The event featured a reception with refreshments and provided a great number of giveaways, special entertainment and more. Since its creation, the Women of Oakland University organization has supported the university by building community spirit and providing service. One of its most important contributions is the Critical Difference Scholarship. 

 The wife of former OU President Joseph Champagne and other colleagues established the scholarship more than 30 years ago, with the goal of providing funds to help students experiencing financial difficulties achieve their educational goals. 

“I am a single mom who has had several interruptions in my pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree due to life circumstances over the years,” said Karen Blair, Critical Difference Scholarship recipient. “The Women of OU Critical Difference Scholarship Committee has forever impacted my life. Their assistance has provided me the opportunity to graduate, obtain my degree and provide a better life for my son and I.” 

Blair is in her final year at Oakland studying Occupational Safety and Health. She currently works as an intern on campus in the Environmental Health and Safety office. “It truly is a labor of love,” said Rhonda Saunders, committee chair. “It is rewarding for the committee to see these students blossom and achieve success in their career endeavors through their education at Oakland.”

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♦ Spring 2012 Fashion Show and Luncheon raises funds for scholarships

      The Women of OU Scholarship Committee's Fashion Show luncheon and fundraiser was held on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, in the Oakland Center Banquet Rooms. The theme was “Escape to the Tropics” and the show featured a diverse group of models ranging from former Critical Difference Scholarship recipients to university vice presidents, all of whom modeled outfits from Parisian of The Village of Rochester Hills. Event proceeds will be used to fund future Critical Difference Scholarships.



Volunteer models for this year's event included:

Eric Barritt Vice President,  Development, Alumni and Community Engagement Rochelle Black Vice President, Government and Community Relations Karen Blair 2011 Critical Difference Scholarship Recipient Dan Bodene Unit Marketing Coordinator, Communications & Marketing Bryan Cain Director, Integrated Marketing, Communications & Marketing Georjeana Dillard-Parker 2010 & 2011 Critical Difference Scholarship Recipient Ben Eveslage President, Student Body Claudia Fall Office Assistant I, Office of Admissions Luke Fleer Associate Director Alumni Engagement, Development, Alumni and Community Engagement Bonnie Frizzell Production Coordinator, Communications & Marketing Anthony Gallina Admissions Advisor, Office of Admissions Peggy Gamble Accounting Clerk III, Accounts Payable

Christina Grabowski Assistant Dean Medical School Admissions, School of Medicine Susan Hartman Helpdesk Coordinator, University Technology Services Alysa Hunton Development Officer, Development, Alumni and Community Engagement Sandy Kern Office Assistant III, Payroll Carol Ann Ketelsen Career Consultant, Career Services Erika Kindlimann Helpdesk Technician, University Technology Services Karen Kukuk Executive Assistant to the President Bernie Lopata Assistant Vice President and Campaign Director, Development, Alumni and Community Engagement Glenn McIntosh Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean Student Life Torres McLean Graduate Student Employee, Alumni Engagement Elisa Malile Vice President, Student Body Deborah Middlebrook Assistant Director Finance and Operations, University Housing

Chef John Miller Chartwells Food Service Callie Moss 2008 Critical Difference Scholarship Recipient Emily Orlando 2011 Critical Difference Scholarship Recipient Adam Panchenko Admissions Advisor, Office of Admissions Angelica Proffett Office Assistant III, Academic Affairs Valerie Schultz Assistant Director, President Events Ben Schutz Undergraduate Recruitment Graphics Specialist, Office of Admissions Steve Shablin Registrar Mike Stromayer Employer Relations Consultant, Career Services Jenny Swiatowy Legal Secretary, Office of Legal Affairs Terry White Custodian, University Housing

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♦ Three outstanding students selected as scholarships winners

     Emily Orlando, a communications major, received the Women of Oakland University Critical Difference Scholarship for 2011-2012.

     Karen S. Blair, an occupational safety and health major, received the Women of Oakland University Critical Difference Scholarship for 2011-2012.

     Natalie Bogojevski, an environmental science major, received the Women of Oakland University Critical Difference Scholarship for 2011-2012.

     This award is handed out annually to students who are single head of household who have had their education interrupted for at least one year. Applicants must have earned at least 16 credits at the university level with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.

     Congratulations ladies!

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♦ Social work major wins Critical Difference Scholarship for two years running

     Georjeana Dillard-Parker, a social work major, received the Women of Oakland University Critical Difference Scholarship for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011.

      This award is handed out annually to students who are single head of household who have had their education interrupted for at least one year. Applicants must have earned at least 16 credits at the university level with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.

      Congratulations Georjeana!

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♦ Committed employees help make fund drive a success

     For Oakland University staff members Mel and Jenny Gilroy, supporting Oakland's All-University Fund Drive (AUFD) has special meaning.

     "In addition to working here, Mel and I are both alums of the university," said Jenny, senior associate registrar.

     "I like to support, even in a small way, projects I believe in like athletics, the Women of OU Critical Difference Scholarship and my department, English. I also support the Woodcock Legacy, as Mel was instrumental in getting that project off the ground. And, of course, I like getting a refund on my state income tax!"

     The Gilroys also supported the College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Programs Fund.

     "I think, most fundamentally, I donate to support programs that enhance the Oakland University experience," said Mel, lieutenant with the Oakland University Police Department. "All of us need to step up to the plate to make these contributions."

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♦ Women and gender studies major benefits from Critical Difference Scholarship

     Callie L. Moss, a women and gender studies major, received the Women of Oakland University Critical Difference Scholarship for 2008-2009.

     This award is handed out annually to students who are single head of household who have had their education interrupted for at least one year. Applicants must have earned at least 16 credits at the university level with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.