By Jeff Samoray, OU Web Writer

The Oakland University community is invited to celebrate the official grand opening of the Oakland Center expansion on Friday, Sept. 19, at 2 p.m. The dedication will take place at the west entrance to the OC. Attendees will be invited to take a walking tour of the facility and sample refreshments. The Student Steel Pan Organization will provide musical entertainment.

Grand opening speakers include OU President Gary Russi, OU Board of Trustees Chair Henry Baskin, Oakland Center Director Richard Fekel and BOT Student Liaison Rhonda Hanna.

The 30,000 square-foot expansion, which opened for use Sept. 2, features state-of-the-art student services representing OU’s commitment to enhancing the educational and social environment of the campus. The expansion provides an additional 330 seats in the food court area; a 7,000-square-foot multipurpose room that seats 600; a 24-hour computer lounge featuring wireless Internet access; and Café O’Bears, an 80-seat coffee shop. The exterior features an attractive two-story, semi-circular glass front offering spectacular views of the campus mall. Other construction involved extensive remodeling and updates to the OC kitchen to meet current catering and food preparation needs.

A number of campus groups already have booked the multipurpose room for events. To make a reservation, contact Rakhi Roy, OC assistant director, at (248) 370-3230 or roy@oakland.edu.

For more information on the grand opening celebrations, contact the Oakland Center at (248) 370-3245 or ocadmin@oakland.edu.