More than 20 members of the Oakland University Heritage Society were honored for their generous gifts to the university at an October luncheon at OU’s Meadow Brook Hall and Gardens.
The Heritage Society is the university’s giving society that recognizes donors who have made planned gifts to Oakland. Currently, membership in the Heritage Society numbers more than 90 individuals.
Luncheon-goers had the opportunity to hear from Oakland University President Gary D. Russi and Vice President for University Relations Susan Davies Goepp. Russi shared an informational update about Oakland – specific programs and initiatives that are positioning the university for the future and the future of its students, faculty, and alumni.
As part of his presentation, Russi reported a 4.1 percent increase in fall 2009 student enrollment, marking the 12th straight year of enrollment growth. The university’s student population now numbers 18,967, including students participating in the Macomb 2 Oakland concurrent enrollment program. Russi attributes the trend to growing recognition of the university’s quality academic programs, as well as efforts to keep them accessible to a broad base of students.
Donors have in part contributed to this success as well. “You are here because you are a member of a unique group of individuals who have chosen to provide support for Oakland,” Goepp said. “We honor you today for your generosity, which makes a tremendous difference for our students and faculty, and the institution as it continues to develop leaders for future generations.”
Heritage Society members have made their gifts in support of a variety of areas that include endowed scholarships, research endowments and academic program support and a variety of other university needs.
Donors have made their gifts through wills and estate plans as well as annuities and life income gifts, which leave a lasting legacy both to loved ones and to organizations like Oakland that will responsibly care for gifts in the future.
Heritage Society members and those considering a planned gift to the university are encouraged to contact Planned Giving Director Pat Zawadzki to provide counsel and advice about how to structure a bequest, which helps ensure the university’s vitality long into the future through the lives of students.
“Your gift will have a future impact for our students as they achieve their dreams of an education, and our faculty who continue to distinguish themselves and the university through innovative research and teaching,” she said. Zawadzki can be reached at (248) 364-6129 or by emailing zawadzki@oakland.edu.