OU-Pontiac Initiative Leadership Team
The 2023 OU-Pontiac Initiative Town Hall Meeting was held on October 21 at Oakland University’s Oakland Center as leaders and supporters gathered to celebrate accomplishments, set new goals and expand its network for even greater collaboration.
Teresa Rodges, middle, OU's senior director of Pre-College Programs and Community Partnerships is flanked by Maurice Umejiego and Cailey Powell. Both are Oakland University students working on the OU-Pontiac Initiative. |
The highest honor from the past year came in June as the OU-Pontiac Initiative was recognized as a national community engagement model by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, earning the inaugural AASCU Excellence & Innovation Award.
“We take great pride in this year’s AASCU recognition for the OU-Pontiac Initiative,” said Oakland University President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz. “The initiative has been a dynamic partnership and catalyst for improving the city’s education, public health, economy, workforce, neighborhoods, nonprofits and culture.”
The other big news announced at this year’s gather was that Oakland Community College (OCC) has joined as a partner to strengthen the education and workforce development pillars by expanding the initiative’s learning and job training opportunities.
“We are all focused on the same outcome – a vibrant, healthy community and successful downtown area. We know there are many ways to get there, but we believe education and career-readiness is what makes this initiative sustainable,” said OCC Chancellor Peter Provenzano. “Focusing on neighborhoods with equitable access to education, ensures individuals in the community have more employability and sustainable income for generations to come. This, in turn, improves utilization of the downtown area for entertainment, business and more. We are pleased to formalize this commitment."
“We value the OU-Pontiac Initiative and appreciate Oakland University’s commitment to Pontiac,” said City of Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel. “We look forward to continuing to work together in all of the pillar focus areas to amplify the impact of the partnership on improving the day-to-day lives of our residents. We also appreciate Oakland Community College joining in the effort to strengthen our education and workforce development opportunities.”
OU-Pontiac Initiative founding leader Tom Kimble, an OU honorary doctorate degree recipient added, “I am continually amazed at the results we can achieve together with so many caring people and groups investing in my beloved city of Pontiac. Their time, energy and generosity will never be taken for granted.”
“When I reflect on our achievements this past year, I am inspired to pour even more of myself into this program because there is no doubt that we are making a difference for so many of our young men and women in Pontiac,” said Glenn McIntosh, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer at Oakland University. “I am so appreciative for the tireless work of everyone involved and thank each of these individuals and their organizations for their contributions.”
There are still many opportunities to get involved in community outreach and engagement for the OU-Pontiac Initiative. Those interested, can contact OU Senior Director of Pre-College Programs and Community Partnerships Teresa Rodges, a Pontiac High School, Oakland Community College and Oakland University graduate at (248) 370-3087 or by visiting stylzthreading.com/community/Pontiac-initiative.
Some of the OU-Pontiac Initiative pillar highlights for this past year include:
Arts and Culture
Education
Neighborhoods and nonprofits
Civic Engagement
Health Care and Wellness
Economic and Workforce development
OU-Pontiac VISION STATEMENT
A sustainable, mutually beneficial relationship between Oakland University and the City of Pontiac.
OU-Pontiac MISSION STATEMENT
The Oakland University-Pontiac Initiative (OU-PI) is advancing the vitality of Pontiac while enhancing experiential learning opportunities for Oakland University students. We promote civic engagement in the community. In addition, we call upon a broad network of individuals and organizations to achieve these goals by using appropriate infrastructure, human and financial resources.