Rochester, Mich. (Sept. 26, 2006) ???C In its first three weeks of operation, Oakland???s new Grizzly Center for Graduates and Champions is off to successful start. After opening to rave reviews, the new academic study center for OU???s student-athletes is already being utilized by over 180 individuals per week. ???The student-athletes, coaches and administration are excited to have a space within the Athletic Center which provides an area to focus on academics and receive tutorial assistance,??? remarked Holly Kerstner, Oakland???s Assistant Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Services. ???We are driven to succeed academically and this is one way to stress the importance of that achievement to our current and prospective student-athletes. ???Some of the upper-class student-athletes have taken a positive mentoring role in the Grizz by providing tutorial support. This not only provides a needed service, but also strengthens the "team" concept off the playing field.??? An academic study center for Oakland???s student-athletes, the Grizzly Center for Graduates and Champions is the latest addition to the academic support system at OU. Located on the main level of the Athletics Center, the new facility can accommodate up to 30 student-athletes, providing them a location they can use for studying, tutoring instruction, mock interviews and group presentations. The facility includes laptop computers that can be checked out, desktop computers, laser printers, a pair of widescreen plasma televisions and wireless internet capability.