Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content
UNLEASH THE GRIZZ

Oakland University Athletics

Scoreboard

HOH

General Jordan Nelson

2025 George Wibby Award Winner: Brian Bierley

ROCHESTER, Mich. - Oakland Athletics has announced that the recipient of this year's George Wibby Award, as a part of the 2025 Hollie L. Lepley Hall of Honor Class, is University Director of Media Relations Brian Bierley.

"Brian's hard work, professionalism, and expertise raises Oakland University's profile and elevates the entire University," said Oakland Director of Athletics Steve Waterfield. " Over the years, Brian has collaborated with the athletics department to promote OU athletics and expand its visibility in Michigan, nationally, and internationally. Though the stories are what the general public sees, I appreciate the time Brian spends discussing ideas with athletics communications staff and looking for ways to further strengthen the connection between the athletics department and entire University. He is a very deserving recipient of the George Wibby Award and exemplifies the devotion to Oakland, and care and compassion for those around him that the Award represents."

A home grown gem as a University of Michigan alumni, Bierley is now in his 11th year in his position at Oakland. 

Bierley has been a pillar of Oakland's continual growth and increasing media exposure. 

"I've been so happy to be here (Oakland). It's been 11 years now and everything about Oakland has been embracing. The athletic program has embraced me so much," said Bierley.

While primarily working on the academics side, he has always had a passion for sports, beginning as an avid fan and participant in sports as a kid and teen, to being a student manager at Michigan, to working at the Palace of Auburn Hills and several sports teams along the way, he has been one of the biggest supporters of the Golden Grizzlies.

"I love being a part of and a supporter of our teams. If you've ever been a part of sports in any way, you know it's hard to give that up, and so even in this very little way if I want to stay connected to the athletic department," he said. "I want to help in any way, in ways like helping the student-athletes find jobs after sports… When I'm 80 years old I'll probably be asking to be on the scoring crew, or finding some way to help out".

He not only supports the teams as a fan, but he devotes his time and skills to helping the athletics department and their communications team, saying, "I love to help out in Athletics. Whether it's grabbing a news clip, or if we are in a tournament and there is a ton of media and I try to help out with the SIDs, and that little piece helps me stay connected to the sports and I enjoy it… I've been to almost all of our sporting events over the last several years, and have gotten to know many of the student-athletes."

Bierley has been instrumental in aiding the upward trend of academics, and athletics, hand-in-hand.

"I try to be the bridge between the university administration and the athletic administration, because those are both such big enterprises. Academics and athletics are essentially two companies, so I love the fact I can help connect the two. If I hear something happens in athletics, I'll see if we can put a news story out and go to the table with more ideas to promote them and really bring that pride."

Throughout a career in different places and fields, Bierley brings a somewhat simplistic approach to what he does, ultimately aiming to help those close to him and assist the individuals within the programs thrive as well.

"What I do, specifically in media relations, has been similar no matter where I go. I've worked with coaches and athletes to tell their stories, and even in healthcare I worked with doctors and patients to tell theirs, and now I tell academic stories to get students interested in the university for their academic careers, so it all translates, and I look for every opportunity to include our sports teams and to get people interested in them."

Bierley will be honored as part of the Hollie L. Lepley Hall of Honor ceremony on Feb. 8 at the Oakland Center Ballrooms. To learn more about the ceremony and to register to attend, click HERE.

Brian Bierley

About the Award

George Wibby's long history with Oakland University began in the 1960s as an official for the swimming and diving program. Wibby was also a familiar face at basketball games and golf outings. After retiring from the American Red Cross, Wibby coached golf and worked as a golf ranger at the Katke-Cousins Golf Course. Wibby established the Jewel Wibby Scholarship Fund in honor of his wife after her death.

To recognize Wibby's dedication and service to Oakland, the George Wibby Award was established in 1987. This award is given to an Oakland University employee who exemplifies spirit and devotion to Oakland, along with compassion and care for those around them.
 
Print Friendly Version