Alumni
October 26, 2022
In celebration of the Oakland University Alumni Association’s 50th anniversary, OU’s Director of Alumni Engagement Erin Sudrovech, sat down with the OUAA’s first Board of Directors’ chair Phil Williams, SECS ’64, and the OUAA’s current chair, Judy Hegelund, SBA ’95, to reminisce and discuss the organization’s history, impactful projects, favorite OU traditions and future goals.
Below are some of the highlights of the conversation. Watch the full discussion.
OUAA’s Beginning
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| Phil Williams, OUAA's first Board of Directors' chair, with his wife Barbara |
Williams, who headed the OUAA at its beginning in 1972 found his way to Oakland University in 1961 when he received a scholarship from the Pontiac Cross, where he worked as a newspaper carrier. Growing up in Pontiac, Williams remembers witnessing the university’s construction. “I was there from the beginning, and all kinds of things developed as the university grew from just an open field to the wonderful university that it is now,” explained Williams, who was on the trimester program and graduated in three years.
Upon graduation in 1964, Williams was named to the alumni council, the first group of organized alumni who graduated with a degree from Oakland University. He later served as its president. As the organization grew from its origin of 20 members to more than 200, it merged with another group, the Friends of Oakland University, and the OUAA was born, with Williams serving as its first board chair.
Impactful Board Projects
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| Judy Hegelund, OUAA Board of Directors' chair |
On the heels of the COVID-19 plateau, Hegelund talked about the virus’ disruption to the university and her gratitude to the board for its generosity to the students. She applauded the boards significant contributions to the Student Emergency Fund and other initiatives undertaken to make sure OU students had what they needed. She touched upon the hardships students faced with housing disruptions and noted that many students lost income as businesses closed.
Williams cited the expansion of Oakland University’s library as a particularly impactful project that occurred during his tenure on the board. During his presidency, the OUAA orchestrated a capital campaign, that built the alumni wing of the library, doubling its size.
Favorite OU Traditions
For Williams, celebrating OU founder Matilda Dodge Wilson’s birthday every October holds a special meaning. He fondly remembers meeting Matilda and her husband Alfred on numerous occasions and vividly recalls seeing Matilda driving throughout campus. The tradition of celebrating Matilda’s birthday remains today, as the annual Matilda’s Birthday Bash celebration continues to be a campus event highlight.
As a student, Hegelund looked forward to OU’s annual Meadow Brook Ball, painting the rock near the student center and the now defunct “Mud Bowl,” where Greek student organizations faced each other in intensely muddy games of football. Throughout the years, OU’s homecoming has become a favorite. The celebrations hold special memories shared with her husband, also an alum, and their 9-year-old son, who enjoys homecoming activities tailored for children.
Benefits of Serving on the Board
Williams and Hegelund value their time serving on OUAA’s board and they encourage others to get involved. As Hegelund completes her first year serving as the organization’s president, she says the experience has given her amazing opportunities and she looks forward to her continuing role.
Living in Arizona for the last 20 years, Williams has visited campus often and remains actively involved with OU’s library. He advises others to get to know fellow alumni and cites the importance of sharing experiences and working together. “There is a tremendous amount people can do for the university,” says Williams.
OUAA Today and into the Future
As the OUAA continues to support OU’s growing alumni population, they have expanded their outreach. “This year we welcomed new members to the board who are outside the Metro Detroit area,” explained Hegelund. She said the organization was taking advantage of Zoom and other technology to build connectivity. “We are going to continue to find new and creative ways to engage with our growing alumni population, support student success and continue to support Oakland University financially,” Hegelund added.
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