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OU Athletics and Oakland University Credit Union agree to 10-year, $5M naming rights partnership
ROCHESTER — Oakland University Athletics and Oakland University Credit Union have agreed to a 10-year, $5 million naming rights partnership for the newly dubbed OU Credit Union O’rena, effective July 1.
“Thank you to the Oakland University Credit Union for this transformational naming rights partnership. OU Credit Union is a longstanding partner with Oakland University and the Athletics Department, and this significant O’rena naming rights agreement elevates this partnership to another level, benefiting each of our sports programs and current and future Golden Grizzly student-athletes for years to come,” Oakland University Athletics Director Steve Waterfield said in a press release. “I look forward to the Athletics Department’s expanded collaborations with OU Credit Union and the many positive outcomes these collaborations will create for OU Credit Union members, OU and the community.”
The O’rena opened in 1999 as the university transitioned to NCAA Division I, hosting Golden Grizzlies men’s basketball, and women’s basketball and volleyball teams.
“As a longtime partner with Oakland University, OU Credit Union is pleased to expand our partnership with Oakland University Athletics with the naming of the O’rena. Through this sponsorship, we are looking forward to expanding our programming with OU Athletics, engaging our members and the campus with events and community programs,” MSU Federal Credit Union President and CEO April Clobes said in a statement.
“In a building where teamwork and working together for a common purpose are observed and celebrated, we are so proud that the ‘Oakland University Credit Union O’rena’ will be center stage for a long and mutually beneficial sponsorship,” OU President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz said in a statement.
OUCU will also receive signage and graphic displays throughout the facility. The company already greets visitors to the Oakland University Athletics website through various sponsorships in coverage of Golden Grizzly student-athletes. OUCU has been the official credit union of Oakland University since 2013.
“This is truly a landmark partnership for Oakland University Athletics and OU Credit Union,” Playfly Sports Properties President Christy Hedgpeth said in a press release. “Naming rights deals hold immense power and influence to local and regional fandoms, and building an even more comprehensive partnership around that marquee asset will be an impressive case study on brand impact and engagement. The OU Sports Properties team is eager to start activating these assets for both the Oakland University Athletics community and OU Credit Union to transform the beloved O’rena for the student-athletes and fans.”
Residents invited to weigh in on Area Agency on Aging 1-B programs
ROCHESTER — The Area Agency on Aging 1-B has scheduled a virtual public hearing at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 11, to gather input about the use of federal and state funding earmarked for senior services during the upcoming 2024 fiscal year.
The Annual Implementation Plan public hearing will consider feedback on plans for spending $26 million during fiscal year 2024 in the six-county region served by the agency — Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties. Older adults, family caregivers, senior advocates, senior care professionals and any other interested members of the public are invited to attend the forum and to offer comments.
Public input will help shape the plan, but the largest share of dollars goes to home-delivered and group dining, along with in-home services.
You can join using this link: https://tinyurl.com/AAA1BListen. Interested parties may also call in to the meeting at (312) 626-6799/Meeting ID: 844 242 4714.
The draft plan is available for review at aaa1b.org. Written comments will be accepted by May 21; send to Taylor Clark, 29100 Northwestern Highway, Suite 400, Southfield, MI 48034. Comments can also be submitted to Taylor by email at tclark@aaa1b.org.
The fiscal year runs from Oct. 1, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2024.
‘Springtime in Paris’ to support seniors in the community
ROCHESTER — The MARYE with an E Endowment will host “Springtime In Paris” at 5 p.m. May 18 at the Buhl Estate at Addison Oaks.
Enjoy the sounds of a “Nuclassica” strolling violinist during cocktail hour while grazing through a charcuterie display. Create your own French flower bouquet, and experience live art by intuitive fine artist Nicole Camilleri, followed by a French-inspired plated dinner including an open bar and French inspired cocktails. An event grand finale includes a European patisserie station featuring crafted sweet confections, and a pastry chef macaron demonstration.
Funds from the event will go to the MARYE with an E Endowment in honor of Marye Miller and her legacy in the senior community and help support seniors who fall outside of government programs, but still make too little to fund assistance as they age and need help with care. The endowment, according to event organizers, bridges the gap, providing compassionate care by helping with housing expenses and adult daily living activities. The endowment is owned and managed by the Next Steps 4 Seniors Foundation.
Miller was the founder of the nationally recognized Older Person’s Commission in Rochester, and many say she has devoted her life to helping seniors thrive.
“No one likes surprises, but that’s what too many of our seniors are experiencing when seeking quality and safe living environments, especially later in life. Wealthy individuals have options and Medicaid provides for those with lower incomes. But those in the middle often find a hidden and unexpected funding gap for senior care. They have earned too much to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to afford the rising cost of a safe living environment. Our seniors have worked hard. They’ve served our country and our communities. They’ve raised families and provided for their own parents. They’ve been best friends and committed partners. The MARYE with an E Endowment now provides a unique opportunity for us to support them,” Marye Miller said in a press release.
Tickets for the event cost $150 per person and can be purchased at givebutter.com/GHYdk1. For questions or more information, contact Kim Russell at (248) 931-6006 or maryewithane@gmail.com.
Meadow Brook Theatre stages ‘Honky Tonk Angels’
ROCHESTER HILLS — “Honky Tonk Angels,” by Ted Swindley, runs April 26-May 21 at Meadow Brook Theatre, on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester Hills.
“There are more than 30 country hits in this show,” Travis W. Walter, Meadow Brook Theatre’s artistic director, said in a press release. “And our three ‘angels’ are such great actors. Our audiences are going to love this.”
Tickets range from $37 to $46 and are available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at (248) 377-3300 or visiting www.ticketmaster.com. Student discounts are available at the box office. Groups of eight or more should call (248) 370-3316 for group pricing.
OPC presents ‘Glitz & Glamour’
ROCHESTER — The 650 Players, the Older Persons’ Commission performing arts group, will bring their talents to the stage for four performances of the “Glitz & Glamour” variety show.
Guests at the weekday shows, May 16 -18, will enjoy a luncheon, and the Saturday, May 20, matinee will feature a sweet treat. Tickets cost $20 for the luncheon shows and $15 for the matinee.
“Glitz & Glamour” will roll out the Hollywood red carpet, and guests will be dazzled with musical hits from Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Roy Orbison, Whitney Houston, Bruno Mars and more. The shows are open to the public; call (248) 608-0251 for tickets while supplies last.
The show is brought to the stage with the support of presenting sponsor Pomeroy Living, and supporting sponsors AJ Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors, and Paradise Realty II.
The OPC is located at 650 Letica Drive in Rochester. The 650 Players are always looking for individuals who have a passion for performing. For upcoming workshops and events, visit www.opcseniorcenter.org.
