The Heartbeat of Oakland University: Volunteers Drive Success

Oakland University has a vibrant, thriving community fueled by more than 500 dedicated volunteers. These individuals play pivotal roles in various capacities, from advisory boards to hands-on projects, significantly impacting the university's success and growth. The most recentfundraising campaign, efforts by the advisory boards and Board of Trustees, and the inspiring work of volunteer groups highlight the indispensable contributions of these volunteers.

The Aspire. Advance. Achieve. Fundraising Campaign

The "Aspire. Advance. Achieve." fundraising campaign, the largest in Oakland University's history, concluded triumphantly. Six months ahead of schedule, it exceeded its $150 million goal, with final results of $151,971,818. The entire OU community celebrated this monumental achievement on January 22, marking a new era of potential and opportunity for the university.

Michael J. Westfall, vice president of University Advancement, reflects on the campaign's success: "When we initiated the campaign, we understood that we needed to expand our volunteer engagement, particularly as it relates to our advisory boards. We wanted to better resource them, expand their membership and get more people under the tent. Their roles in advocacy, awareness and philanthropy are crucial to our success."

The Role of Advisory Boards

Oakland University boasts 15 advisory boards with nearly 200 members who provide invaluable guidance and support across various disciplines. These boards — composed of industry experts and community leaders — play a vital role in connecting the university to industry and the broader community, with a focus on advocacy, program accreditation and philanthropy.

"These boards help us increase awareness, participation and philanthropy. They connect us to industry and assist with accreditation," Westfall notes. "We've expanded from nine advisory boards to 15, reflecting our commitment to engaging more volunteers and enhancing our programs."

Advisory board members meet regularly with their respective leadership and staff throughout the year. They also participate in the annual Golden Grizzly Summit, which was initiated as part of the effort to increase the strength of the advisory boards. The summit brings advisory board members together under one roof to share best practices, discuss their respective accomplishments and define goals for the upcoming year. As a collective, they receive a State of the University address by OU President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, preparing them to be informed advocates.

The Gate Lodge Restoration Project

One of the standout projects driven by volunteer efforts is the restoration of the historic Gate Lodge at Meadow Brook Hall. Constructed in 1928, the Gate Lodge had fallen into disrepair. Alumnus Michael Klieman spearheaded the renovation project after recognizing the need during a 2020 golf outing with Westfall. The project, funded and executed by a dedicated group of alumni and friends, has breathed new life into this historic structure. "We started this project three years ago and basically everything in the place was in disrepair. I formed a non-profit called the Gate House Society with the sole purpose of restoring the Gate Lodge. Working with Mike Westfall and the university, we reached an agreement to rent and restore the facility," Klieman says.

“Madelyn Rzadkowolski, the curator at Meadow Brook Hall, guided us through the restoration process, ensuring historical accuracy in color schemes and materials. The building needed extensive work, from woodworking and new floors to plaster and electrical. Once word got out, about 10 or 12 of my golfing friends joined the effort. We restored the gates, using original blueprints and hardware, and continued with the rest of the house, including the kitchen, bathroom and even a chicken coop."

The project has garnered support from various donors who contributed furniture, fixtures and funds. "One donor had John Dodge's original bed, which is now in one of the bedrooms," Klieman notes. "We've also restored the driveway and landscaping and are currently working on the exterior doors and leaded glass windows."

The Gate Lodge project will be completed in a few more years, dependent on fundraising efforts. Klieman emphasizes the importance of volunteers, saying, "These projects preserve history. If we don't get involved, these places won't be around. We encourage everyone to contribute, whether financially or by volunteering."

The Tack Family: A Legacy of Volunteering

The Tack family exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism at Oakland University. Keith and Anna Tack, along with their daughters Laura and Megan, have significantly contributed to the university's growth and development. Keith and Anna serve on The Honors College Board of Visitors, leveraging their professional expertise to support the college's initiatives.

Laura Tack, an assurance manager at Plante & Moran, PLLC, graduated from OU with a bachelor's in accounting and an MBA. While a student, she volunteered with the Global Business Brigades, providing financial literacy workshops in rural Panamanian villages. Laura joined the Graduate Study Advisory Board shortly after graduating in 2017 and has served as both vice chair and chair. “I think one of the amazing things about Oakland University is that it is open to anyone who wants to volunteer. It’s not often that someone who’s young gets to be the chair of a graduate school board. OU lets everyone step in and step up and contribute,” Laura says.

Megan Tack, who holds a bachelor of science in human resources management and earned her MBA from OU in 2021, is a senior consultant in management consulting at Plante & Moran, PLLC. She serves as chair of The Honors College Board of Visitors, where she heads the nominations and mentor committees, reflecting her commitment to enhancing student experiences and engagement. “My parents wanted to support an institution that supported their daughters,” says Megan, who, along with her sister, was a Presidential Scholarship recipient. “I had a very unique experience of actually serving on the board of The Honors College along with both of my parents. I joined The Honors College Board as vice chair and both my parents were members at that time. It’s a family effort, working and supporting the university.”

Women & Philanthropy: A Powerful Collaborative

The Women & Philanthropy collaborative at Oakland University is another testament to the power of volunteerism. Formed in 2017, this collaborative has surpassed $100,000 in grants, supporting projects that significantly impact the university. Their grants have funded diverse initiatives, from research on bird species to telehealth simulation equipment.

The Women & Philanthropy Fund is supported by gifts from each of the members. Once per year, funding requests are received from units across campus. The Women & Philanthropy group selects the proposals that most intrigue them and invites the author to present to the collaborative. Following each presentation, the group seeks further clarification through an additional question and answer session, eventually choosing to award grants to those projects that they determine to have the most significant impact.

The women who make up Women & Philanthropy come from many backgrounds and include OU alumni, non-alumni, faculty, staff, and retirees. Their uniqueness ensures lively conversation when determining funding priorities, but their shared love of OU remains their guiding force.

The Impact of Over 500 Volunteers

More than 500 individuals volunteer at Oakland University, contributing to a wide range of initiatives. From advisory boards to hands-on projects like the Meadow Brook Hall Garden Club and docent programs, volunteers are the backbone of many university activities.

Volunteer boards at OU are generous in both time and talent. Last year, 85% of the 199 OU advisory board members made charitable contributions to the university, with nine boards reaching 100% giving participation. This remarkable commitment to giving is a testament to the value of the university’s strategic initiatives and the connection our volunteers feel with Oakland University.

University President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz emphasizes the importance of volunteers, "Our volunteers are crucial to the success of Oakland University. Their dedication, commitment and expertise help us achieve our goals and enhance the quality of education and experiences we offer our students."

Looking Ahead

As Oakland University continues to grow and evolve, the role of volunteers will remain central to its success. The “Aspire. Advance. Achieve.” campaign, the work of advisory boards and the efforts of volunteer groups demonstrate the profound impact of volunteerism.

"Great volunteers provide time, talent and treasure. They are our most ardent advocates and supporters, making a real difference in the life of the university every day," Westfall says.

Oakland University's future looks bright, powered by the unwavering support and dedication of its volunteers. Their efforts not only enhance the university's programs and initiatives but also foster a strong, connected community dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in education and innovation.

Oakland University encourages volunteer involvement to support strategic goals and bolster the student experience. Learn more about how you can get involved.