Eastern Michigan Athletics
EMU Athletics to Launch “The Oak Society”
3/9/2017 3:00:00 PM | General, Eastern Athletic Fund
The Oak Society is named after legendary EMU Baseball Coach Ron Oestrike
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — The Eastern Michigan University Department of Athletics is pleased to announce the launch of a new leadership giving society – The Oak Society. Named after legendary EMU Baseball Coach, University professor and E-Club founder, Ron Oestrike, The Oak Society recognizes those whose philanthropic support will propel EMU Athletics to reach its full potential as the class of the Mid-American Conference.
There are three methods to membership in the Oak Society:
• An active major gift pledge to EMU Athletics of $25,000 or more
• A lifetime giving to EMU Athletics of $100,000 or greater
• A documented legacy of commitment to EMU Athletics
"We are so appreciative to Nancy Oestrike and the entire Oestrike family for allowing us to honor Oak and continue his legacy," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Heather Lyke. "Oak Society members are difference makers for our student-athlete experience and overall pursuit of excellence for EMU Athletics."
Oak Society members will receive:
• Enhanced experience opportunities for select EMU Athletics home contests
• Invitations to special Department of Athletics events
• Opportunities to travel with EMU Athletics teams
• Opportunities for special Mid-American Conference/NCAA events and competitions
• Special recognition for their loyalty and leadership
"The Oak Society presents a special opportunity for us to connect with decades of history at Eastern Michigan University and tell the story of the one-of-a-kind Ron Oestrike," said Associate Athletic Director for Development Dan McLean. "With three methods to membership, we hope to inspire tremendous participation and grow support for EMU student-athletes," added McLean.
Coach Oestrike is one of the most revered people in the history of Eastern Michigan University. Known as "Oak", or "Coach", Oestrike spent virtually his entire adult life devoting his time and effort to making Eastern Michigan University a special place.
A 1954 EMU graduate, Oak earned varsity letters in football and baseball as a student-athlete and went on to become a legendary baseball coach from 1965 to 1987, recording 633 career wins. As a campus professor and coach, Oestrike believed in hard work, a fearless attitude in competition, and the desire to make everyone around him better. For all those traits and more, we are humbled the Oak Society carries his namesake and spirit toward the betterment of EMU.
At inception, The Oak Society notes 35 members. To inquire regarding membership or information on The Oak Society, please contact McLean at 734.487.8236 or dan.mclean@emich.edu.
There are three methods to membership in the Oak Society:
• An active major gift pledge to EMU Athletics of $25,000 or more
• A lifetime giving to EMU Athletics of $100,000 or greater
• A documented legacy of commitment to EMU Athletics
"We are so appreciative to Nancy Oestrike and the entire Oestrike family for allowing us to honor Oak and continue his legacy," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Heather Lyke. "Oak Society members are difference makers for our student-athlete experience and overall pursuit of excellence for EMU Athletics."
Oak Society members will receive:
• Enhanced experience opportunities for select EMU Athletics home contests
• Invitations to special Department of Athletics events
• Opportunities to travel with EMU Athletics teams
• Opportunities for special Mid-American Conference/NCAA events and competitions
• Special recognition for their loyalty and leadership
"The Oak Society presents a special opportunity for us to connect with decades of history at Eastern Michigan University and tell the story of the one-of-a-kind Ron Oestrike," said Associate Athletic Director for Development Dan McLean. "With three methods to membership, we hope to inspire tremendous participation and grow support for EMU student-athletes," added McLean.
Coach Oestrike is one of the most revered people in the history of Eastern Michigan University. Known as "Oak", or "Coach", Oestrike spent virtually his entire adult life devoting his time and effort to making Eastern Michigan University a special place.
A 1954 EMU graduate, Oak earned varsity letters in football and baseball as a student-athlete and went on to become a legendary baseball coach from 1965 to 1987, recording 633 career wins. As a campus professor and coach, Oestrike believed in hard work, a fearless attitude in competition, and the desire to make everyone around him better. For all those traits and more, we are humbled the Oak Society carries his namesake and spirit toward the betterment of EMU.
At inception, The Oak Society notes 35 members. To inquire regarding membership or information on The Oak Society, please contact McLean at 734.487.8236 or dan.mclean@emich.edu.
2025 Football Week 5 Hype vs. Central Michigan
Saturday, September 27
Alumni Achievement Award - Anthony Tomey
Friday, September 26
Eastern in 60 Seconds Part 5,
Tuesday, September 23
New Outdoor Track & Field Facility Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, September 23