Contact: Carissa Bratschun, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications, Oral Roberts University, 918-495-7337

TULSA, Okla., Oct. 20, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- Oral Roberts University (ORU) is celebrating 50 years of building Holy Spirit-empowered leaders. The University, which opened in 1965, began with a call from God: "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."

This founding vision has been the driving force behind what is regarded as one of the premier Spirit-empowered universities in the world.

"Our 50th Anniversary celebration finds us dreaming once again," said ORU President William M. Wilson. "The world needs ORU now more than it did 50 years ago. Our exceptional academic experience in an atmosphere of spiritual integrity and intensity has positioned us for significant global impact. The potential before us is amazing. Looking beyond the horizon into the next 50 years, I am confident that the best is yet to come!"

The University is currently operating from a position of strength, with no long-term debt and no deficit. Since 2008, more than $100 million has been spent on campus improvements and the University has experienced seven consecutive years of enrollment growth with the largest increase yet this fall.

"At this historic milestone we remain committed to the values that have made ORU great," said Wilson. "Whole Person Education, instructional excellence, the work of the Holy Spirit, the authority of God's word, global connectivity and a supportive, loving, joyful campus."

ORU is home to students from every state in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, and 86 nations around the world. The University recently opened an International Center on campus that is overflowing with record numbers of international students. ORU Online, utilizing a proprietary student portal, saw a 108 percent increase in enrollment during 2015.

Additionally, the University has launched a new, state-of-the-art digitally integrative learning platform, known as OneCampus. This innovative platform will open up new opportunities for anyone in the world, anywhere in the world to experience ORU's Whole Person Education. OneCampus is delivering on the promise that every global citizen can be connected to the Tulsa campus experience through digitally streamed bi-directional content.

The University has also launched a 50th Anniversary Campaign: "To the Uttermost Bounds of the Earth." The campaign's three components—Globalization of Whole Person Education, Quest Whole Person Scholarship, and an enhanced physical campus —have inspired alumni and friends to commit more than $40 million toward the campaign goal of $50 million thus far. Additionally, the campaign is making significant progress toward a goal of $20 million in deferred gifts to strengthen the University's endowment.

Through this Campaign, the ORU Global Learning Center will open debt free in mid 2016 featuring 11 new interactive integrative classroom spaces, new offices, a new video recording studio, a 700 seat performance hall and a state-of-the-art virtual/augmented reality room. The Center will serve as the central hub for OneCampus and other new digital academic initiatives.

The 50th Anniversary Campaign will allow the University to build its first-ever track and field facility and replace the existing tennis courts with a Tennis Center that features state-of-the-art surfaces, fences and lighting. Additionally an apartment-style residence is planned for upperclassmen.

As the University celebrates its 50th Anniversary, Wilson is looking forward to a bright future. 

"While we celebrate the accomplishments of the past, we are most excited to see what God has in store for the 21st century," said Wilson. "I am honored to serve at an institution that is empowering tomorrow's leaders. Our remarkable students will make significant contributions to society and a tangible difference for Christ in the world."

The University will be celebrating during a 50th Anniversary Global Celebration Week, October 19-24, 2015. Numerous events will occur throughout the week including the opening of a new legacy exhibit in the base of the world-recognized Prayer Tower, an academic lecture series, a special service featuring Reinhard Bonnke, a Gala featuring speakers Will and Gigi Graham and performer Sandi Patty, the Ultimate 5K Arena Challenge, as well as a parade. The week will climax with a once-in-a-lifetime concert with Planetshakers from Australia in the ORU J.L Johnson Baseball Stadium and a fireworks display.

For more information about ORU's 50th Anniversary, visit www.oru.edu/50.

About Oral Roberts University
Oral Roberts University (ORU) is a world-renowned Christian university located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Founded in 1963, ORU serves students from 50 states and more than 80 countries, representing over 40 denominations. ORU offers more than 70 undergraduate majors, 12 master’s programs and two doctoral degrees, plus NCAA Division I athletics. For more information on ORU, visit www.oru.edu.