Room 242 of the Kresge Library at Oakland University will now be known as the Nyberg Room.
The dedication of the multipurpose room on October 21 came in recognition and honor of the generosity of Michael and Penny Nyberg. Both Mr. and Mrs. Nyberg were educated through Oakland programming and are longtime supporters of the university.
“The Nyberg Room is a vital and integral space at Kresge,” said Dean of Libraries, Stephen Weiter. “It houses archival displays celebrating the history of the university, and hosts regular meetings of the faculty, staff, deans, and other groups in Academic Affairs. The room also serves as a venue for cultural events and receptions hosted by the University Libraries.”
With several friends and family members in attendance, along with Oakland University administrators, faculty and staff, the event featured comments of gratitude from Dean Weiter, thoughts about the gift from Mr. and Mrs. Nyberg and was capped by a modern dance performance by professor Thayer Jonutz’s Repertory Dance Company.
As a member of MSU-Oakland’s charter class of 1963, Mr. Nyberg has said that the formation of a university close to home changed the future for the couple, who met in junior high school.
“It was within five miles of my house,” said Nyberg, who went on to a 36-year engineering career at Ford Motor Company. “Living at home made college more affordable. Otherwise, I probably wouldn’t have gone to college.”
Penny also attended OU, and put her studies on hold in order to work and save money for the couple’s wedding.
Decades later, the Nybergs again looked to OU for a new opportunity. With the 1980s economy taking a toll on the auto industry and two daughters in college, they turned to academic counselors at OU for advice about how to update their work skills.
Both Nybergs used courses from OU to boost their careers. Mrs. Nyberg earned an accounting assistant certificate that she used to get an internship, and then a job, at Henry Ford Health System. Mr. Nyberg earned a Master of Science in applied statistics from OU in 1988.
The Nybergs felt this gift to the library was both appropriate and important because it is meant to support all areas of study — and the entire student body.
“The university has been relevant to us for decades,” Mr. Nyberg said, adding that it has been wonderful to see Kresge Library and the entire University grow and strive to meet students’ needs. “Staying current and relevant is so important,” he said. “That’s what helped us live the American dream.”
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| Michael and Penny Nyberg recounted their relationship with Oakland University and why they chose to give this gift. |
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| The Nyberg family and guests were treated to a modern dance performance by Oakland University's Repertory Dance Company. |
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| Dean of University Libraries Stephen Weiter poses with the Nybergs at the dedication event. |
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| The Nyberg Room was officially dedicated on October 21, 2016. |