OU names new Public Policy Series in honor of Trustee Dennis Muchmore

A generous gift from Oakland University Trustees Board Chair Robert Schostak and his wife, Nancy, will allow the university’s Center for Civic Engagement to establish the Dennis Muchmore Public Policy Series, an annual event that will feature a speaker or panel discussion focused on a critical issue facing the region, state or nation.

“It is difficult to express the level of gratitude that I have for Trustee and Mrs. Schostak’s incredibly generous gift to launch and support the Dennis Muchmore Public Policy Series,” said David Dulio, distinguished professor of political science and director of the Center for Civic Engagement at Oakland University.

“One of the goals that the Center has is to make Oakland University known as a convener of conversations about public importance,” Dulio added. “We’ve had some successes in this regard, but the Dennis Muchmore Public Policy Series will take this effort to a new level.”

An accomplished public policy professional with more than 40 years of experience in federal and state legislative and regulatory process, Muchmore is the co-leader of the Government Relations and Regulatory Practice of Honigman, LLP. He previously served as chief of staff for the Executive Office of Gov. Rick Snyder, principal of Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates, and senior vice president of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

“Trustee Muchmore is recognized across the political spectrum for his commitment and expertise in government affairs,” said Oakland University President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz. “For five decades he’s held a variety of roles in the public sector, and few can compare with his extensive knowledge of the inner workings of government.”

Muchmore holds a bachelor’s degree in theatre arts and English from Eastern Illinois University and a master’s degree in public administration from Michigan State University. He previously served on OU’s Board of Trustees from 2002 to 2004, and was appointed again in October 2018. His current term expires on August 11, 2026.

“On behalf of our Oakland University community, I’m so grateful to Bobby and Nancy Schostak for their impactful gift to establish the Dennis Muchmore Public Policy Series,” Pescovitz said. “What a truly thoughtful and meaningful way to honor our friend, and to celebrate his years of civic service, his contributions to the state of Michigan, and his years as a member of the Oakland University Board of Trustees.

“This exciting new speaker series will help to build and further develop active citizens and will lead to a more informed citizenry in our community,” Pescovitz added. “This is such a fitting tribute to Dennis, who I am so very happy to count as a mentor and as a dear friend.”

The Dennis Muchmore Public Policy Series will kick off this fall as the Center for Civic Engagement welcomes former Gov. Rick Snyder and former Gov. James Blanchard for a discussion about the current state of Michigan and national politics, as well as serving the common good and fostering civility in public discourse.

“To me, this Center for Civic Engagement series, named for Dennis, is a perfect opportunity for Oakland University to be at the center of change; of beginning to treat people with the respect they deserve, regardless of their opinion and whether you agree or disagree,” OU Trustees Board Chair Schostak said. “We are so proud to be able to support this endeavor with Dennis in the center of a really positive discussion series here at OU. During Dennis's career in the political circles of Lansing and Washington, he stood for honest debate and discussion on issues and this series under Professor Dulio's leadership is a perfect place to honor Dennis and his contributions to political debate and discussion."

For more information, visit https://oakland.edu/cce.