On Sept. 12, students, clubs, organizations and Oakland University community members gathered at Elliott Tower to kick off the new school year with Grizz Fest — a yearly celebration helping students connect with their university.
The festivities began with welcome remarks from Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer Glenn McIntosh. He encouraged those in attendance to forget the past and look toward the future.
“Whatever happened last academic year is history,” McIntosh said. “What happens now? It doesn’t have to be a mystery — it can be the beginning of a new history. That’s why I’m excited about this new academic year. The possibilities, the potentials — we can do anything that we want.”
Robert (Bobby) Schostak, chair of the Board of Trustees (BOT), spoke next. As an alumnus of OU, Schostak is pleased to witness the campus community grow year after year.
“I graduated [from OU] in 1978,” Schostak said. “It was — I think a dream that one day we’d have this many students, this many programs, have a tower here, have a central place to gather… I’m really pleased to welcome you and to be here with you.”
Schostak then invited President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz to speak at the podium. After being escorted to the stage by The Grizz, Pescovitz spoke about an exciting energy she hadn’t felt on campus since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I just think that the energy on this campus is overwhelming — I like to say that we’re on fire,” Pescovitz said. “It is just so exciting to see what’s been happening here.”
Pescovitz emphasized the importance of Grizz Fest as an opportunity to get involved at OU, stating learning, exploring and staying engaged is the key to a healthy campus. She then invited Becky Lewis — who leads OU’s healthy campus initiative — to speak about the strides OU has made regarding promoting the campus community’s health.
Lewis echoed Pescovitz’s sentiments and said the OU community needs to take care of their mental and physical health while also looking out for others in order to be a healthy campus. The Bandana Project, Lewis says, is one way to do so.
The Bandana Project is a mental health awareness and suicide prevention campaign that uses green bandanas as a symbol of support for peers who need help with their mental health. Lewis asks for those who have a green bandana to wear or display it, letting those in need know they are someone who can offer assistance.
OU is one of two universities in Michigan to be a licensed bandana project school. Through the project and other health initiatives the university has in place, Lewis is confident OU will continue to be a healthy campus other institutions want to model.
“Practice self-care and look out for your friends, colleagues, peers and students,” Lewis said. “Learn about the resources [OU has] available to help yourself and others… Get involved and utilize the programs and services [OU has] that can help you with your personal well-being.”
With that, Grizz Fest officially commenced. Those in attendance began exploring the many clubs and organizations at OU, and the clubs and organizations met the many attendees who wanted to learn more about what they had to offer.
Student Program Board (SPB) Marketing Director Kelly Cassette — like Pescovitz — felt a sense of excitement in the air as she met with people interested in her organization. She cited previous Grzz Fests she was a part of, saying they didn’t feel as alive as this year’s.
“There’s so many people and so many tables,” Cassette said. “It makes it feel like we’re finally back to pre-COVID times. It’s just great seeing everybody out wanting to get involved.”
Freshman Ben Lopes enjoyed seeing all of the clubs and organizations available on campus in one place. Knowing what is now at his disposal, he is excited to begin his college journey.
“[I’m excited to] discover different things, try out new things, figure things out as I go,” Lopes said.
