A Great Day for Oakland University

Wednesday, April 29, was a very special day in Oakland University’s history as George W. Hynd was formally installed as OU’s sixth president.  I was honored to have been invited to his inauguration.  For me, attendance was extra special because not only was his inauguration held on the campus in Auburn Hills, but OU is also my alma mater.  I have had the opportunity to interact with Dr. Hynd a few times already.  There is truly something special about this man.  The other day I summed up his existence at OU this way:  On stage, he’s the President of a University.  When he steps off the stage, he’s your next door neighbor.  Maybe that requires a little more explanation.  Dr. Hynd is no doubt a very smart man.  His academic achievements, including his research and career achievements, will certainly tell you that.  But when you interact with Dr. Hynd you clearly get the sense that he is genuinely interested in what you have to say and who you are as an individual.  And he’s as easy to talk to as your next door neighbor (that’s assuming you get along with your neighbor).  OU has made an excellent choice in the selection of their sixth president.  From all of us at Auburn Hills, we are proud of OU’s existence in our City and we congratulate George W. Hynd on being named OU President. 

Tom Tanghe, City Manager