As an innovative institution, we are respected for:

• our learner-centered approach to education,
• our application of technology in the delivery of learning and
• our interaction within the community to form strategic alliances.

With the support of:

• a distinguished faculty,
• ambitious students, and
• invaluable community partners,

Oakland University is progressing as planned toward achieving significant goals for the future.

Still, however successful Oakland is at meeting student and community needs, we are determined to offer more - - we're not content with business as usual.  As Oakland gets set to enter a new century, we are prepariong ourselves for the challenges of tomorrow by launching exciting new initiatives designed to elevate this university to the next echelon of educational leadership.

The construction of the new building to house the School of Business Administration and Information Technology Institute is a critical element in achieving a state-of-the-art campus able to provide superior educational services for the 21st century and beyond. By building a new facility, we are able to offer the latest technological advances to our expanding student population, as we have experienced record enrollment growth over the past seven years.

Furthermore, OU's location in the heart of Oakland County, one of the country's fastest growing and economically important counties, gives us a unique opportunity to engage in active dialog with our community and corporate supporters. These partnerships offer insight into the changing business landscape, and prompt us to provide employers with graduates who have:

• a global perspective,
• team-building expertise and
• a technology orientation.

An education received in the new business building will equip our students with the high tech skills they need so that they - - and area businesses - - may continue to flourish.

We trust you share our enthusiasm for constructing a world-class facility where students can experience the most advanced information technology available. Moreover, we hope you will join us in ownership of a building that is able to adapt and expand along with the technology of the new century. Because when it comes to the future of our students, we're not prepared to settle for less.

Sincerely,

Gary D. Russi, President, Oakland University.

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