Employees and retirees ‘open doors’ through OU’s All-University Fund Drive

Employees and retirees ‘open doors’ through OU’s All-University Fund Drive
President Hynd makes AUFD gift
SEHS Dean Jon Margerum-Leys looks on as OU President George W. Hynd makes the first gift of this year's All-University Fund Drive.

With the theme “Your Gift Opens Doors,” the Oakland University community kicked off this year’s All-University Fund Drive (AUFD) Wednesday morning at the annual AUFD Launch Party. 

 

The event drew $90,088 in contributions from 126 donors. Both amounts were the highest-ever for an AUFD kick-off event. The drive runs through Friday, Dec. 9, aiming to raise more than $475,000.

 

University employees and retirees can “open doors” at Oakland and beyond by directing gifts to the program of their choice, or making a gift to the area of greatest need, the OU Fund. Donors can also create a named scholarship with a contribution starting at just $1,000.

OU President George W. Hynd will match every employee and retiree gift by 50 percent, up to a $2,500 match.

 

Daryl Blackburn speaks at AUFD launch party

Daryl Blackburn, a human resource development major, talks about the impact AUFD gifts have on students.

Student speaker Daryl Blackburn told the audience about his experiences as a Resident Assistant and CORE Ambassador in the Center for Multicultural Initiatives (CMI), noting the impact that giving has on students’ lives.

 

“Your gifts to this university help keep the CMI office and other offices on campus alive and able to change lives like mine through scholarships, mentoring and much more,” the human resource development major said. “You are the start of a chain reaction. Your gifts help students and the students go out and help others as well.”

 

This year’s AUFD co-chairs are Robert Gaylor, Ret. Associate Professor, Kresge Library; Dr. Janet Graetz, Associate Professor and Special Education Coordinator; Dr. Krista Malley, Manager for Student Success; Dr. Jon Margerum-Leys, Dean, School of Education and Human Services; Lori Marsh, Office Assistant, Center for Student Activities and Leadership Development; Pat Nicosia, Ret. Director of Budget and Financial Planning.

 

For more information regarding the AUFD, or how to make a gift, visit the AUFD website at isupportOU.com/AUFD or contact Annual Giving at (248) 370-4504 or [email protected].