Ron Cramer, who was elevated to the rank of Distinguished Professor in 2002, talked about his title of distinguished professor and what it has meant to him during the Faculty Appreciation Lucheon.

Oakland University’s Founders’ Day is a way to formally celebrate the history and future of OU. The faculty provide the basis for the education the students receive and on Founders’ Day, OU honors their excellence in teaching, scholarship, research and service.

“Each Founders’ Day, we look forward to formally recognizing, encouraging and supporting faculty teaching and research excellence, scholarly productivity, creative achievements and community service,” said OU President Gary Russi. “Your contributions in and outside of the classroom enable Oakland University students to enter the workforce or graduate school highly prepared and ready to make a difference in the world around them.”

This year, 26 faculty members were honored for their accomplishments.

Ron Cramer, who was elevated to the rank of Distinguished Professor in 2002, talked about his title of distinguished professor and what it has meant to him. Later in the program, Ronald Finucane, professor of history, was recognized for becoming the 2007 Distinguished Professor.

The Assessment Excellence Award was presented to the Studio Art in recognition of the program’s model of the North Central Association’s culture of assessment goal by integrating assessment findings with program revisions. The program will receive $5,000 and is encouraged to use the money to fund enhancements to the assessment process and will be recognized on a plaque to be displayed in the Kresge Library lobby.