Community Engagement

Oakland launches Grizzly Engagement, Action and Thoughtfulness (GrEAT) Recognition Award

Kevin Corcoran, Chief Community Engagement officer and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, was one of the first to be recognized with a GrEAT award for his dedicated leadership during the challenge of COVID-19 and for helping organize OU's community response to the pandemic.

community service, university of choice, rewards, carrot app, UHR,

icon of a calendarApril 27, 2020

Share this story

Oakland launches Grizzly Engagement, Action and Thoughtfulness (GrEAT) Recognition Award
Kevin Corcoran was one of the first of many people to be spotlighted for his community efforts through the creation of the GrEAT awards recognition program.

Expanding Oakland University’s ongoing efforts to be The University of Choice for both current and prospective faculty and staff members, campus leaders have partnered with the Oakland University Credit Union and CARROT Wellness to launch The Grizzlies Engagement, Action and Thoughtfulness (GrEAT) Recognition Program. This is a new initiative in which employees can both commend and reward their peers for performing community service.

The GrEAT Recognition Program, which is uniquely designed to promote good will and raise employee morale, also aligns with Goal #3 of the 2025 OU Strategic Plan. This goal is to “become a leader in serving the needs and aspirations of our communities and region through expanded community relationships, institutional reputation and visibility, and engagement.”

While the university strives to recognize the work of faculty and staff members in their communities, many are making tremendous contributions that come to the attention of just one or a few coworkers.

The GrEAT Recognition Program gives all benefits-eligible employees an opportunity to share a message of congratulations and  $5 gift card with a colleague six times each year –once every two months. Benefits-eligible faculty and staff can do so using the CARROT mobile app, which is part of an existing University of Choice initiative that encourages campus community members to engage in healthy lifestyles.

“Throughout the year, many of our colleagues demonstrate great character and altruism as they volunteer and contribute to our regional communities,” said Oakland University President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz. “The GrEAT program recognizes their selfless efforts as a reflection of the values we espouse as a university. Their acts provide inspiration for our campus community, and show how Oakland is committed to community engagement.”

Watch President Pescovitz's GrEAT video tutorial on YouTube.

The Oakland University Credit Union, a longtime partner and supporter of the Oakland University community, has stepped forward with a significant contribution to support recognition of this kind of work.

“The credit union has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with the university that includes a shared vision and strong commitment to serve our communities,” said OUCU President and Chief Executive Officer April Clobes. “The community service recognition initiative allows us to broaden our efforts and to show many individuals in the OU community that their commitment to service is both admired and appreciated.”

Additional information on the GrEAT Recognition Program, including how to present a colleague with a gift card recognition, is available on the Employee Recognition page of the University Human Resources web section.

Share this story