Giving

The Power of Women at OU

Group mingling during Women in Philanthropy luncheon at Meadow Brook Hall
Close up on group of five women talking and smiling at Women in Philanthropy Luncheon
Group mingling during Women in Philanthropy luncheon at Meadow Brook Hall
OU dean of graduate studies speaking in audience at Women in Philanthropy luncheon

icon of a calendarDecember 14, 2018

icon of a pencilBy Kelly Brault and Adrianne Penney

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A fast-growing, new initiative will shape the future of Oakland University. Built upon the pillars of philanthropy, education, networking and volunteering, OU’s Women and Philanthropy group launched in May to a packed room of enthusiastic new members.

They will soon meet again to review 36 applications for funds to determine where $20,000 in grants will make the greatest impact on campus this year. By collectively pooling their donations, members can have a greater impact then they might individually.

OU has a history of shaping, and being shaped by, remarkable women, starting in 1957 with its founder, Matilda Dodge Wilson. Today, that tradition continues. The OU student body is more than half female and the alumni base is two-thirds female. And new president Ora Hirsch Pescovitz is leading the university to new heights. One of the founding members of the Women and Philanthropy initiative, Meghan Daly, talked about what inspired her to be part of this group. “As I searched for ways to give more intentionally, I was invited to the first roundtable to discuss the feasibility and impact of Women and Philanthropy. Since day one, the group has been encouraging, collaborative and dedicated. At Women and Philanthropy, we surround ourselves with women of all ages and backgrounds, but still have one common goal: the advancement of Oakland University.

Women and Philanthropy has become a key initiative for President Pescovitz. Pescovitz, whose mother impressed upon her at a young age the power of giving back, attended the program launch in May. “Throughout our history, women have played a pivotal role in making Oakland University the great institution it is,” President Pescovitz said. “Today, more than ever, we need women to come together and be involved in the life of OU — for our students, for our research, for our community and for our future.”

Members join by making a gift of $1,000 to the Women and Philanthropy Fund, which becomes the source of the grant funds. Women under 40 can join with a gift of $250, to make this opportunity accessible as young women establish themselves. The group is still accepting members and encourages those interested to contact OU or to attend a meeting before joining.

For more information, contact [email protected] or call (248) 370-4504.

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