All-University Fund Drive off to great start

By Dawn Pauli, staff writer

There’s still time to participate in the 2008 All-University Fund Drive. The campaign, which raises money for Oakland University, United Way and Black United Fund, continues through Thursday, Dec. 18. This year’s goal is $230,000 in combined contributions.

To date, 248 employees and retirees have contributed a total of $92,791 to the AUFD. Those who participate will enjoy tax advantages and the president’s match. OU President Gary Russi will match each dollar given to OU (up to $5,000) with 50 cents on the dollar.

Mildred Merz, an associate professor with Kresge Library, is a long-time supporter of the AUFD.

“It got to be habit forming — and even fun to be able to increase the amount a little bit every year or so,” she said. An employee since 1974, Merz directs her contributions to Kresge Library for the purchase of library materials.

“I am giving where I know the most about needs. I know there are so many resources the library cannot afford, but I can help out a bit so that we can buy a few more books each year,” she explains. “I love having my donation go for library materials because what is purchased can help current students and faculty — and may even help those in the distant future. I feel like I am giving to posterity.”

In addition to Oakland University, Merz also contributes to her alma mater.

“I like giving money to something I know a lot about — and know and trust that my donation will be used in the way that I want it to be used. I have spent my entire professional life in higher education — and before that, of course, I was a student in colleges and universities,” said Merz. “Higher education and college students are important to me, and I know how much Oakland and my ‘other’ school depend on donations.”