email : Webview : OU OFFICIAL: An appreciation of George Preisinger

From the

Office of the President

Thursday, September 10, 2020

Colleagues,

It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the death of George Preisinger, who passed away at the age of 69 on September 4, 2020.

George joined the Oakland University community on August 15, 1979, as the manager of classroom support services, and later served as the assistant vice president for classroom support and instructional technical services until his retirement on August 17, 2018.

During his four decades of service, George became a familiar face to so many of us. On a daily basis we saw the tremendous work he did – often graciously in response to last-minute requests – to help bring OU to its current level of success.

Our colleague and George’s dear friend Tom LeMarbe said, “His commitment to students and the academic division is best evidenced by his tireless efforts to bring the Oakland teaching and learning environment into the 20th-century by outfitting classrooms and laboratories with video and lecture capturing technologies.”

George was a dependable problem solver with no equal. Playing a key role in making the Oakland University Athletics Center one of the most treasured destinations on campus, he was solely responsible for creating the video production, web-streaming, recordings and game-day experience for the athletic department competitions. For his exceptional work, much of it offered on a voluntary basis, the Athletics Department presented him with the George Wibby Award.

Our friend was also an exceptional mentor to the many individuals who worked and learned under his guidance. His long-time friend Peggy Cooke said, “He was proud of the accomplishments of his staff and was very supportive of them for promotion opportunities. He respected and enjoyed working with them.”

Often seen working alongside George, Steve King echoed Peggy's thought. "George's mentorship of me was part of his 'big picture' plan. He knew what I didn't – that I would need the tools and experiences he was sharing to be successful and continue on when he retired." Steve added that his boss and mentor treated everyone he encountered with the same deep level of respect and support, regardless of their position or level of influence.

"One thing after another, he always led by example. I am gratefully indebted to George and (his wife) Sarah and I will miss him dearly."

An avid golfer, George was also a fixture on the Sharf and Katke-Cousins golf courses, where he remarkably scored four holes-in-one. His close friend Bill Rogers, Golf and Managing Director of the Oakland University Golf & Learning Center, said he was impressed by George's commitment to quality and timeliness in his work, but even more so by his innate ability to connect meaningfully with individuals ranging from faculty and administrators to staff, students and University supporters.

"As just one of George's many friends, I will miss his smiling face, but will always remember his wonderful friendship, and especially his exceptionally gracious soul. He is a man that will always be remembered fondly."

Visitation will be held from 3-8 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2020, at Potere-Modetz Funeral Home located at 339 Walnut Boulevard, Rochester, Michigan 48307, (248) 651-8137. A funeral Mass will be prayed at Noon on Monday, September 14, following an 11:30 a.m. visitation at St. Andrew Catholic Church, located at 1400 Inglewood, Rochester, Michigan 48307, (248) 651-7486.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the George Preisinger Scholarship Fund. To view the online obituary and to share your condolences, please visit the Modetz Funeral Homes website.

On behalf of the entire university community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Preisinger family and friends during this very difficult time.

Sincerely,

Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, M.D.
President

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