Oral Roberts University - Perihelion Yearbook (Tulsa, OK)

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Once a lonely cow pasture, the campus of Oral Roberts University now stands as a witness to the world of the power of prayer and seed faith. ORU represents the realization of a dream, and what was once a dream is now reality -- the buildings, the faculty, administration, students, and curriculum - the fulfillment of 30 years of waiting and hoping of one man, Oral Roberts. In 1962, the realization of this vision began when land was bought from an oil family and the founda- tions were laid for the first buildings. It was a step of faith because there was no money, no students, no faculty, and few believed it could be done. But those with faith kept praying and believing, and one by one the buildings went up. The first building constructed on campus was Shakarian Hall, a student residence hall, it was soon followed by Braxton Hall, another dorm, and Timko-Barton Hall, containing classrooms and an auditorium. The six-story, ultra-modern Leaming Resources Center came next, the heartbeat of academic life, the LRC has been called by the Ford Foundation, . . . one of the most creative facilities on the American campus today. In the center of the campus the 200-foot Prayer Tower was erected, serv- ing as an inspiration for prayer and a focal point of campus life. On November 27, 1962, the official charter of Oral Roberts University was presented to President Roberts and the Board of Regents. Thousands around the world contributed their time, prayers, and gifts toward the construction of the University, and in October 1965, 300 partners who were directly instrumental of the Learning Re- sources Center joined in a Gideon march to light the Eternal Flame and dedicate the new facility to the education of the whole man. 2 'WX 'x Once a lonely cowpasture . . . Leaming Resources Center

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September 7, 1965 dawned as a day of triumph in the welcoming of the first freshman class of 300 to Oral Roberts University. It was an exciting day, both for the eager students who came from across the United States to attend this new college, and for its president, Oral Roberts, who was witnessing his dream coming true. Dedication day dawned on April 2, 1967, as more than 18,000 people came from all over the United States and from other coun- tries to witness the event. Numbered in the crowd were many of Oral Roberts life-long friends and partners, distinguis ed educators, congressmen, the governor, the mayor, and a large de- legation of religious officials. Oklahoma weather lived up to its reputation and produced a typically windy day for the occasion. The guest speaker was Dr. Billy Graham, the well-known evangelist, and a close friend of President Roberts. In his dedicat- ory address, he admonished, This institution was built by the prayers and dedication and money of men and women who love God, who believe the Gospel, and who believe the Bible is the Word of God. Let the Regents, the faculty and the students be sure that they understand the purpose and objectives of ORU. Many a school that was forged in the flames, exists today in smoke. May ORU produce a holy enthusiasm for the will of God. I propose that you determine today to keep a personal relationship between fac- ulty and students. Secondly, I pro ose that you determine this day to keep the faith of those wqmo founded this institution. Thirdly, I propose that you determine this day to develop strong minds and bodies and high moral standards. Fourthly, I propose that you determine this day to keep an emphasis on evangelism. To this end we dedicate ORU. 4 ,Thug