Meet the Campaign Steering Committee

R. Hugh and Nancy Elliott, Honorary Chairs

Hugh is the president and chief executive officer of Elliott Group International, a leading supplier of automotive and industrial tape. Nancy is a retired Utica Junior High School teacher. The Elliotts have been instrumental in the creation and administration of University-wide improvement initiatives such as the establishment of scholarships for student athletes and business majors, the President’s Invitational Golf and Gala fundraiser for university athletics, and the construction of campus buildings and landmarks, including Elliott Tower and Elliott Hall.

Patti Finnegan Sharf, Honorary Chair

Patti’s husband, the late Stephan Sharf, served as a trustee, board vice chair and OU Foundation member. He contributed millions of dollars to OU to enhance student life, campus growth and the arts. He established scholarships for business and engineering students, endowed the deanship at the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine and helped build the R&S Sharf Golf Course. Patti is retired from IBM and continues her husband’s philanthropic legacy. She was the driving force behind the planning of the Steve Sharf Clubhouse and has established the Patti Finnegan Sharf Study Abroad Scholarship.

Bob and Maggie Allesee

Bob is the president/owner of Bob Allison Enterprises, Inc. which produces radio and television commercials and programs. He has been the host of the popular Ask Your Neighbor radio program since February 1962. Maggie is a recognized philanthropist and civic leader, serving on the boards of numerous arts and nonprofit organizations, including the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan, Michigan Opera Theatre, Forgotten Harvest and the OU School of Nursing.

April M. Clobes

April is the president and CEO of the Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU)/Oakland University Credit Union. April joined MSUFCU in 1996. After moving through the organization from a marketing specialist to management and executive positions, she became president and CEO in 2015. April is a member of both the executive committee and board of directors for the Lansing Economic Area Partnership; she is also a member of the board of directors for the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, the Wharton Center Advisory Council board and the Physicians Health Plan board.

Allen and Barbara Gough

After raising two children and volunteering in the community, Barbara returned to college to start a new career. As a non-traditional student, Barbara enhanced the classroom by sharing a pertinent perspective of someone committed to helping others succeed. Upon completing her bachelor’s degree in 1992, Barbara went on to earn a master’s degree and hold several key positions in organizations across southeastern Michigan. Allen was formerly employed with Burroughs. Together, Barbara and Allen are members of the School of Education and Human Services resource development board. The Goughs endowed the Barbara and Allen Gough Scholarship to support nontraditional students enrolled in the OU HRD program.

Bernie and Nina Kent

Bernie is chairman and senior advisor of Schechter Investment Advisors, an investment and insurance advisement firm in Birmingham, Michigan. Deeply committed to community service, Bernie is a member of the Michigan State Police retirement board and chairs the Jewish Foundation of Metropolitan Detroit’s investment committee. Bernie also heads the Oakland University Judaic Studies community committee and the Jewish Federation Community Services allocation committee. In 2008, Bernie and Nina established the Bernard and Nina Kent Judaic Studies Endowed Israel Travel Fund.

Ron and Christine May

Christine is retired from the Berkley School District after 20 years of instructional service. While at Berkley, she created and coached the district’s award-winning robotics FIRST Club. Christine also coached the Future Problem Solvers Club, teamed with science instructors to create and teach integrated math and science courses, co-taught with special education teachers and focused on improving successful female participation in mathematics. Ron recently retired as executive vice president of major enterprise projects at DTE Energy. He is CEO of May Technology Group. Ron served as the chairman of the Oakland University School of Engineering and Computer Science advisory board, and is currently still a member. He is an executive in residence at The University of Michigan and teaches a graduate level leadership class at Oakland University.

Jeff and Gina Petherick

Jeff is a founding partner and portfolio manager of NorthPointe Capital. Gina holds a Bachelor of Science degree from OU and pursued a career in human resources. The Pethericks give their time freely to organizations both domestically and abroad. Jeff is involved in Impact India 360 and has led multiple mission trips to Peru. Gina is a member of the School of Education and Human Services resource development board and coaches tennis at Rochester Stoney Creek High School. The Pethericks created the Gina and Jeff Petherick Endowed Scholarship to support human resource development students.

Craig and Ann Stinson

Craig is currently the chairman of Hilite International. Craig and Ann are two of OU’s most enthusiastic alumni and have sat on various University committees and advisory boards. In particular, Ann supports the Department of Athletics and Craig chairs the School of Business Administration board of visitors. The Stinson Student Advancement Center and the Stinson Family Student-Athlete Development Center were named in their honor.