Oakland University

Issue No. 4 - July 27, 2009

To: Fans, Friends, Alumni, and supporters of Oakland University Athletics

We are all pretty excited about the upcoming 2009-10 seasons. With men's and women's basketball players on campus already taking summer classes, and most of our student-athletes reporting for preseason in mid-August, the athletic department prepares for another successful year.

As we begin a new academic and athletic season, I want to take this opportunity to thank the more than 800 alumni and friends of Athletics that made gifts to the Golden Grizzlies Athletic Fund last year. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and is critical to the success of our talented student-athletes. Private support has become an increasingly important resource as we strive to produce Graduates and Champions for the University. The creation of two endowed athletic scholarship funds highlighted the year and will help us significantly in recruiting and retaining future Golden Grizzlies. We are pleased to recognize these and other donors in the upcoming Annual Report in August. There you will see the individual and team accomplishments, academically and athletically, made possible with your support. I hope that you take a moment to celebrate and share in our success.

26th Annual Golden Grizzlies Golf Classic
On Monday, August 24 our department will host the 26th Annual Golden Grizzlies Golf Classic at the Golf and Learning Center. The event provides players with the opportunity to play two of the top courses in the state while supporting OU Athletics. Brochures are available online by clicking here or call Chad Thompson at (248) 370-4034 for more information.

The 2009-10 Grizz Gang T-Shirt Design Contest
We are running a competition this year to see which Grizz Gang member can design the Grizz Gang T-Shirt for home basketball games. There is no limit to the number of entries per person and entries must be submitted by U.S. mail or e-mail with a competed and signed entry form. All entries must be received on or before 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 11.

One first-place winner will be selected from among all contest entries and will receive a $100 gift card to Barnes and Noble, will be recognized at the 2009 Midnite Madnezz event on Friday, October 16, a complimentary Grizz Gang t-shirt. Please click here for additional information.

Ticket Packages Now Available for 2009 OU Soccer at Ultimate Soccer Arena
Once again our men's soccer team will play three games at the Ultimate Soccer Arena in Pontiac. Our women's soccer team will also have three games there this year. Game ticket packages are now available and include all six games. Check out ougrizzlies.com to purchase your tickets.

Please continue to send me your feedback whenever possible. While I cannot guarantee a personal response to every e-mail that we receive, please know that they will all be read, so I do encourage your participation in this process. Some of your questions/comments could become subjects for future issues of Grizzly Bites.

I also encourage you to share this letter with any OU fan that may not have access to the internet. Our mission is to inform and engage as many Golden Grizzlies supporters as we possibly can.

I want to thank you for your continued support of Oakland University athletics as we move forward with our vision for excellence.