When the Oakland University men's and women's basketball teams squared off against the University of Detroit Mercy February 6-10, alumni and fans of the two schools were engaged in the second annual Giving Challenge.
While OU earned a split against its Metro Series rivals on the court, the Golden Grizzly faithful prevailed in the Giving Challenge.
All told, the challenge raised $84,572 for OU students, programs and campus needs, surpassing last year's total by more than $30,000. Compared to 470 donors for Detroit Mercy, OU had 626 donors make gifts.
"We're extremely grateful to the alumni, fans and friends who showed their OU pride," says Kelly Brault, director of Annual Giving at OU.
Oakland's Giving Challenge win meant that Detroit Mercy mascot Tommy Titan had to wear an Oakland jersey during the men's basketball game. The victory spelled redemption for the Grizz, who was forced to wear a Detroit Mercy jersey after the Titans won the first Giving Challenge in 2016.
Brault adds, "It felt great to make Detroit Mercy's mascot strut around in our jersey on their home court and to see the OU community's tremendous generosity in support of student scholarships and enhancements to campus life."
June 6, 2017
By Eric Reikowski
