Nov. 18, 2011

ROCHESTER, Mich.- The beginning of the fall semester for the 2011 year has been full of exciting action on the field and the court for Oakland athletics but even more action has occurred in the community.

Oakland University student-athletes and athletic staff have already taken part in several community service and outreach events in the first two months of this semester helping a variety of people. Here is a list of some of the OU athletics department's recent community outreach events.

Hay Halloween at the Y - 10/28
Several student-athletes from the baseball, softball and men's and women's golf teams attended the YMCA of Auburn Hills' "Hay Halloween at the Y" event on Oct. 28. Children came dressed in their best costumes and played games, had their face painted and ate carnival food with the student-athletes as the YMCA held their annual Halloween party.

OUReading Program
Oakland student-athletes each month take time to participate in the OUReading Program where they go to local elementary schools in the Rochester area. In September and October, OU went to Brewster Elementary in Rochester Hills, Mich. and Musson Elementary in Rochester, Mich. Every student-athlete took the time to read a passage of a book and discuss what was read with the kids.

Men's Soccer Equipment Drive - 10/25
The men's soccer team held a sporting equipment drive during a match against Ohio State. The team had a station at the front entrance of the OU Soccer field to collect the sporting goods. In addition to soccer equipment, the team collected new or gently-used sporting goods from all different types of sports to be donated.

Brooksie Way Half Marathon - 10/2
The men's and women's cross country teams and the softball team helped with the fourth annual Brooksie Way Half Marathon. Each team helped with making sure the event ran smoothly, course management and aiding all participants and spectators. The Brooksie Way Half Marathon was created to promote Oakland County and encourage people to become more physically active and all race proceeds support programs that encourage healthy and active lifestyle.

Volleyball and Swimming and Diving Breast Cancer Awareness
The volleyball team held the second annual Dig Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Match against IPFW on Oct. 15 and the swimming and diving teams held their annual Breast Cancer awareness meet against Wayne State on Oct. 29. At each event, the teams collected money and wore pink to show their support for breast cancer research.

CureSearch Walk - Baseball - 9/24
The baseball team participated in the CureSearch Walk in Detroit in support of Ryan Kennedy and his family on Sept. 24. CureSearch for Children's Cancer is a national non-profit foundation whose mission is to fund and support children's cancer research and provide information and resources to all those affected by children's cancer. Along with the baseball team, the walk raised over $140,000.

-OAKLAND-