a student newspaper of the university of tulsa
november 18, 2013 issue 11 ~ volume 99
A Hall of Mirrors, the World’s Largest Praying Hands and a Flame-Capped Tower: Getting to Know ORU
So, the Mayor’s Cup got us thinking: how much do we really know about our neighbor at 81st and Lewis? ORU’s sixty-foot statue is the largest pair of praying hands in the world. “Praying Hands” is but one of many oddities awaiting visitors to ORU’s campus.
Fraser Kastner Olivia Blankenship Staff Writers
T
he campus of Oral Roberts University is not easy to miss. Anyone who has ever been in South Tulsa will recognize the unique, futuristic architecture and the sixtyfoot-tall praying hands of the world-famous Christian college. Many of TU’s students know ORU, located at 7777 S. Lewis Ave., as our rival in basketball. However, the nature of campus life at ORU remains a mystery to many. In the spirit of discovery, myself and fellow Collegian staff writer Olivia Blankenship took the long drive into the wilds of South Tulsa to tour ORU’s campus and spoke with some of its students. ORU was founded in 1963 and accredited by the Higher
Learning Commission in 1971. The story behind the University’s foundation is almost more remarkable than the man who founded it. Roberts claimed to have received a message from God telling him to found a university to further God’s work on earth. Roberts claimed that God told him, “Raise up your students to hear My voice, to go where My light is dim, where My voice is heard small, and My healing power is not known, even to the uttermost bounds of the earth. Their work will exceed yours, and in this I am well pleased.” These words are hung in large brass letters from the balcony of Christ’s Chapel. Before Oral Roberts founded the University that now bears his name, he made a name for himself as a travelling preacher, televangelist and faith healer. He was also well known for his adherence to the prosperity gospel, a belief that God wills that Christians be wealthy and prosperous.
Reading Partners Reading can change a child’s life! Become a True Blue Neighbors Reading Partner at Kendall-Whittier Elementary, commit to one hour a week and a 45 minute training session and you can be the catalyst to launch a child’s education to a higher level. Time slots are still available. Springdale Elementary Starting November 5, 2013, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., Springdale Elementary School is needing volunteers to assist with child care and reading buddies during ESL and Parenting classes. This is a once a week class and runs through May.
This belief led to some accusations that Roberts was using his ministry to become wealthy. Although no formal allegations ever stuck, Roberts was known for a lavish lifestyle, and in 2007, his son Richard was forced to resign his position as head of ORU amidst allegations of misusing university funds after the school went into debt. To get out of debt, the school accepted $70 million from the Green family, founders of Hobby Lobby and Mardel Christian and Education Stores, Inc., and installed a new board of directors, appointed by the Green family with Mart Green as chairman. Our tour of ORU began in the Graduate Center, a large multi-purpose building with lounges for students, classrooms and the campus library. Students milled about, walking to and from classes. In the center of the round common area we noticed a spiral staircase leading up five
See ORU page 10
Habitat for Humanity Habitat needs volunteers to finish up their fall builds. The shifts run from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. or 12:30 – 4 p.m., and dates are November 9, 16, 23 & 30, December 7, 14 & 21 Lunch Room Monitor Kendall-Whittier needs lunch room monitors on Fridays. This is only for 30 minutes from 10:45 – 12:45. A background check is required.
For additional information on volunteer opportunities, contact Kathy Shelton in the True Blue Neighbor Volunteer Center at kathy-shelton@utulsa.edu or call 918-631-3535.