Chasing the sound of Blue Suede Shoes — a four-man high school band — swayed Martin “Marty” Shafer, CAS ’11 and ’14, SEHS ’20, toward Oakland University. But, while Marty Shafer and the Blue Suede Shoes ultimately didn’t stay together, his passion for music was amplified through his OU studies and the WXOU Radio Station.

The ability to overcome obstacles is key to Bailey Kehrig’s success.

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In early elementary school, Kehrig, MKT ’19, began experiencing hearing loss. By immediately embracing available accessibility accommodations, Kehrig set the course for her future. This mindset empowered Kehrig’s educational journey.

As an Oakland University business student, Julio Lee, ECN ’20, discovered a strong campus community support system where he could fully explore his analytical and creative interests, preparing him for personal and professional success.

After becoming his most authentic self, Waseem Samaan, FIN/ACC ’10, draws on his roots to encourage pride in those around him.

Once enclosed in baggy navy clothes with a tidy trim, Samaan transformed from a wallflower to an infectiously proud gay Arabic man.
 

Throughout his childhood, OU business economics student Dakota Zehler moved often as his family relocated with his parent’s Army assignments. Through this experience, Zehler developed an appreciation for global perspectives. Traveling through Oakland University’s study abroad program proved a natural extension of his education and offered an ideal way to explore his future career.​

Prioritizing part-time tutoring positions evolved into a professional opportunity for Oakland University business student Mustafa Baig.

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“During the pandemic I asked myself, ‘What should I do with my extra time?’” Baig said. His answer was to find a way to help others.

The work of dedicated Oakland business students and their adviser Meaghan Cole, Ed.D., experiential programs manager, earned Oakland University’s Beta Gamma Sigma chapter the Highest Honors recognition from the Global BGS organization. The honor recognizes the diligence required to elevate the stature of BGS on campus. It also serves as a testament to the commitment of OU BGS leaders to relaunch and transform the organization during tumultuous times.

Nonchalant nods across the Oakland Center Help Desk turned into smiles over ice cream in the cafeteria, setting the scene for their love story. Business-minded Rick Williams, SBA ’05, was smitten with creative poet Yolanda Williams, CAS ’05, at first sight.

Rooted in the Oakland University community since 1969, the School of Business Administration flourished under the guidance of expert faculty, the achievements of alumni and the budding brilliance of students. ​

Poised to become a physician, Jessica Krone, BIS ‘20, wanted more than just the sciences to define her career, and she built a dynamic foundation with a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studiesdegree.

Since middle school Bhatki Patil, HRM ’21, dreamed of studying dentistry at the University of Detroit Mercy. Once enrolled, Patil discovered she lack passion for the field and had little drive to engage in courses and campus. She withdrew and began to explore alternative schools and career paths.

From solitaire to sudoku, a family’s first computer offered plenty of puzzles, but Oakland University Commuter Student Scholarship Award recipient Elizabeth LaCoursier was more interested in coding the puzzle.

 

His country, community and child — Chris Holman, ECN ‘21, business analytics graduate student, dedicates his life to caring for others. 

Holman, who started his academic career at 30 following his military service, enrolled in Oakland University's new master of science in business analytics (MSBA) program immediately after earning his bachelor’s degree. His nontraditional road encouraged this “focused mindset.”

The financial services landscape is evolving rapidly with advanced technology. Professionals and students can prepare to meet the growing demand for careers in this field by enrolling in Oakland University’s new FinTech (financial technology) Graduate Certificate program. The 15-credit program available fall 2021 combines finance with specialized data-management skills. 

Moving companies connect monumental moments, from changing living places to navigating emotional spaces. Johnna Struck, SBA ’85, owner and president of Changing Places Moving company, strives to help people take their move in stride.

Oakland University biology researchers banded with scientists across the world to understand the relationship between  greenhouse gas emissions produced by ecosystems and environmental change. Their findings offer new methods and baseline information to follow changing ecosystems as the earth warms.

Back to an in-person format, the ‘History Comes Alive’ lecture series offers a glimpse into the past, highlighting religion, colonial America, Indigenous peoples of the Great Lakes, Nazi ghettos and the Tulsa Race Massacre. Watch history weave together through thrilling and thoughtful teachings.

Originally from a small village in Germany, the opportunity to study business through a three-year apprenticeship at Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG whet Rebecca Ramirez’s, MBA ’14, appetite for the prospects a career in the automotive industry could offer.
 

As a managerial economics student, Cooper Hazel, ECN '21, joined forces with Timothy Hodge, Ph.D., assistant professor of economics, to study the economic and health impact of marijuana legalization. While the research will influence policy makers, Hazel’s experience reinforced his career and graduate school aspirations.

Following two hours of intense deliberation, the five Business Scholars on Team Oranges connected all the dots in their November case competition. The team impressed the judges by recommending seamless solutions to spur growth and increase revenue for a hypothetical educational toy company.

Business Honors Program (BHP) students Alayna Gotham, Michaella Merlo and Robert (RJ) Round are accustomed to being trailblazers. As members of OU’s first BHP cohort, they flourished in the honors-based business curriculum. In December 2021, they marked another milestone as the first graduates of the program.