Thursday, August 2, 2012
OU named finalist in 2012 Governor's Service Awards
By Eric Reikowski, media relations assistant
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| OU was selected as a finalist in the 2012 Governor's Service Awards in the Outstanding Volunteer Program Award category. |
Oakland University was recently selected as a finalist for the 2012 Governor’s Service Awards by the Michigan Community Service Commission. Nominated by the Baldwin Center in Pontiac, OU was among five finalists in the Outstanding Volunteer Program Award category.
“It is an honor to be nominated,” said Dr. Scott Crabill, who represented OU at the ceremony. “A major
role of the university is to advance the public good. If we can take classroom lessons and connect them
to community needs, it makes for a more enriching academic experience for students and faculty, and
helps people in need.”
Through a collaborative partnership, OU faculty members have engaged students in a variety of hands-
on service learning projects at the Baldwin Center. In 2011, students and faculty gave more than 1,100
hours to the Baldwin Center, helping to enroll 151 youth in enrichment programs, provide clothing to
16,000 individuals and serve 70,000 meals.
While many students initially volunteer at the center as part of their course work, a great deal continue
to serve the community. In fact, several OU sports teams and student organizations have taken part in
Baldwin Center programs.
Finalists were chosen by a statewide peer review panel comprised of the MCSC Board of Commissioners,
along with representatives from nonprofit organizations, schools and businesses.
A ceremony was held on Monday, July 23 at the Gem Theatre in Detroit to recognize the finalists.