By Rebecca Wyatt, OU Web Writer

Based on an award-winning program started at UCLA, Oakland University’s Future Alumni Network (FANs) is giving students, faculty, staff and alumni the chance to meet, mingle and network through the Dinner with a Dozen Grizzlies program on Sunday, April 2, and Friday, April 7.

As part of the program, Alumni Association members from the metro Detroit area sign up to host dinner for 11 other students, faculty, staff and alumni.

“It’s an opportunity to go to the alumni member’s house and get to know 11 other people you probably didn’t know before in a casual, comfortable environment,” said Jamie Simek, alumni coordinator. “It reinforces the fact that everyone is part of the OU family.”

Hosts can opt for fancy, elaborate dinner parties or simple gatherings with pizza or party platters. The only requirement is the host should plan for vegetarians.

FANs and the Dinner with a Dozen Grizzlies planners are looking for students who are interested in helping correspond with alumni hosts and recruit OU students for the dinners.

The deadline to register to host a dinner is Friday, March 10. Student registration and faculty and staff sign-up for Dinner with a Dozen Grizzlies is due by Friday, March 17. Students also can register at the CSA Service Window, 49 Oakland Center.

For more information about hosting, attending or volunteering, contact Jamie Simek at (248) 364-6137 or e-mail fans@oakland.edu.