Honoring Our Legacy. Empowering Their Future.
We hope you’re doing great and staying full of faith. The OU’86 Reunion Planning Committee is honored to extend an invitation that is both meaningful and transformative.
As alumni, entrepreneurs, innovators, and community builders, we carry forward a legacy shaped on the grounds of Oakwood University. Today, we are stepping into a new chapter of that legacy by opening doors for the next generation.
Beginning in August 2027, we will award our first set of scholarships through the OU’86 Scholarship Endowment—four scholarships per year, each valued at $500 and awarded each spring. These scholarships are designed to support students with both demonstrated financial need and extraordinary potential.
But together, we are dreaming even bigger.
Launching the Class of 1986 Endowment
To secure scholarships for generations to come, we are establishing the Class of 1986 Scholarship Endowment to raise $40,000.
40 Years | $40K | 4 the Future
Because Someone Invested in Us
This permanent endowment will enable us to support Oakwood University students for generations to come—creating a lasting legacy of love, leadership, and opportunity. Our goal is within reach if 100 members each contribute $400, with payments made through three monthly gifts of $133.33.
If you are moved to give more than this amount, your generosity will help ensure we reach—and exceed—our goal. Contributions are encouraged on January 15, February 15, and March 15.
We also invite you to engage your frequented businesses, employer, or corporate partners to join us in this meaningful effort. To support your outreach, please download and share the enclosed letter with potential contributors.
Together, we can secure a future that reflects the investment once made in us.
Checks for the Endowment may be made payable to:
Oakwood University
Memo: Class 86 Endowment
7000 Adventist Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35806
Corporate Matching Contact
Diane Cheddar
dcheddar@oakwood.edu
Office of University Advancement
7000 Adventist Boulevard
Huntsville, AL 35806
This is our moment to plant seeds that will outlive us—and we warmly invite you to stand with us in this vital work.
Ways You Can Support
We recognize that each partner contributes differently, so we offer a variety of ways to get involved:
Corporate Matching / Donations
a. One-Time Giving (choose “One-Time”): Support the Class of ’86 Scholarship Endowment through a single contribution or a multi-year pledge that sustains scholarships for future Oakwood University students.
b. Flexible Three-Month (choose “Monthly”): Contribute through three convenient monthly gifts of $133.33 (January 15, February 15, and March 15), totaling $400.
Gala Tickets and Tables
a. Tickets: $250
b. Tables: $2,000 (eight guests)
Sponsorships for the 40th Reunion
This keepsake publication will celebrate our mission and showcase our supporters.
- $2,500 – Presenting Sponsor
- $2,000 – Platinum Sponsor
- $1,500 – Gold Sponsor (Color)
- $1,000 – Gold Sponsor (B/W)
- $750 – Silver Sponsor (Color)
- $500 – Silver Sponsor (B/W)
- $400 – Bronze Sponsor (Color)
- $250 – Bronze Sponsor (B/W)
- $175 – Business Supporter (Color)
- $125 – Business Supporter (B/W)
- $50 – Patron Listing
NOTE: All logos must be high resolution and submitted by the sponsorship deadline of March 1, 2026
How to Give
To ensure your generous support is appropriately recorded and acknowledged, please complete our brief giving form at www.ouclass86.com/give
Corporate Swag & In-Kind Donations
We would also welcome branded items (notebooks, pens, bags, apparel, etc.) for distribution to students during scholarship ceremonies and campus events.
Recognition & Visibility
Sponsors and supporters are recognized based on their sponsorship level, with visibility across the reunion website, registration pages, event signage, on-screen displays, and program acknowledgments. Recognition may also include inclusion in campaign emails, verbal acknowledgments during events, and acknowledgment during scholarship award presentations—highlighting each partner’s commitment to education and community.
Please confirm your support no later than March 1, 2026. Your partnership will make a lasting difference by ensuring deserving students have access to life-changing opportunities at Oakwood University.
Join Us in Investing in the Future
Please confirm your support by March 1, 2026.
Your contribution is more than a donation—it is an investment in future leaders, in hope, and in the transformative Oakwood legacy we share.
Together, we can build something extraordinary.
Together, we can ensure that future Oakwood University students have the resources to rise, excel, and lead.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to partner with us. We look forward to celebrating the impact we will make—together.