RETIRED FACULTY COUPLE CREATE MEANINGFUL LEGACY FOR OU STUDENTS

When New York natives Bob and Jackie Wiggins attended college, they paid very little for their tuition. Times have changed in a big way, said the couple, both retired faculty members at Oakland University. That's why each designated OU as the beneficiary of retirement assets to establish endowments in their respective departments.

Bob Wiggins, Ph.D., retired professor of education and former chair of the Department of Teacher Development and Educational Studies in the School of Education and Human Services, said he never could have gone to college if it were not for the fact that Queens College in New York was tuition-free. His planned endowment will be dedicated to supporting graduate students in teacher education.

Jackie Wiggins, Ed.D., distinguished professor emerita of music education and founding director of the School of Music, Theatre and Dance in the College of Arts and Sciences, regularly contributes to support opportunities for students in music education and music performance. Her future endowment will continue her longtime support of these programs.

The couple taught at Oakland University for more than 20 years, and both helped shape academic excellence and acclaim in their schools. They have strong ties to OU not only in their successful careers but within their family as well. Their daughter and son-in-law hold OU music degrees, and a nephew also attended.

Bob and Jackie say they decided to give in hopes that others will contribute. Their endowments are set up so that others can give to them, much like other faculty who have set up similar gifts. "One of the characteristics of Oakland that is very different from a lot of other schools is the passion that faculty have for this school. It's what makes it what it is," Jackie explained. "We are very dedicated to OU and to what it can become," Bob added. "We were presented with various options within our budget to accomplish our philanthropic goals. You don't have to be wealthy to make a difference."