Oakland to take on Detroit Mercy in first-ever Giving Challenge

Oakland to take on Detroit Mercy in first-ever Giving Challenge
The first-ever Giving Challenge between Metro Series rivals Oakland University and University of Detroit Mercy will be held from Feb. 19-27.

Amid the frigid chill of winter, the Metro Series between the Oakland University Golden Grizzlies and the University of Detroit Mercy Titans continues to heat up – both on and off the athletic fields.  

 

Give now!

 

The two schools – the only Division 1 athletics programs in Metro Detroit – are facing off in a newly created Giving Challenge, in which alumni and fans of each institution are encouraged to make a financial gift to their university.

 

“The Metro Series is in full swing and the Giving Challenge is a great way to get alumni and fans involved while tapping into the spirit of generosity,” said Kelly Brault, OU’s interim executive director of Planned and Annual Giving.

 

The Giving Challenge runs from midnight on Friday, Feb. 19, to noon on Saturday, Feb 27. The school with the most donors during the week will be declared the winner. The losing school’s mascot will wear the winning school’s jersey at the 3 p.m. Oakland vs. Detroit Mercy women’s basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 27, at the O’rena. The men’s basketball team plays their final regular season game at the O’rena against Detroit Mercy on Feb. 26. Game time to be announced.

 

Initiated in 2014, the Metro Series spotlights Oakland and Detroit Mercy’s athletic teams as the schools go head-to-head in 13 sports throughout the year. The schools both compete in the Horizon League Conference and their main campuses are located just 26 miles apart. Oakland has dominated the Metro Series this season, winning 11 out of 12 athletic contests against Detroit Mercy.

 

OU alumni and fans can help keep that momentum going during the Giving Challenge. Whether supporting the student-athletes themselves through the Golden Grizzly Athletic Fund, or a variety of other funds, ranging from academic to experiential, gifts are an investment in current and future students.

 

“While I’m hoping that alumni and fans will spur OU to a victory, the real winners – regardless of the scoreboard - are our students,” Brault said.

 
Visit wwwp.oakland.edu/givingchallenge for more information. 

Along with the online giving option, gifts can be made by contacting OU’s Giving office at (248) 370-4504 or giving@oakland.edu.