By Dawn Pauli, contributing writer

Alumni, faculty, staff and special friends of the university gathered Nov. 6 at the Oakland University Alumni Awards Banquet to celebrate those who exemplify service and dedication to OU.

“The night was filled with an atmosphere of people who love to be connected with Oakland University,” said Adrienne Bass, director of Alumni Relations. “The award winners shared a sincere message of how important it was to have had an educational experience that allowed them to grow as individuals and prepared them for very challenging opportunities both personally and professionally.”

The 2004 winners are:

Distinguished Alumni Service Award – Marianne Fey Miller
Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award – Jeffrey Hansen
Odyssey Award – Christy Hicks
Odyssey Award – Staci Ross Carr
Spirit Award – Gary Brancaleone and Beth Benson
Honorary Alumnus Award – George Preisinger
Honorary Alumnus Award – Carl F. Barnes Jr.

Each of the eight award winners reflected on their time at Oakland. “They said their time spent at Oakland was valuable, and they felt like they’re part of a big family,” Bass said.

For the second straight year, Mike Lewis, interim director of OU’s journalism program, served as the evening’s master of ceremonies and presented the awards. Leo Bowman, chair of the OU Alumni Association Board of Directors, and OU President Gary Russi spoke to the crowd of nearly 200.
 
“Each year, I am proud to learn about the accomplishments of our individual alumni who help make Oakland University an exceptional university,” Russi said. “Good things are happening here and they are an integral part of it.”

After the awards ceremony, the group was entertained by the Oakland University Jazz Band Combo, led by Danny Jordan, OU professor and pianist.

“It truly was a special evening of friends and family who were honored to be among such genuine, successful and caring award recipients,” Bass said.

For more information on the Alumni Awards, visit the OUAA Award Winners Web page.