All-University Fund Drive raises record amount

By Dawn Pauli, staff writer

Oakland University employees and retirees banded together to raise a record $225,305 to support the 2008-2009 All-University Fund Drive.

This year, 588 donors made gifts to Oakland University, the Black United Fund and the United Way, exceeding last year’s total by more than $4,000. This represents a 6 percent increase in the number of donors over last year, and a 22.2 percent participation rate. The AUFD raised $209,240 for Oakland University, $12,320 for United Way and $3,745 for Black United Fund.

“I commend our employees and retirees who strongly believe in the mission of Oakland University and participated in this year’s AUFD despite the tough economic times,” said Susan Davies Goepp, vice president for University Relations and executive director of the OU Foundation.

“Your contributions will provide important scholarship and program support at OU, and much needed funding for the United Way and Black United Fund.”

The AUFD supports “Innovation & Opportunity – The Campaign for Oakland University.” The campaign reached the $105 million dollar milestone in 2008.

The co-chairs for the 2008-09 AUFD included Leigh Settlemoir Dzwik, assistant vice president for Academic Human Resources; Pat Nicosia, retired director of Budget and Financial Planning; and Ron Tracy, associate dean for the School of Business Administration. In addition, approximately 60 faculty and staff volunteers throughout campus assisted with this year’s fund drive.

All faculty and staff who contributed to the AUFD are invited to join OU President Gary Russi at an appreciation reception from 3:30-5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 26, in the Oakland Center Gold Rooms.