News - - Oakland University

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Take 5 with Luke Fleer

By Katie Land, news editor

Composed of a diverse array of faculty, staff and administrators, the Oakland University community is unique, creative, and dedicated. As part of a continuing effort to explore the various roles and lives of our Golden Grizzlies, the News @ OU website presents a new interview series. We invite you to share these stories and “Take 5” with OU.

“Take 5 with Luke Fleer”

Luke Fleer serves as the associate director for Alumni Engagement and Volunteer Development Services with the Oakland University Alumni Association. Working to engage alumni in a meaningful way and to reconnect them to campus, Luke utilizes innovative techniques and creative events. He joined the OU community in 2007, as the coordinator for the Alumni Admissions Ambassador program, an idea that grew from a two year grant into a permanent program on campus. Both in and out of state, Luke works to build a strong base of alumni who are interested in volunteer opportunities, fundraising opportunities, sharing Oakland stories with new students, and sharing their Grizzly pride.

1) Why do you think people like to stay involved in their alma mater?

People have a sense of pride and really cherish the positive experiences they’ve had in college, with the friends and opportunities available like nowhere else. In college you can become a leader, dive into a passion, and really take what you learn as an undergrad and transition it into what you want to do with your life. The college experience plays a huge role in developing a person’s character and in shaping who you are and who you will become. People love to remember their glory days and give back in any way they can.

2) What are some of the unique challenges you face in the OUAA?

One of the challenges I face is that since I am not an Oakland alumnus, I am still fairly new to the OU community. One way that I am able to reach out to local alumni is to invite them back to campus and take me on a campus tour. In 45 minutes, I can really learn about their experience, what they care about and why. I hear about their passions and interest and their favorite memories of Oakland, and in that way, I am able to find a rich history of this university. By learning these different stories and experiences, I am able to create my own OU story. Whether I am meeting with young alums or those who have been away for 25 years, they all bring their memories back to campus, and each has a special connection to this university, and a reason that brings them here.

3) What sports team do you cheer for?

The Golden Grizzlies, of course! I love all sports and have played them all my life. I actually played small college basketball and worked as an assistant coach after graduation. I root for the Lions and Tigers too, and love to take my sons to Tigers games and travelled to more than 35 MLB stadiums across the country.

I like to follow sports and stay active by golfing and taking a lot of walks. I’m from the Pacific West coast, so any chance I have to see the ocean – I take it. I really love being out in Washington state and Oregon, where you can body surf and hike and be outside in a big way.

4) What is something many people don’t know about you?

Seven years ago I was in a bad car accident, a head on collision. I was hospitalized for three weeks, and the doctors didn’t know if I would ever be able to walk again. My leg was nearly amputated and I had to undergo five surgeries in 18 days to save it. My physical therapist and surgeon were actually both OU alums, so you could say that Oakland people helped to put me back together again. The experience taught me that life is a blessing, and makes me think about what we’re doing with the time we have here. I don’t believe I was given a second chance, but am just grateful. I’m grateful and glad to now have the opportunity to work and to serve and to live my life.

5) Do you have any favorite alumni related events or programs?

Our Legacy Night is a very unique event. We host more than a hundred parents or grandparents who are alumni with their children who are current students. We have a nice reception with good food, good conversation, and enjoy a basketball game. It is incredible to see multiple generations of OU family sharing stories and pride in their alma mater.