Welcome back, Golden Grizzlies!
January 6, 2026
Dear Golden Grizzlies,
Happy New Year! I hope you had a relaxing winter break and are feeling energized for the new semester. With our campus coming alive again this week, I’m looking forward to seeing familiar faces, welcoming new students and feeling our Golden Grizzly energy.
As we kick off the winter semester, I hope our students feel what we strongly believe: you belong here. All of us — faculty, staff and administrators — are committed to making your Oakland experience one of the most rewarding and meaningful times of your life.
Please know that we’re always here to champion your success. If you need academic support, mental health resources, career guidance or help finding the right resource, please don’t hesitate to ask. Our teams across the university are ready to help and will welcome you with open arms.
With our community behind you, this is a great time to stretch yourself, aim high and pursue excellence. I encourage you to meet new people, explore new ideas and try new experiences. Ask questions, stay curious and consider taking a class outside your comfort zone. Believe in yourself — just as we believe in you.
Remember, too, success in college goes beyond good grades. It’s about achieving a well-balanced life, full of purpose and connection. I hope you will take part in our Winter Welcome Week events and explore ways to get involved in campus life, whether it is through student organizations, rec and wellness opportunities or service experiences.
Finally, I hope you’ll join me in making Oakland a model of dialogue and civility. We won’t agree on everything, and that’s a healthy part of learning. What matters is how we show up for one another: listening with humility, treating each other with respect and staying open to viewpoints that challenge us.
We are all in this together, and every Golden Grizzly matters. I am excited for what’s ahead this semester. Please do say hi if you see me around campus, and follow me on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Go Golden Grizzlies!
Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, M.D.
President
Oakland University
