Pizza, basketball, and a whole lot of school spirit brought the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine community together for a night of fun outside of the classroom.
On Feb. 20, students, staff, and faculty from OUWB gathered to cheer on the Oakland University men’s basketball team during the game against the Green Bay Phoenix.
The night began in O’Dowd Hall, where OUWB hosted a pizza party that gave attendees and their guests a chance to grab a quick bite before heading to the O’rena. The pregame event brought members of the OUWB community together and an opportunity to connect outside the classroom.
Matthew Sims, M.D., Ph.D., professor, Department of Internal Medicine, and assistant dean, Research, was among the group who brought his family to campus.
“I saw the invite and thought it sounded great,” he said. “It’s fun to see students and other professors come out and support the event.”
Between bites of pizza, students shared their excitement for the game and emphasized the importance of events that strengthen connections between OUWB and the broader Oakland University community.
“I’m excited to be here. It’s an opportunity to get out and socialize. Coming out here, it’s been fun … a rewarding experience,” said Keaton Rosquist, M1.
“I’m a big fan of Oakland basketball. I went here for undergrad, so when I heard they were having this event, I got really excited,” said Ethan Dimock, M4.
M4 students — Brenda Bortis, Kaitlyn Butzin, and Elena Ghezzi — said the event offered them an opportunity to revisit campus before graduation and support the Golden Grizzlies one last time as students.
At the game, OUWB community members watched closely as the Golden Grizzlies battled the Green Bay Phoenix, who ultimately won the game, 73-68.
Abram Brummett, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Foundational Medical Studies, said he attended the game to socialize with students and support OU basketball.
Christopher Carpenter, M.D., Stephan Sharf Dean, said events like this allow the OUWB community to gather outside academic responsibilities.
And students said this outing offered a welcome break from coursework and a chance to share the experience with their loved ones — something beyond the typical medical school experience.
“It was a great opportunity to bring my dad and show him what the school is like and how well they treat us,” said Francis Wells, M2. “We’re wrapping up with neurology right now, and we’re all super busy, so this was a good time to take a step back and enjoy the evening with my classmates and family.”
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