Fully Invested

Oakland University has always prided itself on fostering a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment for its students. This commitment to excellence was further highlighted by President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz’s recent $1.33 million commitment to the Pescovitz Presidential Scholarship program, which aims to expand a transformative leadership initiative within The Honors College at OU.

This significant contribution marks the second donation President Pescovitz has made to the fund she initiated in 2021 with a $1 million gift. With this donation, President Pescovitz's total contribution to the university has reached an impressive $3.16 million since her tenure began in 2017. The funds have been distributed across more than 50 different university programs, emphasizing her comprehensive approach to supporting a wide array of academic and extracurricular initiatives.

Her latest gift will provide exceptional students with up to four years of tuition coverage. Additionally, it offers comprehensive support through mentoring, counseling and travel opportunities, the chance to participate in collaborative humanitarian projects and the opportunity to engage with prominent campus speakers. The scholarship aims to cultivate future leaders in the community, civic, health, scientific, arts, communication, and business sectors.

"I want to attract students with strong academic credentials who have also demonstrated altruistic accomplishments," President Pescovitz notes, emphasizing the dual focus on intellectual prowess and community service.

The expansion of the scholarship program will now support eight scholars annually, doubling the current number of awardees. This enhancement is designed to not only increase the number of beneficiaries but also to significantly enrich the quality of their academic and extracurricular experiences at Oakland University. The gift also creates an endowment for scholarships in perpetuity.

"Ora’s generosity speaks volumes about her commitment to Oakland University," says Michael Westfall, vice president of University Advancement. "Her contributions are not just donations; they are investments in the future of our students and a testament to her dedication to transforming OU into a premier educational institution."

Pescovitz has established several additional endowments, including the Malouf, Pescovitz, Ruchim Family Endowment for Global Student Experiences in honor of her children and their spouses; the Rabbi Richard G. and Bella Hirsch Faculty Endowment for Racial and Social Justice in honor of her parents; and the Bella Rozencweig Hirsch Endowment for Biomedical Ethics in honor of her mother. These initiatives reflect her deep commitment to enhancing global perspectives, advancing racial and social justice and exploring ethical dimensions in medicine — principles that resonate deeply within the Oakland University community.

Further enriching the university's culture of philanthropy, Daniel G. Walsh, M.D. —Pescovitz's partner and a noted cardiologist at Beaumont Hospital — has also made substantial contributions. Walsh has become an integral part of the university community, actively participating in various initiatives that bolster student experiences and the university’s broader mission. His generous donations and fundraising initiatives, including the establishment of an endowment within the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, have provided vital resources for the university's growth and development.

As Oakland University continues to evolve, the leadership and philanthropic spirit of figures like Pescovitz and Walsh ensure that it remains an institution of academic excellence and community engagement. Their unwavering dedication not only supports the immediate needs of the university but also lays a strong foundation for its future success.

"I am deeply committed to the academic excellence and growth of Oakland University and its students, and I hope my contributions will inspire others," Pescovitz says. "These gifts are an expression of my belief in the transformative power of education and my desire to provide opportunities that empower our students to achieve their highest potential. By investing in their futures, we are paving the way for a new generation of leaders who will make meaningful contributions to society."