I’d like to share a quote that stands as a statement about how one person – committed, dedicated and generous – put his resources where his values are….
“I really believe that Oakland University is the most important higher education institution in the metro Detroit area. More than 90 percent of our students come from southeastern Michigan and over 90 percent of graduates stay in the area after graduation. Our graduates have an enormous impact on the future of the state’s economy. Because of this, I think it’s incumbent on anyone with any philanthropic tendencies to consider giving to Oakland.”
That quote, of course, is from Barry Klein.
Barry’s vision went beyond Oakland university. He understood and was inspired by the power of education…. He also knew that education in the age of globalism means challenging students and ourselves to appreciate the great cultural diversity of the world.
Because of Barry’s vision and generosity…researchers, scholars and artists are at the forefront of fostering an international dialogue that opens our minds and hearts to our common struggles, triumphs and challenges.
The center’s collaborative and interdisciplinary approach is a reflection of the center’s namesake approach to life… an approach that sought to transform the way we think about social issues for the purpose of coming up with solutions, humane and inclusive.
Linda… We believe Barry’s spirit and his appreciation for intellectual freedom and diversity lives in the Barry M. Klein Center for Culture and Globalization.
I am eager to listen to the conversation among Dean Carey, Chiaoning Su and Visiting Scholar dream hampton, whose engaging and acclaimed films reflect the mission of the center to promote dialogue on the social issues of our day.
Thank you, Dean Carey and Chiaoning for your leadership…. and thank you to the center’s steering committee Claude Baillargeon, Jon Carroll, Sara Chapman Williams, and Alan Epstein…for your commitment to making sure the center is true to its mission…
And, of course, thank you to the center’s distinguished faculty fellows Rebecca Mercado Jones and Graham Cassano.
Rebecca is examining how the early rhetoric of Margaret Sanger and the Federation of Planned Parenthood can be considered in the current social-political context about reproductive rights.
And Graham is leading a group of OU students to record oral histories in Pontiac to document local culture and issues.
Rebecca and Graham’s works are exactly the type of intellectual explorations that Barry had in mind when he gave a gift to Oakland… that he hoped would lead to opening people’s minds.
We’re all so deeply appreciative that one man with a vision and a passion for education continues to make his mark on Oakland University and the world.
Thank you, Linda, for creating a lasting testament to Barry, we are deeply grateful.