ORU video captures the world's attention, reflecting campus unity through praise and worship

NEWS PROVIDED BY
Oral Roberts University
May 15, 2024

TULSA, Okla., May 15, 2024 /Standard Newswire/ -- In less than a week, over 8 million people have viewed Oral Roberts University's (ORU) Instagram reel showcasing the 2024 Commencement ceremony. The clip highlights ORU's graduating class and their passionate unity, singing "Goodness of God" by CeCe Winans. The viral moment is a contrast to the protests, canceled graduations, and campus unrest facing many U.S. colleges. It is a reminder that division isn't everywhere. In America, unity can still be found.

"This video and the global response to it are testaments to the Spirit-empowered culture at our University," said ORU President Dr. William M. Wilson. "Our graduates receive an education that is both academically excellent and spiritually enriching. The fact that our Commencement worship resonated with millions shows that faith is important to the world. People want to experience God's love, and they are seeking peace in the midst of drama and trauma. To God be the glory!"

The Class of 2024 was the largest graduating class in the University's history, with 925 degree candidates. ORU senior Alexis Franklin was at this year's record-breaking graduation and captured the viral moment.

"That song represents so many stories at ORU," said Alexis. "The lyrics encompass all the emotions of someone who has finished their degree. The Class of 2024 made it to the finish line, and this moment was like capturing everybody's 'thank you' to God."

ORU's Spirit-empowered campus cultivates a culture of unity in the daily lives of students. At ORU, unity is built on faith, prayer, and worship. Students who pursue a degree at ORU experience prayer inside and outside the classroom, and worship unifies the community.

Kimmie Simon, the Director of ORU's Worship Center, shared how worship can heal division: "Even though we come from different walks of life, different seasons, and different places, we can worship the same God in spirit and truth. Worship is a powerful change agent that brings us closer to Jesus and closer as members of the Body of Christ. Worship is not only a part of who we are at ORU; it's who we are as believers."

In the last academic year, ORU recorded over 6,500 students and welcomed the largest freshman class in the University's history. With enrollment growth increasing for the 15th consecutive year, students from all over the world (152 nations and all 50 states) continue to choose ORU, a place where they can grow both academically and spiritually.

Bold worship is one of the reasons why an ORU education is unlike any other.

For more information on ORU's rapidly growing campus, please visit www.oru.edu.

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.

SOURCE Oral Roberts University

CONTACT: Charles Scott, 918-495-6228, cscott@oru.edu