REVIEW: Varner Act II Gala Honors Oakland University’s Musical Past While Shining a Bright Spotlight on its Future

Varner Hall, on the campus of Oakland University (OU), has spent the last two years going through much-needed renovations and is finally ready for its close-up. To celebrate, the esteemed OU School of Music, Theatre and Dance is staging the Varner Act II Gala — a show-stopping musical revue under the direction of Teri Hansen in the Varner Studio Theatre. Hansen, a visiting assistant professor, brings a wealth of screen (Film/TV) and stage (Broadway/London's West End) experience to this fresh … [Read more...]

Another Successful Writers’ Conference at OU

Eighth Annual Conference Rochester Writers hosted its eighth annual event at Oakland University on Saturday. Nearly ninety people were in attendance taking up several rooms in the Oakland Center on campus. The all-day event began in 2008 as a way to bring authors and writers together for networking and professional development. The Presentations As usual, the conference had several workshops, lectures, and discussions going on simultaneously for attendees to select presentations that best … [Read more...]

Lansing Wants Oakland University President to Explain Tuition Hike

Months before students returned to Oakland University for the fall semester, it was announced that tuition for the 2015-2016 school year would increase... a lot. In fact OU's tuition increase of 8.48 percent was the biggest hike in Michigan. Now, officials in Lansing would like OU president George Hynd to explain why such a large increase was justified. At the time the increase was announced, Hynd said it was because OU's tuition was "below market value." Eastern Michigan University was … [Read more...]

World Cup Watch Party Scores Big

FIFA Women's World Cup Watch Party Hosted by the City of Rochester Hills and Mayor Bryan K. Barnett, this is a first for the type of an event. It took place Tuesday evening at the RARA Indoor Soccer Field in Downtown Rochester.     Magic Soccer provided a free soccer clinic and Oakland University's The Grizz was entertaining the kids and getting in a lot of photos. Food, drink and a large ten-foot-projection screen made watching the US Women's Team beat the … [Read more...]

Writing Contest Winners Announced at Social Media Conference at OU

First Page The Rochester Writers’ Winter Contest Awards were announced Saturday, April 25, at Oakland University. During the Rochester Writers’ spring conference, winners of the contest that attended could read their entry to the more than 50 people at the event. Cash prizes were awarded for first, second, and third places. First Page of a Novel is the most entered category. Contest judge, Kelly Fordon said, “I was intrigued by the convergence here between what seemed to be ordinary … [Read more...]

“Meals on Wheels” Annual OPC Gala

Older Persons’ Commission hosts annual fundraiser for “Meals on Wheels” featuring The Sound of Motown. At the Royal Park Hotel On Friday, May 8, 2015, the Older Persons’ Commission (OPC) will host its 13th Annual Signature Event, the fundraiser for its “Meals on Wheels” program. OPC benefactress Kathy White and Oakland University President Dr. George Hynd are the honorary event co-chairs. Held at the Royal Park Hotel the gala will feature two bands; Detroit-based Serieux who are “all … [Read more...]

Rochester Hills State of the City 2015 with VIDEO

Video Courtesy of Rochester Hills TV and the City of Rochester Hills Rochester Hills Mayor, Bryan Barnett, gave the State of the City Wednesday evening to full house at the Emagine Theater in Rochester Hills. The Mayor and his Team work to bring a new and exciting production each year. This year's address was built around the idea of presenting it as a late night talk show, the Jimmy Fallon show to be exact. With the local band, Hot Sauce, providing the tunes of a house band on one … [Read more...]

Annual Writers’ Conference at OU Charms 100 in Attendance

Annual Writers’ Conference at OU Charms 100 in Attendance Seven Years and Still Going The annual Rochester Writers’ Conference welcomed writers on October 4 to Oakland University in Rochester for a full day of inspiration and information. One hundred attendees, 13 presenters, half a dozen volunteers and one organizer united to make the seventh annual event another success story. There was a significant amount of positive feedback regarding the conference, most notably for offering … [Read more...]

Silver Ball Madness Returns to OU

Silver Ball Madness Returns to OU By Michael Dwyer More than a hundred silver balls will be rolling next weekend at the 2014 Michigan Pinball Expo at Oakland University. For 57 hours, pinball players of all ages will be sending those silver balls towards targets, ramps, and other creative scoring components to rack up points on their favorite pinball machines. Once spread across the country in arcades, pool halls and bars, many of these machines fell into the hands of collectors. … [Read more...]

Rochester Writers Announces Spring Contest Winners

Best of Show Rochester Writers announces the winners of the 2013 writing contest. Best of Show goes to Steven R. Roberts of Dearborn, MI for his First Page entry titled Brothers Popovic. Rochester Media sponsors the contest and their staff selects the Best of Show Award. “The author’s use of descriptive language brings vivid imagery to mind and draws the readers into the setting of the story. With just these few short paragraphs, the reader can empathize with the Croatian coal miner in the … [Read more...]