Celebrating Friendship and Philanthropy

For more than a half century, Patti Sharf’s vision and generosity have transformed the lives of OU students, faculty and staff. She is revered not only for her giving spirit but for her unparalleled love and advocacy for Oakland University and its students — a legacy celebrated throughout the Oakland University community.

In 2011, Patti and her late husband, the late Stephan Sharf, donated $21 million to support the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, the School of Engineering and Computer Science, various student scholarships, and the golf course — the largest single gift from individual donors in Oakland University history.

The couple later contributed an additional $4 million to build the Steve Sharf Clubhouse, which became home to Patti Finnegan’s Pub & Grille, a beloved gathering spot on campus. Patti lovingly designed and curated both the clubhouse and restaurant, ensuring they would become community treasures for local patrons. One doesn’t need to look far to see Patti’s influence throughout the building, which features a menu of Patti’s favorites, a cozy atmosphere and a grand outdoor seating area that welcomes throngs of guests on a warm sunny day.

One of Patti’s greatest joys at Oakland University was establishing the Patti Finnegan Sharf Study Abroad Scholarship for students in the College of Arts and Sciences. She deeply valued the enriching experiences that come with international travel and was proud to support students in broadening their global perspectives. Patti especially loved attending the annual Celebration of Scholarships event and meeting the exceptional students whose lives she touched each year.

Always a loyal ambassador for Oakland University, Patti represented OU in 2016, throwing out the coveted first pitch for a Detroit Tigers game. Later that year, she was awarded Oakland University’s Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humanities in recognition of her remarkable dedication to our community and to higher education. Patti also served as an honorary chair for the university’s “Aspire. Advance. Achieve.” fundraising campaign, playing a pivotal role in inspiring more than 19,000 donors to contribute more than $151 million to OU between 2018 and 2024.

Patti will forever be remembered as a loyal friend, a passionate advocate and a legendary presence at Oakland University. On May 22, 2025, an intimate Celebration of Life was held for Patti at the Steve Sharf Clubhouse — a fitting tribute to the dedicated philanthropist who impacted countless lives and helped shape the university into what it is today.