Student Philanthropy

As a non-profit organization, everyone at Oakland University benefits in some way from philanthropy.  The Student Philanthropy Committee empowers students in the philanthropic process by:

• Supporting student organizations and club sports as they raise funds to support their own cause or another cause on campus
• Providing meaningful leadership opportunities to committee members who want to make OU a better place now and in the future
• Educating students about how donors impact campus every day
• Hosting volunteer opportunities and special events throughout the year

To join us, contact the Student Philanthropy Committee Advisers! E-board and committee positions are available.

Committee Advisers:

Follow the OU Student Philanthropy Committee on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

What does it support?
Each year, approximately 120 students cannot afford to return to OU for their senior year. The 2024 Class Gift will support scholarship opportunities for class of 2025, so the class of 2024 can leave a legacy for the graduates who follow them! Gifts of any size make a difference to this initiative!

Who gives to the 2024 Class Gift?
The 2024 Class Gift is open to all graduating students, not just undergraduates.

How can I get involved?
Volunteer for the 2024 Class Gift Committee! Volunteers help us spread the word about the Class Gift, while earning prizes such as VIP parking at commencement, diploma frames and more!

Who has benefited?

Since 2015, over $24,000 in scholarships have been awarded to students who were facing financial hardship in their final year of school. 

Sign up as a volunteer.

Elliott Tower Climb: Make a gift. Make the climb. Make a memory.

• Graduating students who make a gift of $20.24 or more to the Senior Class Gift Fund, the Graduate School Class Gift Fund, or the OUWB Class Gift Fund will be invited to climb the stairs of the Elliott Tower.
• This is a special benefit for graduating students who make a gift of $20.24 or more to a Class Gift Fund.
• Students who make a gift of $50 or more will be invited to a VIP tour.

View a full list of tower climb rules.

"When you give, it's the best thing you can do for yourself. I learned many years ago - and it's true - that even if you give just a little bit, over time, it adds up."
- Hugh Elliott

The OU Telefund is a great opportunity for you to strengthen your communication skills, earn extra money, and support Oakland University.

Every year, Advancement Ambassadors contact OU alumni, parents, and friends to update demographic information, share news about campus events, and ask for support of the University for scholarships, technology upgrades, campus enhancements, and much more.

Advancement Ambassadors are OU students who support the university's mission through work in our call center and beyond. These students make a difference at OU, while gaining valuable work experience. Funds they raise help to provide scholarships and other valuable educational resources.

When calling, students request updated contact information, share news about the many things happening at OU, and answer any questions alumni and friends may have. Calls are typically made Sunday afternoon and Monday-Thursday evenings throughout much of the year.

Our students look forward to speaking with you! Please take some time to talk with our students and to renew your annual support, or consider making your first gift to OU.

Our Student Advancement Ambassadors call out of our Advancement Center using this phone number: (248) 218-9472.

These numbers cannot take incoming calls. However, if you'd like to reach our staff members to make or fulfill a gift, you can contact us at (248) 370-4325.

Telefund pledges can also be fulfilled online. Thank you for your support!