHER Campus Reporter

The Oakland University Board of Trustees (BOT) met on June 26 to discuss new programs, the University’s annual budget, a new public policy series and a campus minimum wage increase.

The meeting opened with President Ora Pescovitz receiving the Michiganian of the Year award from The Detroit News.

“It’s not a credit to me, but it’s a credit to the community at Oakland University,” Pescovitz said.

President’s Report

Pescovitz announced several upcoming changes. Dr. Christopher Coleman will be the new Dean of Nursing, and Pescovitz announced the acceptance of a $1 million gift from OU Credit Union.

The gift will create opportunities for OU to double down on the work the school community has done and to expand its efforts beyond what was originally within the scope of possibility for the school.

It was also announced OU is collaborating with the College for Creative Studies (CSS) to provide an Augmented Reality Center (ARC). Pescovitz believes the ARC will open up plenty of new learning opportunities for all students, especially students interested in science, medical studies and gaming. The ARC opened on June 23, and Pescovitz encouraged everyone to stop by and experience what it offers.

Dennis Muchmore Public Policy Series

The BOT has announced a new public policy series available to all students, faculty and people outside of the OU community.

This program, according to Pescovitz, “elevates OU’s commitment to rigorous public discourse and shows our commitment to supporting the first amendment.”

Pescovitz also said the series will allow OU to advance its “advocacy for civility.”

David Dulio is the director of the Center for Civic Engagement. He believes the Dennis Muchmore public policy series will take efforts made regarding civil discourse and engagement “to another level.”

School of Health Science’s Eclipse Program

Kevin Ball, the Dean of Health Sciences, presented on the ECLIPSE (Explorations in Collaborative Leadership and Interprofessional Education) program for the School of Health Sciences.

The program is built to help students apply the skills they are learning within their degree as they work towards it. This allows them to have realworld experience before they face the job market.

There will be a recorded information meeting for ECLIPSE on September 11 from 12-1 p.m. in the Human Health Building.

2023-2024 Budget Proposal

Steven W. Mackey, the Vice President for Finance and Administration and the Treasurer for OUs BOT, proposed an increase in tuition of 4.5% compared to last year. He also proposed a tuition increase of 2.0% compared to last year for the OU School of Medicine.

The BOT accepted his proposal. Mackey says raising tuition across the board will provide muchneeded changes for OU.

Mackey proposed changes such as increased faculty wages, improved campus security, as well as being able to provide over 44 million dollars in financial aid.

Mackey also stated OU’s housing costs are “either staying flat or dropping as much as 4.6%.”

It was also announced this upcoming fall that all undergraduate student employment positions will start at $15 per hour, and graduate student employment positions will start at $25 per hour.

The OU’s BOT will meet next on Zoom on August 10 at 11 a.m. and in person on September 11 at 2 p.m. in Banquet Room A of the Oakland Center.

PHOTO COURTESY BY ARIANNA HEYMAN

PHOTO BY MAGGIE WILLARD

BOT votes to increase campus minimum wage for student workers to $15 an hour

EVAN FISHER Campus Reporter

On June 26, Oakland University’s Board of Trustees (BOT) voted in favor of BOT Treasurer Steven W. Mackey’s proposal for the 20232024 budget.

Mackey’s proposal included improving campus security and increasing tuition by 4.5% and 2.0% for the School of Medicine. He also proposed to increase faculty wages, increase the undergraduate student minimum wage to $15 an hour and the graduate student minimum wage to $25 an hour.

According to the OU Young Democratic Socialists of America’s (YDSA) ActionNetwork petition demanding the wage increase, the minimum wage across campus was $9.87.

“Tuition and cost of living are rising, yet our $9.87 minimum wage stays the same,” YDSA said.

The situation this year is different. Tuition increased 4.5%, or about $23.50 more per credit according to Mackey’s budget report. The jump from $9.87 to $15 per hour provides a solid response to the rising costs of tuition.

Senior Archer Atkinson feels the wage increase will be a huge help.

“On days when it was freezing and I couldn’t get across campus, I found I would go hungry because I

didn’t have enough money for food,” Atkinson said. “The extra $5 is going to help me more than words can express.”

Thanks to the $5 wage increase, Atkinson believes they will be able to spend more time focusing on school.

“I’m lucky enough to have a job where I have a lot of downtime to do homework, but if not, I would feel comfortable taking less shifts because I would

be making more,” Atkinson said.

Senior Marisa McDonald feels the wage increase has the potential to be helpful. However, she struggles with the idea of taking a job at OU, referencing a line on OU’s Student Employment page that says “students are responsible for using the earnings to help pay for educational expenses.”

OU does not force students to pay for their schooling with their job on campus, but McDonald still feels there is pressure to do so.

“I would definitely be more likely to get a job on campus with the recent wage increase, but what if I wanted to save that money for something else, like if my car breaks down or if I get injured?

Life happens outside of school. If I earn money, I would like to use it how I need it,” McDonald said. “The school doesn’t explicitly say that I’m required to spend the money on campus, but it is implied that that is what the money is meant to be used for.”

McDonald believes the changes OU made will provide more viable employment opportunities for students. She recognizes the benefits of being able to work in the same place you go to school — giving students one less place to drive and allowing them to save money on gas. Despite the $5 increase, she still feels there is unwanted pressure on her that would not be there if she chose to work somewhere else.

School of Engineering and Computer Science opens Augmented Reality Center

CHLOE KUKUK

Campus Reporter

On June 23, Oakland University’s School of Engineering and Computer Science (SECS) held the grand opening of the Augmented Reality Center (ARC) on the second floor of the Engineering Center.

ARC was created to “provide a learning platform where engineering and art intersect,” according to the center’s webpage. The creation was a collaborative effort between OU, the College for Creative Studies (CCS) and several industry partners.

The center showcases projects including KUKA’s AR Robot, ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation’s VR Factory Tour, Lightguide’s AR Projected Guidance, Varjo’s Rave Computer and General Motors’s Corvette Immersive Experience.

The projects were created with assistance from OU students, a partnership ARC Undergraduate Assistant Peyton Skwarczynski believes is beneficial to students’ future careers.

“It’s really interesting to see how readily available this technology is because, at other universities — you really can’t have this type of experience,” Skwarczynski said. “This lab is one of a kind, where you can have students come in and experience the demos [themselves], and then also work with developing them as well.”

Additionally, the center will include two studentcreated projects — a VR gaming application, created by a group of students from the CCS, and

a VR ergonomic studies application, created by students in the SECS.

The CCS and SECS began working together to create the center three years ago. ARC Founding Director Dr. Khalid Mirza said they hope to emphasize cross-disciplinary education.

“We knew that this immersive technology was going to be big,” Dr. Mirza said. “This was one of the motivations to get into this field and then create programs for students so they are prepared for those future jobs.

We were teaching them the technology part and all that was missing was the art side,” he added. “A student has to understand both sides and then when they work in future jobs, they will be able to produce some great stuff.”

Dr. Mirza believes regardless of industry, it’s important to be acquainted with AR and VR technologies.

“We’re talking about the technology of the future,” Dr. Mirza said. “What is the best way to be skillful in that area? Learn to be associated with that technology.”

Graduate student Sana Mirza agrees, saying students can apply these technologies to any discipline.

“The idea behind the whole thing is that you don’t have to be an engineer to learn this stuff and to be interested in it and apply it to whatever it is that you’re working on,” Mirza said. “Even in the counseling field, we’re looking at how AR and VR can be implemented for therapeutic purposes.

There’s a totally open application for any industry that you can think of.

It’s just cool and fun to try out,” Mirza added. “This is kind of the future of the industry, really — this is the direction it’s heading. So the sooner you can get in on the ground floor and check it out, you’ll be kind of at the cutting edge of it all.”

The ARC will be open to students and the general public beginning July 23. People interested in visiting can do so on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10 a.m. and noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

PHOTO COURTESY OF YDSA

The Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) protesting for the wage increase at a recent BOT meeting.

PHOTO BY ROBERT HALL

OU becomes first university to be certified in the pledge on food waste

CHLOE KUKUK Campus Reporter

Oakland University and OU Eats recently became the first university and first institution in North America to be certified in The PLEDGE on Food Waste. They received Gold Level Scoring.

The PLEDGE is a third-party certifying institution aiming to reduce food waste and save on costs.

The PLEDGE also supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — to create a world free of hunger, ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns and take action to combat climate change.

Resident District Manager of Chartwells, Evol Gazzarato says it is “amazing” for OU to receive this award.

“It really shows that we [at OU] are serious about our sustainability efforts,” Gazzarato said. “It’s not just talk — we’re actually putting those efforts into action. Hopefully, it will be an inspiration for other universities as well throughout the country.”

The certified locations on campus include the Oakland Center, Hillcrest Hall and Vandenberg Hall.

Gazzarato says sustainability efforts were in full force before The PLEDGE program.

“For many years, [we] have been proactively trying to reduce our carbon footprint and food waste,” she said. “When we found The PLEDGE program, it really aligned with what we were already doing. We collect all our trim waste and leftover waste and record it.

The PLEDGE allowed us to really expand on that

and start integrating consumer plate waste and what we do with all the waste that is produced, such as composting and different things that you can do with the food to repurpose it.”

Gazzarato says students can do their part to reduce food waste by being mindful of how much they put on their plates at one time.

“What’s wonderful about the dining halls is you can go up and get more as many times as you want,” she said. “So if you take a little bit and then you eat and then you find out you’re still hungry, you’re more than welcome to go back and get more.”

Dr. Scott Tiegs, professor of Biological Sciences, says reducing food waste plays a crucial role in fighting climate change.

“When you take food waste and put it in a landfill, it gets buried,” Tiegs said. “When microbes decompose organic matter like that, under anoxic conditions — without oxygen — which are very common in landfills, the particular microbes that use that food waste as an energy source as a carbon substrate, they generate methane.

They emit antigens. They basically convert that food waste to greenhouse gasses, most of which then enter the atmosphere. Some landfills try to capture some of that and use it for biofuels, but a lot of that makes its way back to the atmosphere, which is really undesirable from the perspective of managing the climate crisis.”

The certification came almost concurrently with the news that OU Credit Union would be donating $1 million toward campus sustainability efforts. This combination, Tiegs says, is promising for the future of sustainability at OU.

“This food waste certification is amazing, and this

is exactly the direction that we should be going,” he said. “This really aligns with and dovetails nicely with all these new sustainability initiatives that we’re getting going.

All these new sustainability initiatives on campus really make me proud to be a Golden Grizzly. This is exactly the sort of thing that universities should be doing — paving the way, showing people how to live more sustainably. This reduction of food waste initiative is a real practical way to do that.”

Looking ahead, OU Eats hopes to continue moving in a positive trajectory by expanding sustainability initiatives. Some plans include digesters that can create compost within 24 hours and a partnership with the broader Oakland County community.

“Not only are we trying to change things here on campus, but within our surrounding community as well,” Gazzarato said.

Kresge Library transitions to new ILS: What you need to know

AUTUMN OKUSZKA

Content Editor

On July 5, Kresge Library transitioned to a new integrated library system (ILS) called FOLIO. An acronym for “The Future of Libraries is Open,” FOLIO is an open-source software (OSS) aiming to collaborate with libraries in providing more up-todate, easy-to-use services.

FOLIO first began development in 2016 through collaboration with institutions globally, including Cornell University. The system replaces the previous ILS OU had in place since 1997.

Michael Ross, manager of Library Technology Services, spearheaded the change. He says Kresge Library and the OU community will benefit from the switch to FOLIO.

“This new system is going to save the university money,” Ross said. “It is an open-source system, and it will eventually improve the search interface and make our resources better available to the student body at OU.”

The main change affecting students in the transition to FOLIO is the functionality of Library OneSearch. However, Ross says the service will still be relatively easy to navigate.

“Most of the features and functions [of Library OneSearch] might look slightly different, but it’s going to be pretty easy to navigate and provide the same service,” he said. “You can place holds, initiate renewals, review your account, all of the same things.”

Kresge Library is also implementing extended loan periods and will be fine-free for overdue materials in conjunction with the changeover to FOLIO. Undergraduate and graduate students will now be able to check out items from the library for the entire semester.

Ross is pleased FOLIO allows Kresge Library to make educational materials more accessible for students.

“With this system migration, we just kind of saw an opportunity to support our students’ access to materials,” Ross said. “That’s what it’s all about — for us to make things as easy and as streamlined as possible.”

To fully enjoy everything the new Library OneSearch offers, Ross recommends students sign in to the discovery tool using their NetID. Signing in lets students renew books and videos, create favorites lists, view previous searches and export citations to RefWorks.

Ross also believes it’s necessary to note Kresge Library has multiple resources to contact in case of any issues regarding Library OneSearch, FOLIO, or questions about the library in general.

Students can contact Kresge Library’s Access Services Department by phone at 248-3704425 or by email at circ@oakland.edu. Students can also chat with a librarian and report any problems virtually.

Of all of the changes FOLIO brings to Kresge Library and OU, Ross is most excited to have the opportunity to support students and make the school year as easy as possible for them.

“We’re excited about this change — we think it’s a good one for the student body,” Ross said.

PHOTO BY JOHN D’ANGELO

PHOTO BY MAGGIE WILLARD

O’rena renamed in deal with OU Credit Union

BROCK HEILIG Sports Editor

When fans of Oakland University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams attend home games this upcoming winter, they will enter an arena with a slightly altered name.

In April, Oakland University Athletics struck a 10-year, $5 million naming rights deal with the OU Credit Union. The deal, which went into effect on July 1, allows for the formerly known O’rena to now be called the OU Credit Union O’rena.

“Thank you to the Oakland University Credit Union for this transformational naming rights partnership,” said Oakland University Director of Athletics Steve Waterfield. “OU Credit Union is a longstanding partner with Oakland University and the Athletics Department, and this significant O’rena naming rights agreement elevates this partnership to another level, benefiting each of our sports programs and current and future Golden Grizzly student-athletes for years to come.

I look forward to the Athletics Department’s expanded collaborations with OU Credit Union and the many positive outcomes these collaborations will create for OU Credit Union members, OU and the community,” Waterfield added.

For the first time, the O’rena — which opened in 1998 as Oakland moved from Division II to Division I — will have a company’s name attached to its title.

“As a longtime partner with Oakland University, OU Credit Union is pleased to expand our partnership with Oakland University Athletics with the naming of the O’rena. Through this sponsorship, we are looking forward to expanding our programming with OU Athletics, engaging our members and the campus with events and community programs,” said MSU Federal Credit Union President and CEO April Clobes.

“In a building where teamwork and working

together for a common purpose are observed and celebrated, we are so proud that the ‘Oakland University Credit Union O’rena’ will be center stage for a long and mutually beneficial sponsorship,” OU President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz said.

“This is truly a landmark partnership for Oakland University Athletics and OU Credit Union,” said Playfly Sports Properties President Christy Hedgpeth. “Naming rights deals hold immense power and influence to local and regional fandoms, and building an even more comprehensive partnership around that marquee asset will be an impressive case study on brand impact and engagement.

The OU Sports Properties team is eager to start activating these assets for both the Oakland University Athletics community and OU Credit Union to transform the beloved O’rena for the student-athletes and fans.”

The jury is still out as to whether fans will refer to the arena by its full name, or if they will continue to call it the O’rena, but either way, the deal serves as a great opportunity for the university and the credit union to partner.

Season tickets for the 2023-24 OU men’s and women’s basketball seasons went on sale on July 10, as the two teams look to bounce back after losing seasons and first-round Horizon League Tournament exits.

Men’s basketball coach Greg Kampe will be entering his 40th season as head coach of the program, and women’s coach Jeff Tungate will be entering his 10th season with the program.

PHOTO BY SOPHIE HUME

“How to know about line 5:” an essay series

PAYTON BUCKI

Features Editor

This summer, six students enrolled in Professor Jeffrey Insko’s Literature and Social Engagement course wrote a series of essays examining the social, cultural and theoretical aspects of Line 5. These essays, which are published on the Line 6B Citizens’ Blog, seek to address how we know Line 5, rather than considering the ways we have lived with the pipeline and the actions we must take to live without it.

Prior to the release of the “How to Know About Line 5” essay series, Insko spoke as a featured panelist at the 2023 Michigan Climate Summit

“Shut Down Line 5” breakout session, which was hosted at Oakland University on June 2. At the session, Insko emphasized the importance of involving an array of diverse advocates in climate change advocacy efforts.

“What we need [for climate change advocacy] are new ways of living, new ways of being in relation with the more-than-human world and with one another,” Insko said. “We need people who can help us imagine those things.”

Insko’s Line 5 essay series allowed his students to reimagine the history and current state of Line 5 through storytelling.

The first set of essays in the series features the work of Shannon Waite and Lourd Razooq. Waite’s essay “Life As We Live It Now Is the Problem” explored the environmental harms caused by Line 5, urging the reader that, even though Line 5 is currently the status quo, there is hope for positive change in the future.

In “Aesthetics and the Dark Gratifications of Petroculture,” Razooq argues the personal benefits derived from the petroculture industry may blind the public to the harmful consequences of fossil fuel consumption.

The second set of essays is comprised of “What is the 1977 Transit Pipelines Treaty?” by Sydney Wendling and “The Great Lakes and the Rights of Water” by Paige Therrian.

“In my essay, I give a primer on the [1977 Transit Piplines] treaty’s history and notable articles within it, discuss why it is relevant to the Line 5 legal battles and mention the stakes of the treaty’s invocation, including undermining Indigenous

sovereignty and prioritizing oil dependence over much-needed decarbonization,” Wendling said.

Therrian’s essay draws upon Indigenous worldviews, raising the argument that recognizing water as a rights-bearing entity would dismantle the human hierarchy that permeates non-native systems. Therrian asserts the reciprocal nature between humans and natural resources magnifies the harmful affects Line 5 poses to the environment.

The last two essays feature “Building Solidarity Along the Entirety of Line 5” by Ava Gardiner and “Chemical Valley and the Origins of Indigenous Resistance to Line 5” by Alma Dukovic.

Both pieces examine local communities that have been negatively impacted by Line 5, and their subsequent efforts to resist the project. Gardiner’s essay focuses on the pollution indirectly caused by Line 5 that has negatively impacted the city of Detroit. Dukovic details the threat Line 5 poses to Aamjiwnaang First Nation.

“I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from such talented classmates and a remarkable professor,” Dukovic said. “ I loved that we had the opportunity to actively engage in work that contributes to the movement to shut down Line 5, which ultimately gives us some ideas about the ways we can collectively respond to the climate crisis.”

To read the “How to Know About Line 5” essay series and to learn more about environmental advocacy efforts regarding Line 5, visit the Line 6B Citizens’ Blog. To learn more about the thoughts and perspectives of the essay authors, visit the Line 5 student author Q&A folder.

Oakland University teachers share their summer plans

NOAH FRANCIS

Features Reporter

While Oakland University students enjoy their summer breaks, it is easy to forget OU professors have summer plans too. Regardless of how they choose to spend their summers, OU teachers are making the most of their sunny days as the fall semester looms close.

Here is a spotlight on some OU professors and what they have been up to.

Bret Hoag, director of OU’s Guitar Ensemble, is filling up his summer with guitar lessons on and off campus.

“I teach both summer sessions, but summer [session] one, I have more stuff going on,” Hoag said. “I also teach at the University of Michigan, and I’m preparing for the semester. I’ve got music to learn, I’ve got syllabi to figure out what I’m going to do at both institutions and then I’ve got a kid of course.”

While Hoag is busy teaching guitar lessons this summer, he fills in the gaps by going on family trips with his son and wife. Despite his busy schedule, Hoag still finds time for biking. Hoag averages five days of biking each week.

Professor Hoag teaches guitar lessons to OU students of all majors. For those interested in learning to play the instrument, email Hoag at hoag2@oakland.edu.

Mary Shannan McNair , associate professor of

human development and child studies and CASEOU steering committee member, helps with the biodiversity garden on campus during the summer.

“One of the things we’re trying to do is when we have a minute, jump in and do some weeding at the pollinator garden, it’s a biodiversity garden,” McNair said. “We continue to weed the garden, so we’re always trying to encourage students and staff and faculty to go take a look.”

Outside of OU, McNair enjoys her time in her cottage on Lake Huron in Ontario, where she mostly spends her summer. She paddleboards and kayaks in her downtime and entertains her steady stream of friends who visit her place on the lake.

Although she spends time with her friends, she also spends a lot of time with Sophie, her dog.

“I have a leader dog breeder mom,” McNair said. “She is four years old and lives with me. When she retires, she’ll be mine for good.”

Dr. David Dulio, professor of political science and director of the OU Center for Civic Engagement, has been utilizing his summer by spending time with his family and enjoying what OU has to offer.

“We’ve been doing family trips here and there. I play a lot of golf at the OU golf courses, and it’s a wonderful place,” Dulio said.

While dealing with professorial duties before the fall semester, Dulio has also been working on two books.

“One [book] is retrospective in some ways on the 2022 election and the other one is on the nexus of the United States Congress and sports,” Dulio said. “The one on the elections was just sent off for the last revisions, and the one on Congress is at the copyediting stage. The elections will be out in September, and the other one, probably first of the year.”

As classes return this fall, students shouldn’t let their summer conversations be one-sided. OU professors may also have some interesting summer stories to share.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RETIRELINE5.ORG Line 5 runs directly through the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OAKLAND POST

PEOPLE OF OU:

Rick French, renowned advertising executive and movie producer

Tragically, only Schuyler would survive this horrendous ordeal. He wrote a book, “Not Without Hope” which is being turned into a major motion picture.

Bringing this story to the big screen has been a 13 year journey for French. In a recent interview with The Oakland Post, French provided insight into this new production.

“13 years have felt like 30,” he said. “It was a commitment that I made to the survivor and to the families of those that lost loved ones to that tragedy.”

French began working with Schuyler and his family just days after the incident occurred. Schuyler and his family were overwhelmed by the attention from the media.

The story made national headlines because of the notoriety of the victims. Cooper and Smith were NFL players and Schuyler and Bleakley were former football players for the University of South Florida (USF).

It has been a fascinating journey for Rick French from proud OU graduate, to founder and CEO of French/West/Vaughan (FWV) PR agency and active movie producer –– among other stellar accomplishments. That journey has him at the helm of a soon to be released movie production of a remarkable true story of perseverance and survival.

In February 2009, four friends, Nick Schuyler, William Bleakley, Marquis Cooper and Corey Smith took an offshore fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico. 70 miles out in the Gulf, their anchor got stuck. After being caught in a severe storm, the trapped anchor caused their boat to capsize –– sending the four friends into the freezing water. As the U.S. coast guard desperately tried to save them, the friends had to battle massive waves, dehydration and severe hypothermia while fighting to survive.

“I saw some heinous things [through] social media conjecture about ‘why did he live?’ and ‘why did the others die? did he kill them?’ –– things that just had no basis of fact and were just terrible for a guy who just survived an awful tragedy,” he said. “So I just thought, ‘this is not fair’ –– it was one of the worst things I’ve ever seen and I just decided, well this is something I’m going to personally help with.”

With French’s assistance and guidance, he was able to broker deals for Schuyler which resulted in interviews with Oprah Winfrey, appearances on shows like HBO’s Real Sports, and the book deal for “Not Without Hope” which became a New York Times bestseller.

“All these things kind of led to all the studios and production companies coming to call on us to try to turn it into a movie,” French said.

After numerous setbacks to production, including casting changes

and the COVID-19 pandemic, “Not Without Hope” is going to be released in 2024 and a subsequent documentary is also in principal photography.

“Come 2024, there will be two versions of this story after all these years that are out for people to view,” French said. “One will be in a feature film format as a worldwide release and a major motion picture, the other will be in a documentary format.”

French hopes that “Not Without Hope” will remind audiences that these men should be remembered for more than just the circumstances of their death.

“What we want audiences to know is that these guys were really heroic themselves in the way that they worked and fought to get back to their loved ones,” he said. “As tragic as the story is, and that three of them weren’t able to do that, it’s because of their heroism and that of the United States Coast Guard and their relentless search [and] their refusal to give up the search against all odds –– that there was a survivor found and he is alive to help tell the story of their heroism.”

Aside from “Not Without Hope,” French keeps busy with a variety of projects. He currently has a documentary in production on the

late 50’s rocker Eddie Cochran, as well as another major motion picture in production on Buddy Holly and the birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

FWV recently acquired The Millerschin Group, one of Detroit’s leading transportation-focused marketing companies, and is looking to grow their presence in the Detroit area. Additionally, French is the co-owner of the Daytona Tortugas, the Single-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, and was part of a private equity fund that purchased the Charlotte Hornets, principally from Michael Jordan. “There’s never a dull moment,” French said.

Despite French’s hectic schedule, he still manages to make time to give back to his alma mater. He is the provider of the Richard D. French public relations tuition award and has been a guest lecturer at the university for the last nine years.

“I’m always willing to come back and share experiences and try to be a mentor to students,” he said, “If Oakland University student requests come in on LinkedIn, I try to accept it to try to be there as somebody that they can reach out to.”

Taylor Swift releases ‘Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)’

OLIVIA CHIAPPELLI Arts Editor

After previously announcing its release date during a mid-concert surprise on May 5, Taylor Swift finally released “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” — the much anticipated re-recording of her 2010 album “Speak Now” — on Friday, July 7.

For those unfamiliar with her re-recording journey, Swift has undertaken the project of re-recording all of her old albums in order to own and have rightful control over the work that she has created. “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” marks the third album that Swift has re-recorded after previously releasing “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” and “Red (Taylor’s Version)” in 2021.

“Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” includes all of the songs originally featured on “Speak Now” — with the exception of the song “If This Was A Movie,” which was instead re-recorded for “Fearless (Taylor’s Version),” because it was the lone song on “Speak Now” not written completely by Swift. This omission in turn makes “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” Swift’s first entirely self-written album.

“Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” also includes six new “From The Vault” tracks that Swift previously wrote for “Speak Now,” but never made the final cut, which means six never before heard songs for me to intensely analyze.

I need to first preface this review with the fact that I am cursed with a forever case of song association, meaning that the moment I hear a new song I immediately search

the extensive catalog of my mind to pick out every existing song it reminds me of.

No deep cut is safe – I am not afraid to reference an obscure movie soundtrack from 2008, or even an oddly similar sounding song an artist released in the past. This also especially happens with Taylor Swift for me — this is not shade, I too would produce some near-duplicates if I had hundreds of songs to my name.

To not exhaust you with my research, I will be discussing three of my favorite “From The Vault Tracks:”

1.

Electric Touch (feat. Fall Out Boy)

Speaking of near-duplicates, the introduction instrumental to “Electric Touch” immediately reminded me of Swift’s “State Of Grace” from “Red” — so much so that I almost started singing those lyrics instead.

It got especially eerie when Swift sang “Just one time, just one time,” at the end of the verse in the same melody as she sang “Just twin fire signs, four blue eyes” at the end of a verse in “State of Grace.” It is even more mindblowing to realize that this song was written before “Red,” meaning that “Electric Touch” is the original — my timelines are crumbling before my eyes.

2. When Emma Falls in Love

After doing what they do best, Swifties on Twitter have deduced that “When Emma Falls in Loves” is most definitely about Emma Stone — one of Swift’s best friends at the time this song was written. While this immediately made me think of my favorite Spider-Man, Andrew Garfield, the dates unfortunately do not line up.

Therefore, I am bringing forth my theory that this song is about Kieran Culkin — who Stone dated from 2009-2010 — because I like the idea of Roman Roy from “Succession” being in the Taylor Swift universe.

3. I Can See You

I knew this song was made for me even before Swift’s ex-boyfriend — and known Speak Now muse — Taylor Lautner, showed up mid-concert to backflip down Swift’s catwalk like a Tumbl Trak. Lautner also stars in Swift’s music video for this track, which gives me farfetched hope for any Harry Styles collaboration on “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” in the future.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF ROLLING STONE

‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Back for Season Two

OLIVIA CHIAPPELLI Arts Editor

On Friday, July 14, Amazon released the first three episodes of season two of their hit show, “The Summer I Turned Pretty” — with this season being based on the second book in author Jenny Han’s series, “It’s Not Summer Without You.”

I was initially really excited to dive into season two after remembering how voraciously I bingewatched all seven episodes of season one in one night last summer, but when I stumbled upon a random clip on Twitter on release day, I kind of had my world rocked.

I could not even bring myself to watch those three episodes on release day, and had to give myself a full 24 hours to mentally prepare for what was potentially to come — and in hindsight, I am glad I did.

While I was initially swayed by the brutal onslaught from the whole of Twitter regarding the quality of acting in just those three episodes, I soon realized I am not watching this show for the acting — let’s be real. I am here for drama, love triangles and lighthearted roasting, so that is what I will give you.

Beware of possible spoilers ahead — even though the main one is what propels the entirety of season

two forward.

Episode one begins on the last day of school, and serves the purpose of catching us up on the tough year that has occurred since we had seen these characters last. This episode also introduces the new central device used to guide this season — flashbacks.

While the introductory dream sequence made it seem like the promising ending of season one might have come true, it was soon revealed that was anything but the case. Belly summed it up perfectly in her narration, “I wasn’t in Cousins. Conrad and I weren’t together, and Susannah was dead. Nothing would ever be the same again.”

Episode two relied on the tried and true plot device to reunite a previously estranged friend group — someone goes missing and the gang has to get back together to find them.

While lying in bed yearning for her now-lost friendship with the Fisher brothers, Belly randomly calls up Jeremiah who reveals Conrad is missing. Enter a tension-filled road trip to find the missing estranged brother/ex-boyfriend/brother of an ex-boyfriend — there are many layers.

I also need to note the perfect irony of One Direction’s

“Steal My Girl” playing in a flashback scene where Belly is sneaking off to a beach house with Conrad after also dating his brother, Jeremiah.

This also feels like the perfect time to note every trending song in existence is in this show. I have never craved a mundane filler instrumental more in my life. It is like a never-ending playlist made by a Swiftie with rare interruptions for acting — their music budget must be off the charts.

Episode three introduces the final step of getting the gang back together — having a common cause. The trio finds out their Aunt Julia is planning on selling their beloved beach house, meaning they now have to — begrudgingly — work together to save it.

New episodes of season two of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” will drop weekly leading up to the season finale on Friday, Aug. 18.

‘Pink Tape:’ How Lil Uzi Vert Overwhelms the Senses and Themselves

CHELSEA BOSSERT Arts Reporter

Bursting at the seams with relentless energy, the 27-year-old Philadelphia native, Lil Uzi Vert, blatantly wears their influences on their sleeve while trying to branch out into something new — something unknown.

Lil Uzi Vert’s new album “Pink Tape” does not lack in style — flirting with punk, metal, alternative and other niches in hip-hop. However, the new venture lacks the consistency of their previous projects, as Uzi spreads themselves too thin to make any sort of impact on the listener.

Announced two years ago, the highly anticipated project follows Uzi’s “Eternal Atake” and “Lil Uzi Vert vs. The World 2,” both released in 2020.

Ranging from the anthemic to the mundane, “Pink Tape” succeeds where it also fails — vibes above everything, even over substance. The aesthetics of this project consist of trance-like cloud rap, synth-heavy rage rap, cyberpunk, alternative rock and anime — lots of anime.

Uzi starts out the record with the brooding and burgeoning “Flooded the Face,” a dark drill beat complemented by vocal inflections somewhere between Rob Zombie and Chief Keef.

Despite this promising start, the momentum quickly seizes and is juxtaposed with the awful “Suicide Doors” — truly a poor man’s imitation of contemporary trap artists like Playboi Carti, Ken Carson and Destroy Lonely.

Everything is there for a proper rager — Playboi Carti-esque adlibs, the hypnotic beat, decadent lyrics and punk aesthetic, yet the song does not meld quite right. A good rage track makes sense, with all of its ingredients melding together to create something akin to a Sour Patch Kid. Sour, sweet then gone.

Rage, as a phenomenon, rose to prominence because of producers and rappers working together to pump out a feeling unlike any other. The punk comparison is often drawn here due to the infatuation with short song lengths and lyrics bathed in counter-culture.

“Suicide Doors” is a raw symptom of what is wrong with Uzi in this current era. Uzi’s poor imitation of their contemporaries manifests itself in half-baked rage tracks, but something else is there too — a potential for greatness.

On a few tracks like “Werewolf,” “The End,” “CS” — a cover of System of a Down’s “Chop Suey” and “Nakamura,” Uzi’s love for punk and alternative rock shines through with guitar-led tracks and a truly aweinspiring passion akin to punk bands of the late 70s — without being rage.

Uzi knows who they are, but it’s just plain sad to see them on these overproduced corporate bland rock instrumentals. Incidentally, on the more high-energy rage beats, Uzi’s passion seems to be missing. Their quirks are still there though — plenty of adlibs, chaotic goblin noises and “WOAH’s.”

There are some gems such as “Flooded the Face,” “Fire Alarm,” “Mama, I’m Sorry,” “Pluto to Mars” and

“Rehab” — arguably Uzi’s most sincere track.

“Rehab” shares the story of Uzi’s trip to a rehabilitation center and the connections they made there. It’s a genuinely heartfelt look at the struggles of drug addiction and how people can impact us. This slow, melodic beat complements Uzi really well.

Uzi knows how to rap, they know how to pick beats and they even know how to be sincere to who they are on certain tracks. In spite of this, “Pink Tape” goes for too many thoughts, feelings, vibes, genres and aesthetics.

Rage is simple. Uzi is not.

Rating: 2/5 stars

PHOTO DESIGNED BY SEAN WHITAKER

‘The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’ marks shift in game design

ANTHONY VARCHETTI

Features Reporter

On May 12, 2023, Nintendo released “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK).” Three days later, it officially became the fastest-selling Nintendo game of all time. An instant success, TOTK’s dual status as an internet darling and a studio cash cow has signaled a big shift in the gaming industry.

Serving as a direct sequel to 2017’s “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BOTW),” TOTK brought several innovative changes to the core gameplay. Among these innovations was a stronger focus on fostering player creativity, something the game takes to the extreme by allowing players to build nearly anything they can imagine, including items such as Gundam-style mechs, armored tanks, bomber aircrafts and hoverbikes.

The heavy emphasis on allowing players to think outside the box and create their path through the game was something directly inspired by the player base of the game’s prequel. During a retrospective interview following the success of BOTW, game director Hidemaro Fujibayashi revealed the game’s development team watched internet videos uploaded by players who had discovered glitches and exploited the game’s engine and tools to develop new movement techniques.

Inspired by their players’ creativity, the developers of TOTK decided to lean heavily into the game’s sandbox elements, granting players intricate yet intuitive tools that allowed for a staggering level of self-expression and imagination.

This design decision has been extremely well-

received, with critics ranking TOTK among the best video games ever made. Given games in the “Zelda” series are almost always critically acclaimed, this is not particularly surprising. What is worth noting, however — the series has never been a top-shelf franchise in terms of sales.

Game design is an art, to be sure, but it is also an industry. At the end of the day, the dollar is king. So how did TOTK buck the trend of slow sales for its franchise? The answer is simple — its designers looked at the market and innovated.

“Minecraft” is the best-selling video game of all time, and “Fortnite” was considered by The Washington Post to be “the biggest pop culture phenomenon of 2018.” The common thread between those two games is the creativity they allow their players. When it comes to building and exploration, “Minecraft” is almost unrivaled, while “Fortnite” offers a fluid movement system in addition to strategic and imaginative building elements, allowing players to feel fully in control of their gaming experience.

TOTK places building, exploration and movement at the base of its core design, and unlike “Minecraft” and “Fortnite,” it is solely a single-player experience. This allows TOTK to utilize all the creative gameplay elements of its predecessors without sacrificing the ability to craft an engaging, cinematic storyline.

Illustrative artist Aaron Hopersberger is an example of someone who came for the game’s art and mechanics but fell in love with the storytelling elements the game offered, calling TOTK’s plot immersive. He also noted its mechanics made it one of the most innovative games he has ever seen.

“I felt like I was really forced to experience the story,” Hopersberger said. “Not because of

Onigiri: A hylian delight

NOAH FRANCIS

Features Reporter

With the release of the Nintendo Switch game, “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK)”, the latest in the Zelda series, Nintendo brought back the cooking mechanic and made it better than ever!

To commemorate the game’s recent release, I have prepared a recipe for one of the game’s most versatile dishes: rice balls! Also known as onigiri, rice balls are an energizing and heart-healthy treat.

This recipe makes up to 12 rice balls, enough to share with friends or family. The ingredients you will need are 2 cups of uncooked short-grain Japanese rice, 2 ½ cups of water, 4 sheets of nori seaweed, 8-12 tbsp of your desired filling, kosher salt, and sesame seeds for a garnish if you would like. All these ingredients can be found at Whole Foods Market, located across the street from Oakland University.

To begin, submerge your rice in a bowl with water, and gently stir the rice with your hands before pouring out the water. Repeat 3-4 times to ensure your rice is thoroughly washed. Next, let your clean rice soak in water for 30 minutes.

While your rice soaks, take 4 of your nori seaweed sheets and cut them into thirds. Prepare your desired filling at this time.

Once your rice has soaked for 30 minutes, carefully pour your rice into a strainer or sieve, and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.

Next, cook your rice by placing your rice and 2 ½ cups of water into a cooking pot with a lid. Cover your pot and put it on the stove at medium heat until the water boils. Bring your heat down to the lowest setting once the water boils and continue to cook until the water is absorbed. This process should take approximately 12 minutes.

Once the water is gone, remove the pot from the heat and continue to steam for 10 minutes with the lid on. Place your rice in a large bowl and allow the

railroading, but I actually cared about the characters and felt like I needed to help them.”

Hopersberger is far from the only person enthralled with the game, as evidenced by its impressive sales. TOTK is having head-turning success. According to professors of game design at Northeastern University, the freedom, story and creativity the game provides are exactly what current audiences want out of a video game.

As evidenced by the explosion in open-world games after the success of BOTW, video game design is often a copycat industry, with studios constantly trying to innovate on the most popular ideas of their competitors. That said, gamers everywhere should be excited for the future given the gorgeous template TOTK has just provided.

rice to cool down until it is warm enough to touch semi comfortably; however, do not allow the rice to fully cool before adding your filling.

Onigiri is typically filled with fish, meat, or vegetables. Baked salmon is a traditional filling, but tuna mixed with mayonnaise can serve as a costeffective alternative. Shredded beef and chicken are also popular options.

If you prefer to fill your onigiri with vegetables, purchase your produce from Oakland University’s Campus Student Organic Farm. The farm sells fresh produce sourced directly from OU’s campus at an affordable price.

Now it is time to form your rice balls. First, wet both hands with water to avoid your rice sticking to you. Then, spread a pinch of kosher salt on your hands.

Take a handful or ¼ cup of rice into one hand and make an indent in the middle of your pile of rice. Take 2 tsp - 1 tbsp of your desired filling inside your indent.

Scoop another ¼ cup of rice and cover the filling completely. Using your hands, carefully mold the rice ball into a compact triangle shape.

Take your strips of nori seaweed and place your rice triangle in the middle of your nori so the ends are popping out from the sides of your triangle. Fold the ends of the seaweed over and around the front of your rice ball.

“Making onigiri feels great,” Sophia Vecchi said. “I believe creating onigiri step-by-step makes you better appreciate the food you eat.”

According to Sophia, it is important to trust the process with this recipe. The delicious onigiri is well worth the effort!

PHOTO COURTESY OF NINTENDO

PHOTO COURTESY OF “THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: TEARS OF THE KINGDOM.”

Greg Kampe inducted into American Basketball Hall of Fame

KURT SZYMANSKI Sports Reporter

Greg Kampe, Oakland University’s men’s basketball head coach, was inducted into the American Basketball Hall of Fame this past June.

During his tenure at OU, Kampe guided the men’s basketball team’s move from Division II to Division I. Furthermore, Kampe has led the Golden Grizzlies to three Summit League Tournament championships and three NCAA March Madness appearances.

“I’m thankful to the American Basketball Hall of Fame for the honor,” Kampe said in a press release. “It is hard for me to believe that my name will be enshrined with some of the great names in basketball history, but I’m also mindful that most of those names are there because of unbelievable talent that they possess as a player.”

Kampe will join the names of former Detroit Piston Isiah Thomas and the late former Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant in the American Basketball Hall of Fame. Additionally, rival coach Tom Izzo, head coach of the Michigan State University men’s basketball team, was

inducted with Kampe.

Not long ago, Kampe was also introduced to the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2017. Kampe was honored with former University of Michigan basketball player Jalen Rose, former Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland, former Michigan State University quarterback Andre Rison and journalist Mitch Albom.

“My name will be there because of the unbelievable talents of the players and the coaches that I was fortunate enough to work with. It is those people that have truly made my life in basketball a success and I cherish them every day,” Kampe said.

The American Basketball Hall of Fame was founded in 2018 by former Harlem Globetrotter LaMont “Showboat” Robinson, and the 2023 class marks the fifth class of the American Basketball Hall of Fame.

The goal of the organization is to honor both men and women and give players and coaches who have been glossed over another opportunity to be inducted into a national hall of fame. Additionally, the organization takes into account high school, playground, small college, overseas and barnstorming players and teams. Now in his 40th season with the

Golden Grizzlies, Kampe enters the season as the longest-tenured NCAA Division I head coach with 675 total wins, the 12th most in the active career wins category.

O’rena renamed in deal with OU Credit Union

BROCK HEILIG

Sports Editor

When fans of Oakland University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams attend home games this upcoming winter, they will enter an arena with a slightly altered name.

In April, Oakland University Athletics struck a 10-year, $5 million naming rights deal with the OU Credit Union. The deal, which went into effect on July 1, allows for the formerly known O’rena to now be called the OU Credit Union O’rena.

“Thank you to the Oakland University Credit Union for this transformational naming rights partnership,” said Oakland University Director of Athletics Steve Waterfield. “OU Credit Union is a longstanding partner with Oakland University and the Athletics Department, and this significant O’rena naming rights agreement elevates this partnership to another level, benefiting each of our sports programs and current and future Golden Grizzly student-athletes for years to come.

I look forward to the Athletics Department’s expanded collaborations with OU Credit Union and the many positive outcomes these collaborations will create for OU Credit Union members, OU and the community,” Waterfield added.

For the first time, the O’rena — which opened in 1998 as Oakland moved from Division II to Division I — will have a company’s name attached to its title.

“As a longtime partner with Oakland University, OU Credit Union is pleased to expand our partnership

with Oakland University Athletics with the naming of the O’rena. Through this sponsorship, we are looking forward to expanding our programming with OU Athletics, engaging our members and the campus with events and community programs,” said MSU Federal Credit Union President and CEO April Clobes.

“In a building where teamwork and working together for a common purpose are observed and celebrated, we are so proud that the ‘Oakland University Credit

partnership for Oakland University Athletics and OU Credit Union,” said Playfly Sports Properties President Christy Hedgpeth. “Naming rights deals hold immense power and influence to local and regional fandoms, and building an even more comprehensive partnership around that marquee asset will be an impressive case study on brand impact and engagement.

The OU Sports Properties team is eager to start activating these assets for both the Oakland University Athletics community and OU Credit Union to transform the beloved O’rena for the student-athletes and fans.” The jury is still out as to whether fans will refer to the arena by its full name, or if they will continue to call it the O’rena, but either way, the deal serves as a great opportunity for the university and the credit union to partner.

Season tickets for the 2023-24 OU men’s and women’s basketball seasons went on sale on July 10, as the two teams look to bounce back after losing seasons and first-round Horizon League Tournament exits.

Men’s basketball coach Greg Kampe will be entering his 40th season as head coach of the program, and women’s coach Jeff Tungate will be entering his 10th season with the program.

Union O’rena’ will be center stage for a long and mutually beneficial sponsorship,” OU President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz said. “This is truly a landmark

Head coach Greg Kampe celebrated his 1000th basketball game for the Golden Grizzlies with a win over Valparaiso.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

Detroit vs. Everybody: The rebuild edition

SUMMER WEATHERS Sports Reporter

The Detroit Pistons have one of the most promising young cores in the NBA.

It all starts with future NBA All-Star Cade Cunningham, the franchise player the Pistons took first overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. Cunningham is ready to come back better than ever after being at a standstill last season because of a shin injury. He will lead the team’s offense and be the person the team can count on to make winning plays.

General manager Troy Weaver has nothing but good things to say about Cunningham going into the season. Luckily for Pistons fans, there is a lot of reason to be thrilled for his return; the comeback is going to be top-tier. He is the key to the successful rebuild of the Detroit Pistons.

From there on, the Pistons landed electric guard Jaden Ivey as the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and Jalen Duren as the 13th pick in the draft — a player who will be on the All-Defensive Team at some point in the future. With this duo, fans can only imagine just how much they will exceed everyone’s expectations in year two.

Weaver was cooking up a lot this offseason, too, as

he continues the process of restoring the Pistons. He welcomed one of the team’s newest members, Ausar Thompson. Thompson was drafted as the fifth pick in this year’s draft.

He is one of the best athletes in the 2023 class (right alongside his twin brother, Amen Thompson, who was drafted by the Houston Rockets). Ausar Thompson showed out in the 2K24 Summer League, displaying such a high skill level at just 20 years old. It didn’t take him long to adapt to the NBA.

He made it look rather easy, and to be able to do that at such a young age is very impressive. The savvy wing player can do it all and has the complete package — high IQ, strength and quickness.

His stellar defense turns into instant offense, and he has all the capabilities of being one of the best small forwards in the game.

Weaver continued to make some genius moves this year with the addition of Marcus Sasser to the Pistons’ core. He was an offensive engine at the Summer League as well, dropping 40 points, the most by any player in the 2023 NBA Summer League.

The elite shotmaker has a lot in his bag. Sasser was one of the most explosive scorers in college basketball as a senior with the Houston Cougars.

Now, at the next level, he has brought that same

intensity. It is always so assuring to know he’s someone who can easily put on a clinic, attacking big guys and finishing through NBA-level contact, and can succeed at his role in all areas of the game.

The Detroit Pistons have a lot of potential and are getting busy with their goals to take the franchise to new heights. This year, fans can count on the fact they will be much improved.

Women’s basketball makes strides with new hire, transfer additions

KURT SZYMANSKI Sports

Reporter

The Oakland University women’s basketball team has had a busy off-season.

On July 5, the team announced the hiring of Myron Brown as Director of Player Development and Brand Management.

“I am really excited to add Myron Brown as our Director of Player Development and Branding,” head coach Jeff Tungate said in a press release. Brown’s coaching career dates back to 2003, when he coached the Avondale Yellow Jackets. Most recently, Brown served as the head coach of the Thomas University Night Hawks from 201722 and as an assistant coach for the North Florida Osprey in 2022-23.

“I coached Myron at Rochester University over 25 years ago,” Tungate said. “He is a hard worker, knows the game and cares about the players. He understands today’s landscape in college basketball and brings great experience.”

In addition to adding Brown to the staff, the Golden Grizzlies added four players from the transfer portal to the team.

First, there’s Markyia McCormick. McCormick plays guard and last played for the Charleston Golden Eagles in West Virginia. In the previous season, McCormick averaged 13.8 points, 2.4

assists, 2.9 rebounds and a steal while shooting 40 percent from the field.

Next, there’s Kianni Westbrook. Westbrook stands at 6 feet 3 inches and plays the forward position. This past season, Westbrook averaged 5.6 points and 4.8 rebounds while hitting 51.5 percent of her shots for the Tennessee State Tigers.

Along with McCormick and Westbrook, Madison Royal-Davis from the Butler Bulldogs and Maddy

Skorupski from the Michigan State Spartans will join the team.

Besides some new faces joining the team, the team will also have some returning players.

Brooke Quarles-Daniels will be back for the Golden Grizzlies next year. This past season, Quarles-Daniels put up 12.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.1 steals per game.

Notably, Quarles-Daniels was named the Horizon League Freshman of the Year last season, making her the first player in program history to win the award. Additionally, Quarles-Daniels was awarded the Nike Horizon League Women’s Basketball Freshman of the Week six times.

Alexis Johnson will also return to the team — Johnson led the Golden Grizzlies in rebounds per game this past season, averaging 5.5. Johnson also chipped in 11 points per game while shooting 37.9 percent from the field and 34.1 percent from three.

With the combination of talented newcomers and experienced returnees, the OU women’s basketball team is poised for an exciting and competitive season. While the season schedule hasn’t been revealed yet, season tickets are still available through the OU Ticket Office. Additionally, half-season tickets and a four-game package are on sale.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DETROITBADBOYS.COM

PHOTO BY AMELIA OSADCHUK

Swimming and Diving teammates named to U.S. roster for World University Games

BROCK HEILIG Sports Editor

Legendary Swimming and Diving head coach Pete Hovland’s 44-year career has now officially come to an end, and his successor, Mitch Alters, has taken over. Hovland coached countless swimmers and divers — including Alters — during his time at Oakland, but his legacy is far from over.

Alters will continue the greatness of the Oakland University Swimming and Diving programs beginning in September, but before that, Hovland’s legacy will have a chance to reach far beyond the horizons of the Horizon League.

Just recently, redshirt senior Christian Bart and graduate student Susan LaGrand were named to the initial United States roster for this year’s World University Games in Chengdu, China. The Games, which takes place every two years in varying locations across the world, is a 12-day competition that includes 15 compulsory sports.

This year, Bart and LaGrand performed well enough throughout their respective collegiate careers to be named to the United States’ initial 32-person roster.

Other notable schools with student-athletes named to the initial roster include Michigan, Stanford, Notre Dame, Northwestern and Princeton.

Bart, a Grand Rapids, Michigan native, broke several school and meet records at this year’s Horizon League Championships as he placed first in the 50 freestyle, 100

breaststroke, 400 medley relay, 100 freestyle and 400 freestyle relay.

LaGrand, also a Grand Rapids, Michigan native, was just as dominant as Bart in this year’s Horizon League Championships. The graduate student raced in seven events at the conference championships and finished first in all seven races.

The initial 32-person roster — which is only expected to make additions, not subtractions — features swimmers and divers from 21 different universities across the country.

The Games are set to take place in Chengdu, China from July 28 to August 8.

Other notable sports that will be featured include archery, badminton, basketball, volleyball, tennis, table tennis and water polo.

Men’s basketball to compete in 2023 Cayman Islands Classic

BROCK HEILIG Sports Editor

T he Oakland men’s basketball team is set to begin its preseason scrimmages in just over three months as the team looks to rebound after a subpar 2022-23 campaign. The 2023-24 season will mark head coach Greg Kampe’s 40th season at the helm of the program, a mark that, since Syracuse’s Jim Boeheim’s retirement, stands alone as the longest active head coaching streak in Division I basketball.

Despite finishing with an 11-9 conference record and earning the No. 5 seed in the league tournament, the Golden Grizzlies bowed out of the conference tournament in their opening game.

With an unimpressive regular season and a firstround exit in the Horizon League tournament, Kampe and Oakland missed out on their 11th consecutive NCAA Tournament.

It’s now been more than five years since Oakland’s last regular-season Horizon League title, and the program has never finished higher than third place in the league in that timeframe.

But 2023-24 will signal a new opportunity for Kampe and Oakland. In his 40th season, Kampe boasts one of the most talented rosters he’s had during his time with the Golden Grizzlies.

The team will begin its season with a number of

scrimmages and non conference games before it heads south to compete in the Cayman Islands Classic, a preseason tournament that is set to take place from Nov. 19-21.

OU will face some stiff competition in the tropical country. Drake and Utah State, two teams that participated in last year’s NCAA Tournament, will be featured in the tournament, along with Loyola Marymount, Stephen F. Austin, Marshall, Utah State, Akron and Florida International.

The trip to the Cayman Islands will be Oakland’s third tropical trip in as many seasons, and the program’s fourth in five years.

“I am really excited to take my team to the event in the Cayman Islands,” Kampe said. “This tournament has a great reputation, a great field, and an elite venue. Having a chance to compete here will be a special week.”

Last season, Kampe took his team to Nassau, Bahamas. Two seasons ago, OU traveled to Estero, Florida, where it won the Gulf Coast Showcase with wins over the University of Vermont, Rice University and the University of Delaware.

In 2019, the Golden Grizzlies traveled to Kissimmee, Florida, where they competed in the Sunshine Slam.

This season, Oakland’s visit to the Cayman Islands will be its southernmost trip yet. The Golden Grizzlies will open the tournament against Drake, a 2023 NCAA Tournament No. 12 seed.

The tournament opener will be at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 19. If Kampe’s squad wins, it will take on the winner between Loyola Marymount and Stephen F. Austin. If Kampe’s squad falls, it will take on the loser of the same contest.

All eight teams in the tournament are guaranteed to play three games, and all the contests will be played over three consecutive days.

Oakland’s full 2023-24 schedule has yet to be released.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MAGGIE WILLARD

The Oakland University swimming and diving team won their ninth consecutive Horizon League title last weekend.

Breaking down Michigan’s ‘hands-free’ distracted driving legislation

PAYTON BUCKI

Features Editor

On June 7, 2023, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed three bills aimed at reducing distracted driving to make Michigan roadways safer. One of the bills, known as the “hands-free law,” went into effect on June 30th. This law makes Michigan the 26th state with hands-free driving legislation.

The distracted driving law expands upon a 2010 bill passed by former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm that banned texting and driving. The new bill not only prohibits texting while driving — it takes mobile devices out of drivers’ hands completely, restricting hands-on use of devices while operating a motor vehicle.

“This legislation is designed to make our roads safer for every driver and passenger in Michigan and provide law enforcement with the tools they need to crack down on this dangerous behavior,” State Representative Matt Koleszar said.

The law prohibits using mobile devices while driving unless the device is being used via a handsfree program or device, such as a physical car mount or Apple CarPlay. However, device usage is allowed when a driver is calling emergency services or reporting a crime. Further, on-duty public safety workers are exempt from the law.

Violators of Michigan’s distracted driving law will face a range of penalties ranging from community service to re-education, depending on the severity of the violation.

First-time law violations will result in a non-point citation and a $100 fine or 16 hours of community service. The second offense will result in a $250 fine or 24 hours of community service. Financial penalties will double for violating drivers involved in an automobile collision.

Additionally, drivers of commercial vehicles and school buses will be subject to increased penalties under the law.

Any driver who incurs a third violation in three years may be ordered to take a Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDIC) to avoid losing their driver’s license.

The legislation was created in response to the fastgrowing safety issue of distracted driving. According to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, there were 14,236 motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver in 2020 — 48 resulted in a fatality.

The hands-free law aims to reduce distracted driving by restricting one’s ability to employ a device as a visual, manual or cognitive distraction while driving.

“I think this law will make Michigan roads safer because people will have the fear of being penalized for using their phone while driving, which will encourage people to refrain from using their devices,” OU senior Sana Sajjad said.

To ease compliance with the hands-free law, the Michigan State Police encourage the public to utilize their phone’s Do Not Disturb feature and to place their devices in an out-of-reach and out-of-sight area while driving.

For more information about Michigan’s Vehicle Code, visit the Michigan Legislature webpage. To learn about OUPD’s distracted driving enforcement procedures, utilize the OUPD general police email: info@oupolice.com.For more information about Michigan’s Vehicle Code, visit the Michigan Legislature webpage. To learn about OUPD’s distracted driving enforcement procedures, utilize the OUPD general police email: info@oupolice.com.

PHOTO BY MELISSA ERICHSEN