Passion for Performing Arts

Pat and Mercy Nicosias’ love story began with a blind date to see Oakland University’s show choir, The Meadow Brook Estate (since disbanded). Mercy thought Pat was taking her to Meadow Brook Hall. Little did she know how involved they would get with this show choir during the time it existed and that they would never miss a performance, even when it was the same performance every night of the weekend.

The couple, now married 36 years, became dedicated volunteers who supported all aspects of Oakland University’s musical theatre program, especially The Meadow Brook Estate during its existence. They helped promote shows and chaperoned the group’s travel to the Traverse City Cherry Festival when the director was unable to make the trip. Mercy, who loves to sew, was often called on for emergency costume repairs and alterations. The Nicosias recall with a laugh a particular country western set where one or two of the men’s pants would invariably split during their performance. With the costume shop closed for the weekend, Mercy would take the pants each night and personally repair them for the next performance.

Recently, the Nicosias gave back in a way that will impact students for generations to come. Through a generous planned gift, the couple has established the Patrick C. and Mercedes M. Nicosia Endowed Fund for Musical Theatre. The gift has been designated to support musical theatre students with tuition, book expenses and to fund participation in enrichment programs and activities.

The couple says they structured the gift to meet the changing needs of students and the program as a whole. At least half of the annual income from the endowment will be used for student grants and the remaining funds will be directed to support the growth and success of programmatic activities. They hope their gift will inspire others to give back to the university.

Pat, who retired in 2003 as director of budget and financial planning, enjoyed a 31-year career at OU. He has served as the retiree co-chair of the Oakland University Fund Drive (OUFD) since his retirement and remains active with the Pioneer Club – a formal group of OU retired faculty and staff who come together for social and educational activities. Mercy is a retired elementary school teacher. Both say OU holds a special place in their hearts.

“The university was the center point of our life,” says Pat. “We lived in the OU subdivision and made lifelong friends there. Our connections went beyond simply working there; it was a way of life.” Mercy taught many of the children who lived in the subdivision.

When asked about his musical talent, Pat describes himself as “Johnny One-Note” a nod to the famous musical “Babes in Arms”. Even so, he and Mercy both enjoy the performing arts from operas, ballets, symphony concerts, plays and, above all, Broadway Musicals. It is their great love of musicals that inspired their gift. Their appreciation of musical theatre at OU only increased when the university hired Broadway star and Tony-nominee, Josh Young, to lead the program.

Though it had nothing to do with his job, Pat also initiated a service at OU of getting blocks of tickets for events at the Fisher Theatre, Detroit Opera House and Fox Theatre. This service, now housed in the Office for Student Involvement, continues to make discounted tickets available to students and university employees today.

Pat and Mercy were also very active with OU’s Theta Chi fraternity. Pat served as an advisor for 22 years. “Through our involvement with the Meadow Brook Estate and Theta Chi, we got to know hundreds of students through the years,” says Pat. “We were even invited to a number of weddings and graduation parties.” Pat notes that his job really had very little contact with students, as is true of many office positions, so he is thankful to have met so many students through these two organizations.

The couple hopes their gift will continue to attract highly-qualified students to the School of Music, Theatre and Dance and help them graduate with minimal debt. They want the students to have an opportunity to succeed in a very competitive industry where talent and luck intersect.

For the Nicosias, their relationship with OU will continue to be an important part of their lives. Their gift is one of many ways they are creating a legacy of support for the university that means so much to them. “We have more than three decades of good memories that include OU. We want to give back and leave a legacy for future students.”

Oakland University’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance offers an exciting lineup of opportunities to immerse yourself in the performing arts. Join us for an upcoming performance.