All-University Fund Drive campaign to kick off at Oct. 15 event

The Oakland University community will kick off the 2012-2013 All-University Fund Drive with a Launch Party Breakfast from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 15, in Oakland Center Gold Rooms B and C. 

University leaders will be on hand to make the first gifts of the campaign, which aims to raise $280,000 in combined annual contributions for Oakland, the United Way for Southeastern Michigan and the Black United Fund of Michigan. In addition, the AUFD hopes to secure $350,000 in planned gift commitments.

To achieve these goals, organizers are looking to increase the total donors by at least five percent over last year through more hands-on giving opportunities. Employees can make credit card gifts and payroll deduction pledges online via the AUFD website at oakland.edu/aufd. The campaign will conclude on Friday, Dec. 14, but employees who want to get an early start can make a gift during the launch party. 

“We're looking forward to building early momentum for the campaign through this first-ever AUFD Launch Party,” said Eric Barritt, vice president for Development, Alumni and Community Engagement. “The Celebration Lunch at the end of last year's campaign was so well-attended and we expect this will be, too. It's great to see the campus community come together for the advancement of our university."

University President Gary Russi will again generously match gifts made to the university with 50 cents on the dollar up to $5,000. A President’s match of $5,000 will also be given for any qualified planned gifts—including deferred gifts made at the end of life—of $10,000 or more. Donors may direct gifts to the program of their choice or make an unrestricted gift to the OU Fund.

This year’s AUFD co-chairs are Mary Beth Synder, vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management; Susan Awbrey, interim vice president for Academic Affairs and provost; Mohan Tanniru, dean of the School of Business Administration; and Tracy Huth, director of Athletics. The retiree co-chairs are Pat Nicosia, former director of Budget and Financial Planning and Judy Brown, professor emerita of anthropology. 

For more information regarding the AUFD, or how to make a gift, contact Annual Giving at (248) 364-6160 or mcvay2@oakland.edu.