Each year, the Research Council hosts a fundraising event that brings together elected officials, corporate executives, and community leaders to recognize the importance of our work and honor an outstanding Michigan leader.

This year, Citizens Research Council is delighted to honor Dr. Ora Pescovitz, President of Oakland University, with the prestigious Eugene A. Gargaro Public Service Award in recognition of her public service and commitment to civic engagement.

About Dr. Ora Pescovitz

Dr. Pescovitz, M.D., has more than 30 years of experience leading positive change in academic health centers and universities, as well as delivering innovations in bench-to-bedside discovery and facilitating collaborations between academic and community partners.

A renowned pediatric endocrinologist and researcher who holds the prestigious honor of being elected to the National Academy of Medicine, Dr. Pescovitz has published more than 190 papers and books. She is a sought-after speaker on a range of topics, including healthcare, leadership, diversity, and women’s issues.

Prior to her appointment at Oakland, Dr. Pescovitz served as Senior Vice President and U.S. Medical Leader for Eli Lilly and Company. She was also Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs at the University of Michigan and Chief Executive Officer for the University of Michigan Health System. Before this Dr. Pescovitz was President and CEO at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, a position that followed numerous academic and administrative positions at Indiana University.

Throughout her career, Dr. Pescovitz has served on numerous boards and committees focusing on human health, education, the arts, and more. She has also won scores of honors and awards at regional, state and national levels.

The Citizens Research Council was additionally thrilled to recently learn that Dr. Pescovitz was selected by The Detroit News as one of just 10 prestigious “2023 Michiganians of the Year”. We congratulate Dr. Pescovitz for this incredible honor.

Panel Discussion on Higher Education

Following recognition of Dr. Pescovitz, we will invite a panel of higher education experts to discuss the Importance, Opportunities, and Challenges of Providing Higher Education in Michigan in the 21st Century.

Panelists:

• Dr. Rose Bellanca, Washtenaw Community College
• Dr. Ora Pescovitz, Oakland University
• Dr. Bill Pink, Ferris State University
• Dr. Donald Taylor, University of Detroit Mercy

Sponsorship Opportunities

You are invited to join us as a sponsor of our annual Policy Dinner, an important fundraising event for our organization. 

Your sponsorship helps us continue our research initiatives, reach a broader audience, and foster additional collaborations with key stakeholders. Together we can tackle the challenges facing our great state and ensure that policymakers and decision-makers have access to accurate and comprehensive data-driven insights.

Please take a moment to review sponsorship packages here, outlining the various support levels available. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this opportunity further, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.

At the Research Council, we believe a think tank cannot run on fumes alone. If you appreciate or use the research we’ve already produced, just think of what we could accomplish on a full tank!

About Us

Facts matter. We hear that now more than ever before, but for over 107 years, it has been the North Star of the Citizens Research Council. We are dedicated to securing a responsible, accountable, and representative government for the citizens of Michigan. We strive to be the trusted source of fact-based, non-biased research provided without spin. During times of crisis, when there is no time for partisan games, we recognize the importance of ensuring citizens can be truthfully informed.

Founded in 1916, the Citizens Research Council of Michigan 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, including the assessment of both intended and unintended consequences of public policy, the Research Council aims to ensure sound and rational public policy formation in Michigan.

When the dust settles, the Citizens Research Council will be here to keep a critical eye on our elected leaders and public policy makers to ensure their policies are efficient, cost effective and thoughtful for Michigan’s citizens.