The Family that Graduates Together Changes the World Together

For most, graduating college is an individual accomplishment. For Elizabeth Montealegre and her daughters Alyssa Arroyos and Ana Montealegre, graduating from Oral Roberts University (ORU) is a family accomplishment. As members of the Class of 2024, Elizabeth, Alyssa, and Ana will celebrate graduation together.

As a family, this journey began when Alyssa enrolled at ORU. Ana followed in her big sister's footsteps, and eventually, their mom, Elizabeth, joined them online. Their collective passion for ORU and its Spirit-empowered education mirrored their shared values, uniting them in pursuing academic and spiritual growth.

When asked about their ORU journey, here's what they shared:

Why did you choose ORU?

Elizabeth: When my daughter Alyssa showed interest in attending ORU, we visited as a family, and there was an instant sense of "home" when we arrived. My first goal as their mother was to raise my kids to be strong, independent women who put God first. I am passionate about ORU and its commitment to the whole person. My husband and I care deeply about this University and are grateful for the impact it made on our family.

Alyssa: ORU is set apart from any other institution. The University focuses on creating and making Spirit-empowered leaders spiritually, mentally, and physically! ORU felt like home. I knew that ORU was the place for me when I first visited the campus on Quest weekend.

Ana: My older sister, Alyssa, introduced me to ORU. I remember traveling to Tulsa in junior high and saying to myself, "I want to come here!" Before I graduated high school, I went on a Quest weekend and knew ORU was the place for me!

What was unique or special about attending college together/as a family?

Elizabeth: While Alyssa's beginnings at ORU were challenging, she trusted the Lord as she pushed forward. Ana has remained focused on being God-centered in her relationships; her college experience has been a source of pride, watching her grow from a young woman to a whole person pursuing God's plans for her future.

I transferred to ORU online during my second year of college. I recall informing my family that I had enrolled with ORU online; we all chuckled since we realized mom and daughters were all going to the same school "all at once." Our job trajectories were very varied, but one thing we all had in common was our passion for ORU! It has been a delight for us to take this path together: body, mind, and spirit.

Alyssa: Attending college as a family brought unity and support from experiencing this journey together. We were able to motivate and encourage each other through the challenges and triumphs we faced. Together, we could share our different perspectives and experiences to enrich as we pursued our own individual studies.

Ana: My Mom and I had some of the same classes, which I found pretty cool. Sharing our thoughts on lectures is one of my favorite things to do with my Mom!

Why was Spirit-empowered education important to your college choice?

Elizabeth: I wanted a learning environment that provided academic excellence and nurtured my spiritual growth and relationship with God. A Spirit-empowered education would help me develop a deeper understanding of my faith, encourage me to live out my beliefs practically, and equip me to influence the world positively. Additionally, I valued the community aspect of Spirit-empowered education, where I could learn alongside like-minded individuals who shared similar values and beliefs.

Alyssa: ORU's emphasis on Spirit-empowered education gave me a strong foundation for personal and professional growth. It helped deepen my understanding of my faith and equipped me with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of an ever-changing world.

Ana: I grew up in a Christian household, so I wanted to be surrounded by people who love the Lord and are seeking after Him. I also love that my professors incorporated faith and God in their lectures.

As a graduate, what is your biggest "takeaway" from your time at ORU?

Elizabeth: As a graduate of ORU, my biggest takeaway is a combination of academic and personal growth experiences. ORU's emphasis on whole-person education, integrating faith, learning, and living, profoundly impacted my worldview, values, and character. The University's commitment to academic excellence and spiritual development shaped my approach to learning and understanding the world around me. My time at ORU equipped me with a strong foundation that has influenced my professional and personal life after graduation.

Alyssa: As a graduate of the ORU master's program, my biggest takeaway has been the transformative power of faith-based education, which has shaped me not only in my mind but also in my heart and spirit. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had at ORU to grow academically, spiritually, and personally. I will carry these lessons with me as I embark on new adventures post-graduation. The best is yet to come!

Ana: My main lesson from ORU is perseverance. I learned to face challenges head-on, whether in academics or managing my time effectively. This experience taught me to stay determined and focused on my goals, which will be valuable in my future endeavors.

Elizabeth, Alyssa, and Ana: Thanks to ORU, we are ready to change the world!

UNIVERSITY BRIEF

ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 15 years of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor's level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 152 nations in the last four years to be whole leaders for the whole world.

The Wall Street Journal ranked ORU as the #8 university in the nation for student experience and one of America's Best Colleges (2024). This new category rates the best colleges in the U.S. to have a great experience while attending. This ranking is powered by one of the largest ever independent surveys of verified college students and recent graduates in the United States. Niche recognizes ORU as one of the top 25 most diverse colleges in America, # 1 best Christian college in Oklahoma, and # 1 in Oklahoma for diversity. Princeton Review ranked ORU as the best regional college, and College Raptor ranked ORU as a Hidden Gem in the Southwest.

ORU has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as:

• #1 in Undergraduate Teaching
• #2 in Most International Students
• #3 in Best Value
• #6 in Best College for Veterans
• #7 in Best Regional Colleges in the West

For more information, visit www.oru.edu.