Oakland University’s Recreation Center celebrated its 25th anniversary on Wednesday, Sept. 6.
Several student organizations attended the event as a part of OU’s annual “Welcome Week,” which takes place from Sept. 5-16.
WXOU, OU’s student-run radio station, provided music for the event. OU’s pet therapy group and the Student Program Board (SPB) also attended.
Greg Jordan, OU’s director of University Recreation and Well-Being, started working for OU in 1996, two years before the facility’s creation. He influenced the Rec Center’s construction and helped to build the department “from the ground up.” He believes the school’s Rec Center is something to be proud of.
“For the size of OU, our Rec Center is very state-of-the-art. The equipment and the facilities are robust,” Jordan said.
Jordan also said the reason why OU’s Rec Center is so successful is because of its employees and the ability of those employees to think on their feet for what the facility needs.
“OU’s Rec Center is the second largest student employer on campus. Students keep us relevant,” Jordan said. “The key to these facilities is keeping relevant and up-to-date to 2023 needs.”
Jordan indicated the University of Michigan and Michigan State have both spent around $200 million on their recreation centers in recent years. OU hasn’t needed to do so because it has been able to be flexible with the needs of those who attend. The initial investment in the Rec Center and the willingness to make changes have allowed it to keep up with what other universities offer.
Cheyenne Witcher is a senior at OU and an employee at the Rec Center. She enjoys meeting new people while working there.
“It’s a positive experience to work out in the same place that you work,” Witcher said.
OU’s Rec Center is more than just a fitness facility — it has programs built for student and employee health and wellness as well.
There are over 20 free programs open for registration that students can join during the fall semester, according to the student wellness page on the Rec Center website.
The Rec Center also offers nine free wellness programs for OU staff during the fall.
Department Director Greg Jordan’s favorite wellness group is the therapy dogs.
“Pet therapy is huge. Who’s not going to get happy over petting a dog?” Jordan said.
OU’s Rec Center offers free fitness classes throughout the year, along with its strength and cardio training facilities.
According to the Group X page on the Rec Center website, there are 28 Group X fitness classes available for up to $5, provided you have access to a free student membership.
The OU Rec Center is committed to keeping staff and students healthy.
