Rochester Hills

OU announces improvement projects

By Linda Shepard
C & G Staff Writer

ROCHESTER HILLS — Oakland University students and staffers will enjoy $65 million worth of improvements to the OU campus in fall of 2014.

Recently announced expansion and improvement projects include enhancement of the OU athletic fields, a new parking structure and a new maintenance facility.

“We will keep moving in this area with strategic, carefully managed growth,” said Ted Montgomery, OU media relations director.

The Oakland University Board of Trustees approved the improvements Feb. 12. Other new projects currently in development at OU include a 127,000-square-foot Engineering Center, a new student-housing complex and a 151-foot carillon tower.

University officials said OU has seen a 37 percent increase in student enrollment in the past 15 months.

“A college education should be a life-changing experience for students,” said Mary Beth Snyder, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management, in a statement. “And I’m confident that addressing their needs and aspirations with these new facilities will make attending Oakland even more rewarding.” 

The newly constructed outdoor recreational and athletic facilities will improve tennis, and track and field meets, along with club and intramural sports competitions, officials say. A variety of fitness and recreational activities will be available to students, faculty, staff and community visitors.

The new centrally located campus parking structure will include four levels and will provide an additional 930 parking spaces. The structure will deliver a 10 percent increase to OU parking. Montgomery said bonds will finance the facilities building, the parking structure, the new residence hall and the improved athletic fields.

“We believe that what southeastern Michigan and the state as a whole need most now is renewed investment in the resources that will enable us to thrive in the 21st century,” said Oakland University President Gary Russi in a statement. 

“Offering students a welcoming, engaging and inspiring setting in which to pursue their college studies will motivate them to fully immerse themselves in the learning process,” Snyder said.

For more information about Oakland University, visit www.oakland.edu.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Linda Shepard at lshepard@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1065.