A pioneer in the plastic engineering industry, Patrick Tooman had been involved with Oakland University for nearly two decades. Since 1997 he had been a major supporter of Oakland's student-athletes, primarily through his sponsorship of the Department of Athletics' annual golf outing, the last several as the presenting sponsor. His appreciation for student-athletes stemmed from an admiration of their resolve and determination to overcome challenges to succeed academically and athletically. Tooman's name has been immortalized as the Patrick A. Tooman Memorial Golden Grizzlies Golf Classic.

Tooman was born and raised in southeast Michigan and started his business career at Essex Wire and General Electric Corporation, traveling worldwide as he sought ways to increase productivity. While serving as a Senior Service Engineer within the GE plastics division, he helped the automobile industry across the globe better understand how plastics could be used in their product development efforts.

After six years, Tooman decided to extend his knowledge of plastics outside the automobile industry and began his own company, Plastic Engineering and Technical Services in June of 1984. He has brought that company to the forefront of technology in plastics and holds a multitude of patents worldwide.

An avid volunteer within the community, Tooman considered himself fortunate and donates to several charities in the hope that it helps others achieve their dreams. Those organizations include Children's Hospital of Michigan, Academy of the Sacred Heart, FIRST, St. Joseph's Hospital, United Methodist Children's home, Lighthouse of Oakland County, Pontiac Rescue Mission, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and Curves for the Cure, among others.