Nov. 3, 2008
Hugh Elliott, long-time Oakland University benefactor, lives by the motto that we should "judge a person not on net worth, but on self worth." It's why he believes so strongly in giving back to the community - through resources, time and compassion.
It's also why he became such good friends with Michael O'Brien, and maintained that friendship for more than 30 years. The two men, both successful in their chosen professions, shared a common belief in living life to the fullest, and along the way, sharing their success with others. When O'Brien lost a battle with cancer in January of this year, Elliott knew he needed to do something to honor his friend.
Elliott and his wife, Nancy, have established the R. Michael O'Brien Athletic Scholarship with a $50,000 initial donation. The scholarship endowment was augmented by a gift of $25,000 from Leslie O'Brien, Michael's wife. Additional contributions to the scholarship endowment are anticipated this year. Elliott's plan is to be the catalyst for a fully endowed scholarship.
"Mike was a big part of OU and so many people knew him and cared about him. What better way to leave a legacy?" Elliott said, adding that he chose an athletic scholarship because sports were a common interest of his and O'Brien's. He added that "athletics gave me a chance in life."
A two-sport athlete in track and football at Virginia Tech, Elliott said it was the support of renowned football coach Jerry Claiborne that helped him make a success of his life.
"Athletics gives students a well-rounded education. It helps individuals become part of a team and recognize how their actions affect the whole group," he said. "Student athletes are great young people who have a lot of enthusiasm and passion, and Nancy and I want to help those students succeed."
The Elliotts have a long history of supporting Oakland University. Due to their generous gifts to the university and to the athletic department, they are the namesakes of the Hugh and Nancy Elliott Room in the Athletics Center O'rena and of the Elliott Hall of Business and Information Technology. They also endowed an earlier scholarship for an OU student-athlete who is a business major, with the first scholarship awarded in 2001.
The first Michael O'Brien endowed scholarship recipient will be announced during the 2008-09 academic year. In the meantime, Elliott said he's glad he can honor the memory of his friend.
"He was a great man," Elliott said. "He could look right at you and see what was in your heart. He really cared about people and I'm glad that we can be the catalyst for his enduring legacy."
"On behalf of our student-athletes, coaches and staff, I want to thank Hugh and Nancy Elliott for the establishment of the Mike O'Brien endowed scholarship," said Director of Athletics Tracy Huth. "This is another example of the generosity and support from the Elliott's to Oakland University. This is special, as it defines the passion that Hugh and Nancy have for the development of students here at OU. This endowment illustrates the impact that Mike O'Brien had on not only the Elliott's but, literally everyone he came in contact with. We appreciate the long term effect this scholarship will have on our student-athletes and, I am grateful to the Elliott and the O'Brien families for making this endowment a reality."
For more information about establishing an endowed fund to benefit OU Athletics, or to contribute to the O'Brien Athletic Scholarship, please contact Joe Impellizzeri, Assistant AD for Development at (248) 370-3117 or at impelliz@oakland.edu.
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