Oakland University surpasses 100,000 graduates this winter

ROCHESTER HILLS (AP) - A Detroit-area college that was founded as an extension of Michigan State University and once was what an administrator called "a no-name school" has surpassed 100,000 graduates. Oakland University marked the milestone this month during its winter commencement ceremony. It corresponds with expanding enrollment and construction across its 1,400-acre campus that straddles Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills, The Oakland Press reported recently. The school, which opened in 1957, has about 20,000 students. Recent additions to campus include a new engineering building, medical school, more student housing and carillon clock tower. Jean Ann Miller, director of the Center for Student Activities and Leadership Development, said Oakland retains its "small school feeling" despite the rising profile. She added there's a growing pride among graduates as amenities and academic programs grow. "It's not a no-name school anymore," said Miller, a university alumna and longtime employee. "They walk in and can't realize it's the same place." Oakland also has elevated its stature through sports. The school made the transition to Division I beginning in 1997 and its men's basketball team has made several appearances in the NCAA tournament. The university said it now has alumni in all 50 states and about 700 outside the U.S. Education, sales, operations and engineering are the top employment fields, and Chrysler, whose U.S. headquarters is nearby, is the largest of employer of Oakland graduates. Published: Tue, Dec 30, 2014