Each Spring, the School of Music, Theatre and Dance recognizes distinguished students, alumni and community members with MaTilDa Awards. The MaTilDas honor the legacy of Matilda Dodge Wilson, who donated the land on which Oakland University is built and who was an ardent supporter of the arts. 

Awards are given multiple categories including:

• Distinguished Dance
• Outstanding Student Choreographer
• Distinguished Musicianship
• Outstanding Student in Performance (multiple areas)
• Outstanding Student in a Degree Program (multiple areas)
• Chamber Music Performance
• Concerto and Aria Competition
• Collaborative Piano
• Piano Ensemble
• Acting
• Theatre Design and Technology
• Music Theatre
• Social Justice
• MTD Interdisciplinary Achievement
• Student Service (multiple departments)
• Distinguished Community Service 
• Alumni Achievement

The MaTilDas are supported by the Matilda R. Wilson Recognition Event Endowment.