World Without Ice is a multimedia exhibit that integrates music, science and art to bring about awareness to the issue of global warming. The Judd Family endowed fund helped bring this thought-provoking experience to the campus of Oakland University in 2017.
May 24, 2019
Oakland University alumnus Albert Randolph “Randy” Judd (CAS ’72) was a true original.
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| Albert Randolph "Randy" Judd |
A natural leader, Judd made a difference for many years as an attorney, public servant and community leader in Southeastern Michigan. Sadly, Judd passed away suddenly on April 11, 2019. He leaves a rich legacy at OU for his dedicated commitment to both campus and the surrounding community.
During his time as a student at OU in the early 1970s, Judd developed his lifelong appreciation for the humanities. He loved to write, and was one of the first tutors at the OU Writing Center. Judd also discovered an interest in acting, and went on to perform in amateur theatre productionsas well as at the University’s Barn Theatre. Judd graduated with his Bachelor of Art in English in 1972, and remained involved on campus for the rest of his life. Judd and his wife Patricia made it a priority to support the campus in a variety of ways.
“Randy loved OU,” says Patricia Judd. “He was proud to be an alum, proud of how the campus has grown and how it has so positively impacted the community. It was always important to Randy to support students and their education. That is why we made it a priority to give back to OU.”
The Judds, along with the Lyon Foundation, Inc., established the Judd Family English Department Faculty Achievement Award Fund and the Judd Family Endowed Arts and Humanities Fund in 1995. These funds were combined, in 2008, to establish the Judd Family Endowment. Recently, the Judds renewed their commitment to this endowment with a pledge and a bequest gift.
Annually, the Judd Family Endowment funds one Judd Family English Department Faculty Achievement Award and several Judd Family Arts and Humanities Awards. The Judd Family English Department Faculty Achievement Award recognizes an exemplary faculty member in the University’s English department, based on achievements in teaching, scholarship and service.
The Judd Family Arts and Humanities Award supports a University-sponsored project, program or in-residence program. Awards are given to a variety of initiatives, including performances, exhibitions, lectures, in-residence programs and productions, that:
– Focus on the arts or humanities
– Highlight the College of Arts and Sciences’ commitment to the arts and humanities
– Engage students, faculty, alumni and the community
In recognition of his support, Judd received the MaTilDa’s Distinguished Community Service Award in 2013. Judd served as director of the OU Foundation from 1988–91 and was honored with the OUAA Spirit Award in 2000.
Kevin Corcoran, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, worked closely with Judd on a variety of projects, including the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Ambassador group. CAS Ambassadors are committed to advancing the college’s vision and mission, creating a bridge between OU and the community by generating increased awareness of academic programs and community initiatives. Corcoran recalls that Judd felt strongly about the importance of connecting humanities programming to the greater community.
“As a member of the CAS Ambassadors, Randy was always willing to tackle the big questions facing the college and OU at large”, says Corcoran. “He challenged us to reach for great solutions and innovations that would benefit the entire region. Above all else, he was a tremendous advocate for students and faculty.”
In addition to his considerable commitment to OU, Judd was also known for his inspired leadership outside the University. He served in several capacities in the City of Birmingham, including city commissioner, member of the Board of Zoning Appeals, and mayor in 1989.
Naturally curious and always learning, Judd had a wide variety of interests. He was a scuba teacher and underwater photographer, and he certified scuba students in the local lakes. Judd was an advocate for many important causes, and won awards for his philanthropic projects for arts and media organizations and charities that served those in need.
“Randy had an enthusiasm for life that was infectious,” says Corcoran. “His adventures, both big and small, invited others to share his passions.”
“Randy led by example,” remembers his wife Pat. “He showed people that life was meant to be experienced and shared with others.”
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