Office of Advancement
OCU Advancement
Enter to Learn and Go Forth to Serve
As a distinctively Christian institution of higher education since 1885, OCU is dedicated to ensuring students receive academic, professional, spiritual, and financial support. Your stewardship ensures that students from all walks of life are adequately prepared to Enter to Learn and Go Forth to Serve. Ultimately, your giving allows our students to fulfill the Great Commission given to believers in Acts 1:8.
Because of your generosity, we are able to make big things happen in the lives of students. If you would like to make a difference and help change lives, then please click on the link below. On behalf of our community, thank you for enabling Oakland City University to become a model for the Christian university in the 21st Century.
Office of Advancement Mission Statement
The Office of Advancement is dedicated to building relationships which provide institutional support and equip students with the resources to go forth to serve.
Office of Advancement Role
The Office of Advancement plans and implements fundraising opportunities to secure and prioritize resources to support Oakland City University in its mission to enhance the intellectual, spiritual, physical and social development for positive leadership.
The role of the Office of Advancement is to foster relationships that provide necessary resources to the institution and its students. Functions of the Office of Advancement include:
- Coordinate and plan fundraising activities with the Administration and the Board of Trustees to support the university;
- Collaborate with multiple offices, e.g. Financial Aid, to identify the financial needs of students. This effort is accomplished through providing and distributing general scholarships, Scholarship for Oaks, endowed scholarships, private gift grants, and other available funds;
- Engage philanthropic support to the university by working extensively with various constituents* including: students, alumni, individuals, corporations, foundations, and churches.
Office of Advancement Goals
The goals that the Office of Advancement have established include:
- Cultivate meaningful relationships with constituents who share our vision and values engaging them deeper in relationship to the cause;
- Secure resources to sustain the current level of operational needs and meet future levels of projected growth;
- Promote and encourage a culture of generosity among all constituents.
Bell Tower Memorial Brick Waiting List
Tax Credit for Indiana Residents
The State of Indiana will give individuals, through a tax credit, 50¢ on each dollar given to Oakland City University, not to exceed $200. This means that a $400 gift to OCU yields a $200 tax credit; a $200 gift yields a $100 credit; a $100 gift yields a $50 credit, and so on. In other words, you will be reimbursed half your gift by the state of Indiana up to $200 if filing jointly and up to $100 if filing single. The tax credit is applied directly against the “bottom line” of your state tax return, either reducing the amount of taxes owed or providing a refund on taxes paid.
Additionally, the corporation’s credit is equal to 50 percent of the total amount given during the tax year. However, the credit may not exceed the lesser of: a) 10 percent of the corporation’s adjusted gross income tax liability, or b) $1,000.
To take advantage of this opportunity, you must use the Indiana Department of Revenue Schedule CC-40 when filing your state income tax return. After clicking on the link, you will need to go to the last section on the page under “Other Individual Forms/Schedules” and choose the first option: CC-40 Indiana College Credit. As we always advise, please consult a tax professional as to your personal circumstances.
1885 Legacy Society
Oakland City University is grateful for our faithful partners who make sacrificial gifts of eternal investment. As people of Christian faith, our donors not only make annual contributions, but they also create lasting gifts equipping students to Go Forth To Serve.
Life income and other planned gifts can provide benefits to you or your loved ones, all the while benefiting current and future OCU students. Bequests, Charitable Gift Annuities, Charitable Trusts, Life Insurance, Real Estate, Retained Life Estates, and more planned giving options allow you to create a legacy and do more than you might imagine to advance OCU’s mission.
The Office of Advancement is available to help explore the best options for you. The Oakland City University 1885 Legacy Society recognizes those who have invested in the University’s future through a bequest in their will or other planned giving instruments. You are vital part of the OCU family and the ongoing health of our institution. We sincerely thank those who desire to leave an enduring legacy in OCU students. Your generous and strategic gift planning makes an eternal impact for the Kingdom of God. A Bequest of any amount qualifies you for 1885 Legacy Society membership. If you have made a provision for Oakland City University in your estate planning, or you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us at 812-749-1228 or gifts@oak.edu.
The Great Commission
For the past 33 years at OCU, Spring is the time we kick off our annual OAK-A-THON. However, like so many things in the past year, this even has changed. Due to COVID-19, we will no longer organize student and staff volunteers into a confined phone room for safety and security reasons. By making this change we protect our volunteers, but the need for sharing their stories is no less greater. In fact, because of this situation, your support comes at a critical moment in time for many of our students and learning community.
President's Golf Classic
Dr. Ron D. Dempsey, President, cordially invites your organization, business, church, and/or foursome to join us on Monday, June 7, 2021, at the beautiful Oak Meadow Country Club, located on Evansville’s north side. It will be a great afternoon of food, fellowship, and golf. Oak Meadow features a championship 18 hole golf course and modern clubhouse. Oak Meadow Country Club is a traditionally designed par 72 golf course with tree-lined fairways, strategically placed bunkers and fast, undulating and tilted greens. The many lakes at Oak Meadow come into play on 10 of the 18 holes. From the championship tees, the golf course is 6,827 yards with 4 additional sets of tees for men, seniors, women and junior golfers that allow players of all skill levels to enjoy the wonderful game of golf.
Oakland City University, founded in 1885, has steadily served Gibson County, Southwest Indiana, and the tri-state region through its academic programs and economic stimulus. Our graduates are serving vital roles as business entrepreneurs, state and national leaders, superintendents, teachers, pastors and missionaries around the world. At the regional level (Gibson and surrounding counties), OCU generated $51.3 million to the area with an impact of $35.6 million on the local economy.
Please take time to review this information and join us for the day. Meet members of the Oakland City University Board of Trustees and Administration. Take this opportunity to become acquainted with faculty, staff members, and students. Come and join us at Oak Meadow Country Club for a great afternoon of food, fellowship, and great golf!
The Oakland City University “President’s Golf Classic” has quickly become one of the most successful events in the tri-state, generating over $243,000 is Scholarships for students. These funds have benefited numerous Oakland City University students in the area of education, business, criminal justice, Christian studies, and much more. Without the “President’s Golf Classic”, funding for these scholarships would not have been possible.
President’s Golf Classic Agenda Best Ball Scramble
Best Ball Scramble – Each team consists of four players. On every hole, each team member drives and the best drive is selected. Each team member then plays a second shot from the spot where the selected drive lays, and the best second shot is selected. This process is repeated until the hole is completed.
2021 Sponsorship Opportunities
Diamond Sponsor – $10,000
This level includes individuals and businesses who contribute $10,000 or more to the “President’s Golf Classic.” Sponsorship includes 4 golfers, prominent signage at the Clubhouse and on course program listing, 4 hole sponsorships, 4 cart sponsorships, 1 business table sponsorship, recognition during awards, 4 sponsor gifts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners.
Platinum Sponsor – $5,000
This level includes individuals and businesses who contribute $5,000 -$9,999 to the “President’s Golf Classic.” Sponsorship includes 4 golfers, prominent signage at the Clubhouse and on course program listing, 2 hole sponsorships, 2 cart sponsorships, recognition during awards, 4 sponsor gifts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners.
Gold Sponsor – $2,500
This level includes individuals and businesses who contribute $2,500-$4,999 to the “President’s Golf Classic.” Sponsorship includes 4 golfers, prominent signage at the Clubhouse and on course program listing, 1 hole sponsorships, 1 cart sponsorships, recognition during awards, 4 sponsor gifts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners.
Team Sponsor – $1,000
Sponsorship includes 4 golfers, 4 sponsor gifts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, and recognition during awards.
Business Table Sponsor – $500
Directly promote your business! Setup a table at your desired hole location and give you’re your company’s materials and promotional items!
Hole Sponsor – $100
Market your business! Per hole signage. Limited availability.
Cart Sponsor – $50
Market your business! Logo/name on a cart all day. Limited availability.
Stewardship
stew.ard.ship noun: the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care
It is our privilege to introduce one of Oakland City University’s value proposition: stewardship. Our goal is to be a resource and provide insights in the area of university philanthropy including planned giving. We hope these resources may lend ideas which work for your particular charitable giving desires. Ultimately, we pray that you give great consideration to including Oakland City University students as a beneficiary in your final plans.
The Rev. Billy Graham once stated: “The greatest legacy that you can pass on to your children and grandchildren is not money or material things accumulated in life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.”
Oakland City University’s administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends have worked tirelessly on developing the strategic plan: Shaping Our Future. Through the leadership of Drs. Dempsey and Dunivan, several key areas are being addressed including a major focus on stewardship. As alumni and friends of OCU, it is our duty and privilege to provide stewardship to the next generation of Mighty Oaks.
Since 1885, individuals have believed in the importance of higher learning in Oakland City, Indiana. Stewardship is not a new idea at this institution. People like William Cockrum not only had a vision for a “college on the hill” but gave of their talents and treasure to see it come to fruition. Now, the beacon of stewardship carries forward to all of us who love and cherish Oakland City University.
Endowments
We are thankful for the many generous supporters who make it possible for OCU to be a leading faith-based University that is preparing students for a life of Christian service.
| Adolph and Jamae Lacy Endowment Scholarship | Alumni Endowment Scholarship | Arno Lessheim Endowment Scholarship |
| Arthur & Zell Baker Memorial Scholarship | Barbara Horstmeyer Endowment Scholarship | Benoni Stinson Endowment Scholarship |
| Bethesda General Baptist Endowment Scholarship | Bryce & Opal Bottom Endowment Scholarship | C. Kightly Trippet Endowment Scholarship |
| C.R. Richardson Endowment Scholarship | Cane Run General Baptist Church Endowment Scholarship | Carolyn Weng Endowment Scholarship |
| Cecil H. & Wanda Gladish Endowment Scholarship | Charles & Isabel Hoskinson Endowment Scholarship | Charles, Jane Ellen, and Michael Neuman Endowment Scholarship |
| Christy Park General Baptist Endowment Scholarship | Claude L. Atkins Endowment Scholarship | Coach Delbert Disler Endowment Scholarship |
| Cyrstal Jones Roland Endowment Scholarship | Davis/Phillips Endowment Scholarship | Donald K. & Mary Ann Wilder Endowment Scholarship |
| Dorothy Cockrum Heldt Endowment Scholarship | Dr. Al J. Tieken Endowment Scholarship | Dr. Carl and Joan Shepard Endowment Scholarship |
| Dr. Claudine and Adelaide Cutchin Endowment Scholarship | Dr. Dale Porter Endowment Scholarship | Dr. Darroll and Savanah Hargraves Endowment Scholarship |
| Dr. Gary Barrett Endowment Scholarship | Dr. James and Eddie Marie (Evans) Julian Endowment Scholarship | Dr. James Wilson Murray Endowment Scholarship |
| Dr. Jerry Phillips Endowment Scholarship | Dr. Kenneth R. Kennedy Endowment Scholarship | Dr. L.O. Roberts Endowment Scholarship |
| Dr. Olen & Inez Pumphrey Endowment Scholarship | Dr. Olive Smith Endowment Scholarship | Dr. Ollie and Jane Latch Endowment Scholarship |
| Dr. Presley Pendergrass Endowment Scholarship | Dr. R.E. Simms Endowment Scholarship | Dr. Vern P. & Bertha L. Whitten Endowment Scholarship |
| Dr. Virgil Hunt Endowment Scholarship | Dr. Wayne Foust Endowment Scholarship | Dr. William F. and Caroline Roberta Bromley Endowment Scholarship |
| Dr. William I. Painter Endowment Scholarship | Edward Glenn Endowment Scholarship | Ella Mayhall Bradbury Music Endowment Scholarship |
| Eloise Mack Peugeot Endowment Scholarship | First G.B. Church of Chino Endowment Scholarship | Frances Borders West Memorial Scholarship |
| Fred & Helen Rumble Endowment Scholarship | Frieda Jordan & William T. Ellison Endowment Scholarship | George Gomer Endowment Scholarship |
| H.C. or Dorothy Evans Memorial Endowment Scholarship | Harold and Mary McCord Family Endowment Scholarship | Heathman Family Scholarship |
| Hope, Swartz, Williams Endowment Scholarship | Imel Pride Endowment Scholarship | Ira M. & Lela Mae Wilder Endowment Scholarship |
| Iva Fritz Samson Endowment Scholarship | Jamaica Youth Missions Endowment Scholarship | James E. & Alice Morlock Endowment Scholarship |
| James Montgomery Gordon Endowment Scholarship | Jeannette E. & Mildred Rauscher Endowment Scholarship | Jennie M. Pride Endowment Scholarship |
| Jose & Delores Sablan Endowment Scholarship | Joy Yeager Endowment Scholarship | Lawrence Black Endowment Scholarship |
| Lennie Hunt Johnson Endowment Scholarship | Lesta & Howard R. Miller Scholarship Fund | Lillian K. Ehlbert Endowment Scholarship |
| Lois Tichenor Endowment Scholarship | Lone Oak Endowment Scholarship | Lonnie E. & Sara Elizabeth Fraser Endowment Scholarship |
| Louese Spradley Endowment Scholarship | Lt. William Randall Crecelius Endowment Scholarship | Lynden R. Pride, Nona, & Earther Fritz Endowment Scholarship |
| Mamie Dufford Endowment Scholarship | Margery Settle Endowment Scholarship | Marietta C. Hasselbrinck Endowment Scholarship |
| Marlin Kell Endowment Scholarship | Maxine & Stephen E. Medlin Endowment Scholarship | Michael Musgrave Endowment Scholarship |
| Michael R. Vire Endowment Scholarship | Mildred Vaughn Endowment Scholarship | Neva Barnard Endowment Scholarship |
| OCU Alumni Athletic Endowment Scholarship | Opal Phillips Endowment Scholarship | Orlan & Margery Phillips Endowment Scholarship |
| Orville Pratt Endowment Scholarship | Paul B. Johnson Endowment Scholarship | Paul Montgomery Endowment Scholarship |
| Paula Pendergrass Endowment Scholarship | Professor Emma Anderson Endowment Scholarship | Professor J.H. Oxford Endowment Scholarship |
| Professor William Jordan Endowment Scholarship | R.B. Smith Endowment Scholarship | Rae Reierson Murray Endowment Scholarship – Athletic Scholarship for Women |
| Rev. Otis and Ruby Allen Endowment Scholarship | Rev. Tony Kevin Eskew Endowment Scholarship | Richard & Charlotte Wasson Endowment Scholarship |
| Robert S. Kelley and Weldon X. Hall, Jr. Endowment Scholarship | Roberta Doninger Endowment Scholarship | Ron Malin Student Support Services Endowment Scholarship |
| Rosalia T. Torres Endowment Scholarship | Roy and Patricia Meyerholtz Endowment Scholarship | Ruby & Edgar Baum Endowment Scholarship |
| Suddath Endowment Scholarship | T. Hammons Endowment Scholarship | The Finch Endowment Scholarship |
| The Liberty Association Endowment Scholarship | The Religious Studies Endowment Scholarship | The Union Grove Association Endowment Scholarship |
| The Webb Foundation Endowment Scholarship | Thomas H. & Beatrice Colvin Dunning Endowment Scholarship | Townsend Endowment Scholarship |
| Virgil Whaley Endowment Scholarship | W. Anthony & Sheri Huff Endowment Scholarship | William Ledgerwood Endowment Scholarship |
| Willis B. Simpson Endowment Scholarship | Winsett-Riggle Memorial Endowment Scholarship | Wm. C. & Edythe Dearing Scholarship Fund |
| Wm. P. & May Cockrum Dearing Scholarship Fund | Dr. Ray and Beth Barber Endowment Scholarship | |