Higher Education Challenges and Opportunities Take Center Stage at Annual Citizens Research Council Public Policy Dinner
Event honored Oakland U. President; Noted Population Research
Plymouth, MI – The Citizens Research Council of Michigan today held its annual Public Policy Dinner where it presented the Eugene A. Gargaro, Jr. Public Service Award to Oakland University President Dr. Ora Pescovitz in recognition of her public service and commitment to civic engagement.
“We began this year, our 107th year of operations, with the release of major research on the costs of higher education in Michigan (Out of Reach: Examining the Price of Higher Education in Michigan)” said Eric Lupher, president of the Citizens Research Council. “And the many challenging issues and opportunities facing higher education and Michigan’s institutions of higher learning have been the topic of discussion ever since.
“Ora is leading by example as the President of Oakland University, leading the school’s efforts to increasing academic success, scholarship, and community engagement particularly by championing the university's civic engagement and civility initiatives on diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability.”
The event featured a thought-provoking panel discussion on the challenges and opportunities ahead for Michigan’s higher education institutions. In addition to Dr. Pescovitz, the panel included Dr. Rose Bellanca, president of Washtenaw Community College, Dr. Bill Pink, president of Ferris State University, and Dr. Donald Taylor, president of the University of Detroit Mercy. It was moderated by Chuck Stokes of WXYZ-TV/Channel 7.
Lupher recognized and thanked the many generous sponsors of the Policy Dinner, including keynote/panel sponsors DTE, the DTE Foundation and the William Davidson Foundation, as well as other key sponsors: Corewell Health, Priority Health, Kelly, Schostak Family Enterprises and the Richard and Jane Manoogian Foundation.
“We are extremely grateful. Without you, our independent, data-driven work would not be possible. We know that ‘Facts Matter’ is not just a hashtag to you. It is the foundation of everything we all do.”
The evening also included a short review of 2023 Research Council highlights, including the widely covered five-part research series on Michigan’s Prosperous Future, which prompted Governor Whitmer to create the Growing Michigan Together Council.
Click here for more information on all public policy research and blogs released by the Research Council: www.crcmich.org and follow us on social media @crcmich.
Founded in 1916, the Citizens Research Council of Michigan works to improve government in Michigan. The organization provides factual, unbiased, independent information concerning significant issues of state and local government organization, policy, and finance. By delivery of this information to policymakers and citizens, the Research Council aims to ensure sound and rational public policy formation in Michigan. For more information, visit www.crcmich.org
###
