Macomb Town Hall supports OU students with scholarship
By Katie Williams, contributing writer
The Macomb Town Hall, a longtime supporter of Oakland University, is preparing its annual luncheon-lecture series.
For nearly 45 years, the series has been used to fund scholarships for Oakland students. Through previous and planned contributions, the group has donated nearly $500,000 to deserving Macomb County students, who now make up 33 percent of the student body.
The Town Hall was established in 1962 and since its inception, the group of volunteers has never lost sight of one of its original goals — to support academic advancement.
“The Macomb Town Hall consists of some of the nicest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with,” said Kristy Mitchell, the associate director of corporate and foundation relations. “We’re fortunate that they’re passionate about education and about Oakland University.”
“When you purchase a ticket, you know you’re supporting a wonderful cause,” said Cheri Daniels, Macomb Town Hall president. “It’s a great day out and a win-win for everyone.”
Actress Stefanie Powers will speak at the Macomb Town Hall scholarship luncheon.
The luncheon-lecture series supports the annual Gladys McLean Macomb Town Hall Endowed Scholarship. The award is named in honor of Gladys McLean, who was the Town Hall treasurer for more than 30 years. McLean, a Romeo resident, advocated the establishment of an endowment fund and was eager to secure future scholarships.
When McLean passed away in 2003, her family worked with the Town Hall to establish a five-year plan that would put $50,000 into an endowment fund.
“Gladys’ devotion to Oakland was so powerful, and it lives on through this scholarship,” Daniels said. “Her family knew it was what she wanted.”
The 2013-14 series will kick off on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at the Andiamo Banquet Center in Warren.
The first speaker will be actress Stefanie Powers, who has appeared with John Wayne, Lana Turner, Ava Gardner, Bing Crosby, Glenn Ford and Sammy Davis Jr.
The series continues on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014, with local blues musician Matthew Ball, who is an OU alumnus.
On Tuesday, April 15, 2014, the series will close with George Vine and Erna Gorman discussing their WWII experiences with a lecture entitled “Power of the Human Spirit.”
Series tickets for Macomb Town Hall lecture-luncheons are $120. Seating for each lecture begins at 10:15 a.m. and the programs begin at 11 a.m. For details, call (586) 465-2548 or (586) 246-9017.
To learn more about academics, achievements, and events at OU, visit the news site at oakland.edu/newsatou and follow the news team on Twitter at @OaklandU_News.
Tickets are available for the 2013-14 Town Hall luncheon-lecture series. Proceeds benefit a scholarship for Macomb County students attending OU.
Created by Katherine Land - Deleted (land@oakland.edu) on Monday, September 23, 2013 Modified by Katherine Land - Deleted (land@oakland.edu) on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 Article Start Date: Monday, September 23, 2013
