The Oakland University Board of Trustees approved the renaming of the school’s Honors College as the Donna and Walt Young Honors College at today’s formal meeting. 

The announcement comes in the wake of the Young’s transformational gift of $10 million dollars to show their confidence in the growth and progress of the Honors College at OU. It is the first named school in Oakland’s history. 

Walt Young was appointed to the Oakland University Foundation Board in 1997. It was then that he and his wife, Donna, made their first gift to OU. Since that time, they have made an impact in the lives of countless students with their generosity – establishing the Donna and Walt Young Study Abroad Endowed Scholarship Fund, which provides financial support for Honors College students to travel the globe as part of their academic experience. 

"Donna and I have been involved with Oakland University for the last three decades, during which we have seen the growth of character, as well as enrollment. OU has sharpened its focus to nurture future leaders with solid values,” said Mr. Young. “The Honors College has been the lead to enhance problem-solving, listening and empathy skills, and we have enjoyed watching the impact of our study abroad scholarship endowment.”

The Young’s have seen first-hand the remarkable impact that philanthropy makes throughout the campus community. In addition to Walt’s time on the Foundation Board, they have also been involved in multiple fundraising campaigns and as supporters of the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Keeper of the Dream scholarship event.

"Donna and Walt Young are the epitome of OU’s most passionate advocates and supporters.  They are humble in their service to our students and through the impact they make in the community around them,” said OU President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz. “I am honored that we can steward their legacy, one that values worldly experiences, provides the tools for students to become active partners in building a vibrant community and encourages exploration and interdisciplinary thought."

The Honors College is founded upon the pillars of disciplinary and multi-disciplinary innovation, undergraduate research and creative practice, community and community engagement and positive mentorship. Nearly 50 years after OU welcomed its inaugural Honors College class, the school continues to grow – guided by the principles of aspiration, inspiration and celebration.

The Honors College welcomed 664 new freshman this fall, with an average GPA just under 4.0, leading to the largest number of Honors College students in school history.

Graeme Harper, dean of the Honors College, reflected on the importance of the Young’s philanthropy. “The generosity of Donna and Walt Young brings us an incredible opportunity. It is an investment in student achievement. It is an inspiration to us all to aim higher and to achieve more,” he said. “They have gifted more than a name. They have supported a vision that will change the lives of every student who walks through these doors.” 

Recognizing the creation of the Donna and Walt Young Honors College is a milestone with far-reaching impact, Mr. Young said, “We are pleased that we are able to assist in further developing the Honors College to be the best in the country as OU educates our future leaders to lead Michigan and the nation.”