Making History

In 1997, Walt Young was appointed to the Oakland University Foundation Board. It was then that Walt and his wife, Donna, made their first gift to OU. Since that time, they have made an impact in the lives of countless students with their generosity – establishing the Donna and Walt Young Study Abroad Endowed Scholarship Fund, which provides financial support for Honors College students to travel the globe as part of their academic experience at the university. The Youngs’ long history of generous and loyal support to OU culminated this fall with a transformational gift that renamed the OU Honors College as the Donna and Walt Young Honors College.

On October 17, the name change became official with OU Board of Trustees approval. This historic event celebrates the first named school at Oakland University and is the Youngs’ resounding show of confidence in the growth and progress they see happening at OU.

"Donna and I have been involved with OU the last three decades, during which we have seen the growth of character, as well as enrollment. OU has sharpened its focus to nurture future leaders with solid values,” remarks Walt. “The Honors College has been the lead to enhance problem-solving, listening and empathy skills and we have enjoyed watching the impact of our Study Abroad Scholarship endowment.”

The Youngs have seen first-hand the remarkable impact that philanthropy makes throughout the campus community. In addition to his 10 years of service on the Board, Walt has been involved in multiple campaigns at OU and the annual Keeper of the Dream recognition event.

"Donna and Walt Young are the epitome of OU’s most passionate advocates and supporters.  They are humble in their service to our students and the impact they make in the community around them,” reflects President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, M.D. “I am honored that the University can steward their legacy, one that values worldly experiences, provides the tools for students to become active partners in building a vibrant community and encourages exploration and interdisciplinary thought."

The Honors College is founded upon the pillars of disciplinary and multi-disciplinary innovation, undergraduate research and creative practice, community and community engagement and positive mentorship. Nearly 50 years after OU welcomed its inaugural Honors College class, the school continues to grow – guided by the principles of aspiration, inspiration and celebration. The 2025 freshman Honors College class is over 30% larger than last year, with an average GPA just under 4.0.

Graeme Harper, dean of the Honors College, reflects on the importance of the Young’s philanthropy, “The generosity of Donna and Walt Young brings incredible opportunity. It is an investment in student achievement. It is an inspiration to us all to aim higher and to achieve more. They have gifted more than a name. They supported a vision that will change the lives of every student who walks through these doors.”

Adds Pescovitz, “This transformational gift will ensure that the Young Honors College students experience the world and build interdisciplinary thought and vision."

It is fitting that the Honors College name will now reflect Donna and Walt Youngs’ long commitment to the school and support of student success. Their passion for travel created the interest and their recognition of the power of philanthropy was the catalyst for creating opportunities for countless students in the Honors College.

Recognizing their transformative gift with the creation of the Donna and Walt Young Honors College is a milestone with far-reaching impact – a milestone that is not lost on the Youngs. Walt enthuses, “We are pleased that we are able to assist in further developing the Honors College to be the best in the country as OU educates our future leaders to lead Michigan and the nation.”