Oakland University has received its largest individual donation in the school’s history — a total of $21 million — from Stephan Sharf, according to an email sent out by OU President Gary Russi.

Sharf, who has previously donated to OU in the past, is a retired Chrysler executive. His past donations include $2 million for the R&S Sharf Golf Course in 2000, $4 million for the William Beaumont School of Medicine in 2010 and $4 million for a new three-story clubhouse for the two campus golf courses in 2011.

The donation will be split up and used in various areas of the university — the School of Engineering and Computer Science, the OU William Beaumont School of Medicine, the OU Women’s Golf Team and for planned and cash gifts for campus operational and capital needs.

Russi notified faculty and staff members about the donation Sunday afternoon in an email.

“The gift is testament to the hard work our students, faculty and staff have put in to make Oakland University a first-choice destination with a rapidly growing reputation as one of the best universities in the region,” Russi said. “It’s an investment in Oakland University’s future. This kind of positive reinforcement that our mission is valued really makes an affirmative statement in the community and the state that Oakland University has an integral role in educating Michigan’s future leaders.”

Read Russi’s e-mail in full:

Colleagues,

Over the weekend, I shared with you the exciting news that we had received the largest combination cash and planned gift from an individual in the university’s history. Now I’m pleased to share with you today that the gift comes from long-time benefactor and friend of the university, Stephan Sharf.

Mr. Sharf has been among the most generous donors Oakland University has had the good fortune to know, and his long legacy of gifts has touched just about every area of the university. Mr. Sharf’s generosity and love of Oakland University knows no bounds.

But Mr. Sharf has always been more than just a friend of the university. Over the years, he has contributed to the success of Oakland in a variety of meaningful ways, including serving as a member of the Board of Trustees, as former director of the OU Foundation, as a former member of the President’s Campaign Council and as a member of the SECS Advisory Board. He is also the recipient of an honorary doctorate degree of science from Oakland University.

Mr. Sharf’s gift amounts to $21 million and is dedicated to enhancing the academic experience Oakland University students receive. A $14 million planned portion of the gift will be directed to the School of Engineering and Computer Science, the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, and the OU Women’s Golf Team for priorities such as scholarships, research funds and endowed discretionary funds. The remaining $7 million in planned and cash gifts will be directed to campus operational and capital needs.

Mr. Sharf’s gift will have a positive impact on the lives of countless students and faculty in the years ahead. As I said in my previous message, Mr. Sharf’s gift not only represents tremendous generosity, but also is a fine testament to the important work all of us are doing to provide a high quality education for our students.

Steve Sharf’s abiding friendship and generosity – combined with his love for Oakland University students, faculty and staff – will leave a lasting impression on our university in perpetuity. We are grateful for Mr. Sharf’s kind beneficence.

Sincerely,

Gary