Oakland University student Alaina Humphreys received the George Orley Student Mental Health Advocate Award, which recognizes students who are advocates for mental health and have positive impacts on their campuses.
Two awards are presented each year – one to a University of Michigan student and one to a student from another college or university.
“Being selected for this award is truly one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Humphreys. “It is so humbling to know that the Orley family has chosen me to represent George’s legacy.”
The senior psychology major helped relaunch OU’s Grizz Recovery Program, a Collegiate Recovery Program dedicated to helping students at any stage of their sobriety journey. She initially served as a student ambassador before being hired to market the program in a professional capacity.
She has helped raise awareness and engagement around recovery by organizing events such as the Grizz Recovery Open House and the First Annual Color Walk for Recovery.
Grizz Recovery Coordinator Sarah Super, one of the individuals who nominated Humphreys for the George Orley Student Mental Health Advocate Award, says her efforts have brought people together, helping reduce the stigma of addiction on campus.
“Alaina’s leadership, presence, sharing of experiences and event participation have been key to Grizz Recovery’s ability to create a safe and active community,” Super said. “She has a heart for her fellow students who are in or exploring recovery as she reminds them that despite their addiction they are worthy individuals deserving of success at Oakland University and beyond.”
Additionally, Humphreys is the founder and president of Students for Recovery, an affiliated student organization that welcomes both allies and individuals in recovery, without sobriety requirements.
Humphreys is also certified to train others in the administration of naloxone, a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses. She hosted her first training session for OU students in October 2025, directly contributing to harm-reduction efforts and student safety.
The award honors the memory of George Orley, a University of Michigan student who lost his battle with depression in 2013.
According to Oakland University Counseling Center Director David Schwartz, these efforts have helped the center to provide better services to students, inspiring him to nominate Humphreys for the George Orley Student Mental Health Advocate Award.
“Alaina has maturity far beyond her years and she possesses an outstanding ability to connect with others,” said Schwartz. “She is a leader, a builder of healthy communities, a compassionate advocate for mental health and well-being and an unstoppable force for positive change. Her work will have a lasting impact on the OU community, and her future plans to pursue a Master of Social Work at OU demonstrate her continued commitment to service and social betterment.”
Humphreys received the award at the Mental Health on College Campuses Conference Luncheon at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Along with a plaque, the award came with $1,000 to donate to a student/campus organization of her choice. She has pledged her winnings to Grizz Recovery.