ORU's Phase II Expansion Receives $3 Million Donation from Daystar Television for New Dining Hall

New Dining Hall will be Named in Honor of Daystar Television Network

Tulsa, OK, April 15, 2024 - Oral Roberts University (ORU) announces a transformative gift of $3 million from Daystar Television Network earmarked for the construction of a new dining hall. The state-of-the-art facility is in the final phases of design and will provide an inviting ambiance for ORU students, faculty, and staff. The infusion of funds from Daystar will allow for a creative experience, including gourmet dining stations, a variety of retail food options, an all-you-can-eat food court, and exponential accommodation capacity.

"We're making plans for the vibrant growing future of ORU," said ORU President Dr. William M. Wilson, "and we're really excited by the progress of our campus. We're at an all-time record enrollment, and this significant gift from our Daystar friends will provide our growing student body with a welcoming space for dining and community. We pledge to honor the legacy of Marcus Lamb, and our Daystar partnership in our shared commitment to faith, education, and global impact."

The new dining hall will be designed with a seating capacity of over 700 inside and more than 150 seats on the veranda and courtyard outside. Popular retail food concepts such as Chick-fil-A and a coffee/smoothie shop will also be incorporated. This new construction is part of Phase II of the Whole Leaders for the Whole World Campaign. Along with the new dining hall, Phase II will also include two new residence halls, residence hall renovations, and funding for ORU's Quest Whole Leader Scholarships.

Joni Lamb, co-founder of Daystar Television Network stated, "This gift is in honor of the life and legacy of Marcus Lamb, the founder of the Daystar Television Network." As part of the naming, Daystar founder Marcus Lamb will be posthumously honored with a plaque inside the building.

ORU's Phase II expansion follows the addition of several new buildings to campus, including the Welcome Center, Mike Carter Athletic Center, J.D. McKean Library, and (opening soon) the Peggy V. Helmerich Media Arts Center. These additions, along with the Phase II expansion, will meet the needs of ORU's rapidly growing enrollment. Last fall, ORU's student body grew for the 15th consecutive year, reaching historical markers of over 6,000 students and the largest-ever freshman class. In addition, ORU continues to expand its global footprint with students from all 50 states and 152 nations over the last four years.

Mike Carter, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, stated, "This donation from Daystar is a big step forward in ORU's Phase II campaign. Through the generosity of our alumni and supporters, ORU's historic expansion has been accomplished without debt. This includes not only our four new buildings but also the renovation of the Fenimore & Fisher College of Business and the recently opened Biological Sciences Center."

A long-time supporter of ORU, Daystar Television Network is an award-winning, faith-based network dedicated to spreading the Gospel 24 hours a day, seven days a week - all around the globe, through all media formats. As an employer, Daystar provides ORU graduates with opportunities in the fields of television, computer and mathematics, and counseling. Recently, the ORU Board of Trustees recognized Daystar for its commitment to ORU's educational focus on "spirit, mind, and body" and its support and promotion of ORU and its Kingdom initiatives.

For more information on the Whole Leaders for the Whole World campaign, please click here.

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.