Endowments

The endowment report is produced annually and is sent to endowment establishing donors and annual report recipients each Fall.

To request a digital copy of the most recent annual endowment brochure, please reach out to Donor Relations at [email protected].

OU Endowment Policy Framework

• The Oakland University Board of Trustees appoints an external endowment manager investment adviser to ensure that all endowment investment decisions are made in accordance with the university’s Endowment Management And Investment Policy.
• The annual endowment spending distribution rate of 4.5% is based upon the 12-quarter moving average market value of the endowment pool at the beginning of each quarter with a one-quarter lag.
• The OU Endowment is invested in a diversified portfolio that includes domestic and international equity, fixed income, private equity, commodities, money market and alternative investment strategies. This diversity helps limit risk and maximize growth of both principal value and income over time.

Oakland University Endowment Performance
Fiscal Year 2024 | July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024
The Oakland University Endowment is the aggregate of all separate endowment and gift annuity funds at the university. It is the vehicle in which endowed funds are invested at OU. Each fund is administered separately to honor the intent of each donor.

Fiscal Year 2024
By the Numbers

$3,960,565 total donated to OU endowment funds
690 donors supported OU endowment funds
197 endowed funds supported
$4,686,079 distributed in support of each endowment’s purpose
$2,933,078 expended in support of each endowment’s purpose

Endowed Faculty are leaders in both groundbreaking research and inspired teaching. These prestigious titles honor world-class scholars, attract rising academic talent, and ensure the continued excellence of the university’s programs.

Your visionary support empowers these academic leaders and exceptional educators to shape the future of knowledge and innovation.

Endowed Deans

Stephan Sharf Dean
Dr. Christopher Carpenter

Established in 2014 through a gift by Stephan Sharf, a longtime Oakland University supporter, this deanship was created to support the Dean’s initiatives and various medical school needs, elevate the visibility and enhance the education, research and outreach efforts of the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine.

Endowed Chairs

Maggie Allesee Endowed Chair in Geriatric and Rehab Nursing
Karen Dunn

Established in 1999 by Maggie Allesee, this endowed chair was created to provide resources and support for a faculty member who will promote the art and science of nursing care of the elderly in acute care and community settings, extend knowledge in the field of geriatric and rehabilitation nursing, and support the development of community service programs that will enhance the quality of life for elderly citizens in the community. 

John F. Dodge Engineering Chair
Sayed A. Nassar, Ph.D.

This professorship was established in 1968 by the Matilda R. Wilson Fund, following Mrs. Wilson’s wishes to honor her first husband, John F. Dodge’s prominence in the automotive field.

Endowed Professors

Alvira M. and Venkat N. Reddy Endowed Research Professorship in Eye Research
Andrew F.X. Goldberg

Established in 2014 by Venkat Reddy, co-founder of the Eye Research Institute at Oakland University (ERI), and his wife, Alvira, this professorship supports a faculty member focusing on eye research and investigating causes and potential cures for eye diseases such as macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.

Ascension Providence Rochester Endowed Professorship in Nursing
Toni Glover

Established in 2007 by the Crittenton Hospital Medical Center Foundation, now named Henry Ford Rochester Hospital, this professorship was created to help recruit and support a world-class scholar in nursing. 

Frank K. and Jane S. Giblin Endowed Research Professorship in Eye Research

Established in 2021 by Frank K. Giblin, a distinguished professor emeritus who served as the Eye Research Institute (ERI) Director from 2004 to 2021, and as a tribute to his wife, the holder of this professorship will be provided support and funding to engage in eye research. 

V. Everett Kinsey Endowed Professor
Mohamed Al-Shabrawey

Established in 2004 by Irene Kinsey Stare in honor of V. Everett Kinsey, co-founder of the Eye Research Institute (ERI), this professorship was created to enhance the visibility of the institute and the university, and generate exciting research at the ERI.