57th Commencement: The Largest Graduating Class in the University's History

Tulsa, Oklahoma, May 6, 2024-Oral Roberts University (ORU) held its 2024 Commencement on May 4th. With 925 degree candidates, this year's graduating class reflects the recurring record growth at ORU. The University's student body has increased every year for the last 15 years. In the last academic year, ORU recorded over 6,500 students and welcomed the largest freshman class in the University's history.

As part of the Commencement proceedings, ORU President Dr. William M. Wilson commissioned the graduating class with these words:

"Your educational journey has taken place in a Christian community at the most diverse university in Oklahoma and one of the most diverse in the United States, with students from over 150 nations attending ORU while you have been a student. Through it all, you have been equipped to make your unique contribution and change the world.

In a world overwhelmed by deception and darkness, you will rise to take God's light.

In a world that is deafened by a flood of meaningless voices, you will declare God's distinct voice of purpose and hope.

In a world that is sick and broken, you will administer Jesus' healing power.

In a world filled with hatred, you will demonstrate Christ's love.

In a world full of chaos, you will live with internal and eternal peace.

In a world exploding with knowledge, you will demonstrate the wisdom of God.

In a world filled with depression and despair, you will serve with an overflowing joy."

Many in the Class of 2024 began their academic journey in the midst of a global pandemic. ORU students benefitted from the University's world-class faculty, which has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal for its "Student Experience" (Top Ten in America 2024). ORU continues to see strong retention and graduation rates in undergraduate and graduate programs, both residentially and online.

During the event, Dr. Wilson presented the Commencement speaker, Dr. Rick Warren, with the ORU Lifetime Global Achievement Award, which reads:

"In honor of your extraordinary journey, which is a shining light in a dark world, that is unwavering in faith and dedication to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and for your devoted leadership that has touched countless lives. Oral Roberts University presents this Lifetime Global Achievement Award. 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' - Matthew 25:23"

Dr. Warren shared with the class of 2024, "Graduates, the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. We only love because God first loved us. Your marriages, companies, businesses, and ministries will be transformed by love. The more you dwell in the love of God, the more God's anointing and power will dwell on your life. Go into the world to be His witnesses. Love the least loved people. God bless you."

Representing the class of 2024, ORU senior Jasmine Mathews delivered an address to the graduates and those in attendance. As part of her address, Mathews said, "You have reached the end of a chapter, one marked by experiences that set us apart from every other graduating class around the world. As you turn the page from this chapter to the next, remember this: as you have received, freely give .... Class of 2024, what you have learned at this University is not just for you. As you start new jobs, remember that those jobs are your mission field. You have opportunities to serve, love, and heal others with the knowledge you have acquired from your experiences here."

ORU Provost Dr. Kathaleen Reid-Martinez encouraged the graduates with these words, "The diploma presented to these graduates is more than evidence of their intellectual pursuit and personal resilience; it is a reflection of academic and co-curricular commitments embedded within ORU's education and activities. An ORU diploma challenges the graduate to dare to dream a bold vision, it calls upon them to embrace global engagement, and finally-and most importantly- the ORU diploma reflects the lifelong call to spiritual integrity."

Graduating seniors shared their experience at ORU:

"My experience at ORU has been life-changing. I arrived very unsure of myself and worried about what I could accomplish, but I am leaving with confidence and excitement for the future. All the faculty here have been incredibly helpful and committed to setting me up for success. ORU requires students to meet with several different advisors, more than other schools I have attended, because ORU focuses on each student's life while enrolled and post-graduation. ORU does more for its students and provides academic, mental, and spiritual guidance, which builds a sturdy foundation to launch from post-graduation. I am incredibly blessed and grateful to have been given the opportunity to attend ORU." - Cassidy Inbody, Political Science

"ORU has brought much growth in my life. ORU has taught me that God is always there, and He will get the glory in everything, all my accomplishments and failures. I have learned that He is the anchor of my soul. I hope that others will be able to experience the unique and extraordinary opportunity of attending Oral Roberts University. It is a safe place to find wholeness in the mind, body, and spirit. All my professors have been more than teachers. They all carry a guiding fire that can illuminate a light in students' hearts. I am hopeful because ORU is raising up students who will be the next wave of leaders in business, government, education, humanities, and religion. I believe that ORU develops a person, not just a set of skills or philosophy. May the University continue to develop leaders for the future and the generations to come." - Daniel Fang, Masters in Divinity

"The time spent attending Oral Roberts University has changed my life. First and foremost, my relationship with the Lord has blossomed to new heights previously never thought possible, which is the number one reason why I feel like God brought me to ORU. At 46 years old, God has shown me, much like Abraham and Sarah, that we are never too old to be used by Him. My quality of life in all areas has improved since starting at ORU, and the whole person education equated to an entire life transformation, prioritizing the Lord as the center of it all. Thank you, ORU, go Eagles!" - Samuel Fillmore, Finance

"My four years at ORU have been empowering and transformative. I have built incredible friendships, grown in my relationship with the Lord, and learned so much about my chosen profession. I've also come to love education more because of my outstanding professors and hands-on field experience. My experience at ORU has been an incredible blessing and has set me up for a bright future ahead!" - Caryla Brodeur, Education

"I have been extremely happy with my experience at ORU. The professors and community, along with the culture at ORU, create a welcoming environment that fosters excellence and success among its students and graduates. I have enjoyed my time here and look forward to taking what I've learned into the whole world." - Riley Renfroe, Vocal Music Education

"The experience was fantastic! I got the chance to meet amazing professors and classmates, and work with professional equipment, all this while in a Christian environment that pushed us toward excellence."- Renato Sanchez, Cinema, TV, Digital Media

"In a nutshell, it was incredible."- Dennu Titus, Biblical Literature

"My experience at ORU prepared me to expand my professional skills. I am spiritually, mentally, and emotionally prepared to enter the workforce with purpose and calling. My professors, classmates, friends, and family transformed my educational experience. God used my time at ORU to dramatically stretch my leadership skills. I am so thankful for my time at ORU, and I feel fully ready to apply my degree in the workplace." -Elizabeth Grantham, International Business

"I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to be an ORU student. The friends that I have made will be in my life well after I leave. The professors I had are all extremely intelligent, spiritually mature individuals whom I am certain I can contact in the future whenever I need help. I have learned and grown so much, and I am so thankful to be at a university that puts the name of Jesus above all else." - Kathryn Gleason, Marketing

"ORU has been amazing, from the professors to the peers. I've created life-long friendships and connections with people full of wisdom and a passion for their respective fields. I wouldn't change a thing about my decision to come here as I've grown in spirit, mind, and body and am a changed person from when I first set foot on campus." - Kaden Kelley, Accounting

With over five decades of graduating "Whole Leaders for the Whole World," this year marked ORU's 57th commencement. As a globally recognized University, ORU continues to develop Holy Spirit-empowered leaders from all 50 states and 152 nations (in the last four years) to impact the world.

Congratulations to the class of 2024!

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.

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