Oakland University Graduates First Medical School Class

Gary Russi spent almost 20 years as the president of Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, before retiring from academia in 2013. A number of initiatives enacted by former president Gary Russi can still be seen on campus, including the school’s new medical program.

Oakland University recently graduated its first ever class from the William Beaumont Medical School. In a ceremony on “Match Day,” the school’s 47 graduating medical students received acceptance letters from residency programs all over the nation, including the Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina and the University of Michigan Medical Center. Graduates will complete residencies in various fields of medicine, such as anesthesiology and physical medicine.

While the students will officially graduate in May, the graduating class enjoyed a moment of shared relief at seeing the next step in their medical careers come into focus. Oakland’s William Beaumont Medical School is currently the youngest recognized medical program in the United States and the newest program since Florida State University’s more than a decade ago.

William Beaumont School of Medicine Receives a New Accreditation

Gary Russi, PhD, a retired academic administrator, spent his last 18 years in education as the president of Oakland University. Under the leadership of Dr. Gary Russi, Oakland University constructed the William Beaumont School of Medicine, the first new allopathic medical school in Michigan in more than four decades.

William Beaumont School of Medicine recently received full accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. A prestigious designation, the achievement represents the school’s sound educational structure and performance toward helping students obtain their medical degrees. The accreditation makes the school eligible for select federal grants as well as opens up new opportunities to access federal programs. Additionally, students are now qualified to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination and accept residencies approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education following graduation.

Schools eligible for accreditation must have an established admissions policy and selection criteria. Student services that assist with financial aid, health care, and personal and academic counseling are also stipulations for consideration. In addition, a five-year plan outlining infrastructure use and technological resources is necessary, to demonstrate the viability of the school’s long-term operations. For information about the Liaison Committee on Medical Education accreditation requirements, visit http://www.lcme.org.

The Michigan Economic Center’s Michigan Dream Restored Project

An award-winning academic and civic leader, Gary Russi served as the president of Oakland University for 18 years before retiring in 2013. Gary Russi balanced his responsibilities at the university with numerous community-based leadership roles, including his position on the Investor-Leadership Council with the Michigan Economic Center (MEC).

Among its many initiatives, the MEC currently operates the Michigan Dream Restored: Public Goods Policy Development and Agenda Setting Project to address the lack of public and political action to support important assets that are critical for Michigan’s economic development. The Michigan Dream Restored project works to present independent research and policy examples that illustrate successful initiatives in other states.

With this information, the project promotes policy recommendations focused on improving state investment in community attributes like infrastructure, education, and outdoor spaces. The project also helps government officials and civic organizations advocate for and implement public goods investment strategies. In the effort to stimulate political action, the Michigan Dream Restored project partners with state legislative leaders, the state cabinet, and the governor.

Strategies for Increasing Staff Diversity

Gary Russi served Rochester, Michigan’s Oakland University as the institution’s president for 18 years between 1995 and 2013. During his tenure, Gary Russi was instrumental in increasing the university’s staff diversity from 6 percent to over 24 percent.

In addition to complying with anti-discrimination legislation, employers and recruiters who pursue a strategy of staff diversity can benefit from increased productivity and a stronger connection to clients, communities, and target markets. There are numerous strategies that workplaces can initiate to both increase and retain a diverse workforce.

Websites and community organizations, such as http://www.diversityworking.com and the National Urban League, link organizations with job candidates representing minorities. When describing a vacant position, recruiters should ensure that the content is both appealing and culturally sensitive. Additionally, benefits such as flexible working hours, language training, and childcare offerings will appeal to job candidates from all backgrounds. Employers can provide diversity training within the workplace on all corporate levels, and support cultural attire choices and religious holidays.

A diverse workplace brings with it a wealth of new perspectives and ideas that may challenge existing structures and strategies. The ideas and initiatives brought to the table by employees from a wide variety of backgrounds may result in increased revenue streams, improved communication, and new business opportunities.

Examining American Auto History at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum

Gary Russi served Oakland University for more than 20 years, spending the last 17 years as the president. In addition to his commitment to Oakland University, Gary Russi supported local arts and history as a member of the Walter P. Chrysler Museum Foundation board of directors in 2010.

As one of the “Big Three” Detroit automakers, Chrysler is a distinctive piece of Americana, and its 90-year heritage is embodied in the three-story, 55,000-square-foot footprint of the Walter P. Chrysler Museum. The ground floor chronicles the formative years of the company, including the iconic Chrysler Six, which changed the face of the auto industry with its lightweight high-compression six-cylinder engine and standard hydraulic brakes. The second floor opens with the legendary HEMI engine, the revolutionary design of which continues to be a staple of American muscle cars, followed by a slew of mechanical innovations such as the automatic Powerflite transmission and “safety cushion dashboard.” The lower level, colloquially known as “Boss Chrysler’s Garage,” contains rare muscle cars and one-of-a-kind race-spec vehicles, along with a selection of concept models.

The museum is located within the Chrysler Group, LLC, headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan. For more information about venue rentals or museum hours, visit www.wpchryslermuseum.org/.

Growth and Expansion at Oakland University

Prior to his 2013 retirement, Gary Russi served as president of Oakland University in Michigan, a position he assumed in 1996 after two years as vice president of academic affairs. He earned his PhD in pharmacology and toxicology in 1972 from the University of Kansas and subsequently taught those subjects as a professor at Drake University before advancing to various senior administrative positions there. At Oakland University, Dr. Gary Russi was instrumental in setting and meeting the challenging goal of changing the school from a comprehensive university to a major research institution.

Established by a generous gift from Alfred and Matilda Dodge Wilson, which included $2 million in funding as well as the couple’s 1,500-acre estate in Oakland County, Michigan, the University of Michigan-Oakland enrolled its first students in 1959. It was renamed Oakland University in 1963 and became independent in 1970.

Oakland University today educates more than 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students, most of whom are Michigan residents. It offers bachelor’s degrees in 139 different programs, and advanced degrees and certificates in 125. The William Beaumont School of Medicine, which opened in 2011, serves 325 medical students, and the Human Health Building, which opened in 2012, now houses the university’s schools of health sciences and nursing and provides them with state-of-the-art research facilities, clinical spaces, and laboratories.

As it progresses toward its goal of becoming one of America’s major research institutions, Oakland University is home to numerous research projects and centers, including the Center for Biomedical Research, the Galileo Institute for Teacher Leadership, the Fastening and Joining Research Institute, and the Ken Morris Center for the Study of Labor and Work, among many others.

The Golden Key Honor Society’s First-Ever Global Initiative

During his 20 years with Oakland University from 1993 to 2013, Gary Russi served 18 years as its president, leading the implementation of 64 academic programs and the construction of an honors college. During his tenure, Gary Russi also had the distinction of being recognized as an honorary member of the Golden Key National Honor Society Oakland University chapter for ten years.

As one of the largest and most well-recognized honor societies, the Golden Key National Honor Society maintains a global presence with more than 400 chapters and over 2 million members. In its efforts to change lives through scholarship and leadership, Golden Key International launched the SPARK a Change initiative, its first-ever international outreach program, at its 2014 International Summit.

An estimated 1 in 5 adults is illiterate, and even children with access to public education often face many socioeconomic challenges that prevent them from realizing fulfilling careers. With the intent of supporting children in at-risk communities, the SPARK a Change initiative pools Golden Key resources in order to touch at least 400,000 lives. To that end, each chapter is encouraged to do its part in helping Golden Key International raise 400,000 hours of community service and $40,000 by 2017. Proceeds will go toward fostering literacy, education, and life preparedness in youth.

To find a local Golden Key chapter or to register a SPARK a Change event, visit http://www.goldenkey.org/programs-privileges/service/

Understanding the Michigan Dream At Risk Campaign

Gary Russi, who recently retired as president of Oakland University, has fulfilled a range of influential roles within the university and throughout the local community. As a former member of the Investor-Leadership Council of the Michigan Economic Center, Gary Russi has played an active role in supporting the organization’s efforts to reinvent the state as an economic and technological hub.

The Michigan Dream At Risk Project is part of the MEC’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness about foundational elements of the state’s economy—and how underfunding is having profound effects on community utilities and the everyday lives of Michigan citizens. In an effort to advance advocacy efforts on a local and statewide level, the campaign draws attention to the continued degradation of key educational and municipal assets, as well as vital public services.

In examining the long-term effects of fiscal neglect, the study reveals that from 2004 to 2012, the state has reduced transportation investments by 15 percent, reduced K-12 investments by 16 percent, and reduced real investment in higher education by 29 percent. Additionally, the average Michigan household income has dropped more than that of any other state over the past dozen years, dragging Michigan from 19th to 37th in the nation in personal income. Citizens are invited to examine the facts and play an active role in rebuilding the local economy and cultivating future opportunities for success.

Sigma Xi Brings Together Leading Minds in Science and Engineering

Gary Russi served as president of Oakland University for nearly 20 years. During this time, he not only increased the student population by 8,000 but also added more than 60 new academic programs. Over the course of his presidency, Gary Russi was also an active member of the Oakland University chapter of the Sigma Xi Research Society.

One of the world’s oldest and most expansive scientific organizations, Sigma Xi is an international honor society for scholars of science and engineering. The organization was established in 1886 with the mission of recognizing achievements in scientific research while also encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration among scientists and engineers. Over nearly 130 years, more than 200 Sigma Xi members have won the Noble Prize. These members are commemorated in the Hall of Honor at the Sigma Xi Center in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, the society’s headquarters. In addition to serving as a place to honor distinguished members, the center also contains the organization’s administrative offices, a conference facility, and the editorial offices of American Scientist magazine. A bimonthly, award-winning publication dating back to 1913, American Scientist is Sigma Xi’s premier academic journal, offering insight into innovation across all facets of science and engineering.

Oakland University’s Writing Center Aids Student Compositions

When he headed Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, former president Gary Russi spearheaded changes in the institution for the benefit of some 20,000 students. Gary Russi increased the number of the university’s degree programs by 64 and brought in resources for a new medical school. To enhance undergraduate learning, he set up a center for teaching and learning.

One aid to student and teachers is the Oakland University Writing Center. Founded in 2006, the Center’s mission is to enhance the quality of undergraduate and graduate students’ writing. It is open to all staff, faculty, and students, regardless of their current capabilities or needs. Trained consultants, who are also students, offer peer support to those in the program who may be struggling with brainstorming ideas, writing successive drafts, and polishing the final paper. The Writing Center currently has 17 student consultants who are knowledgeable about rhetoric, grammar, and creative writing. Several of the consultants have published their own academic works.