It is a time like no other. Years of studying, classes, all-nighters, papers, and projects have culminated in this one glorious moment. Graduation!
On May 5th, 671 graduates marched into the Mabee Center. As the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” swelled to a crescendo, the graduates stood tall and proud. Excited screams and yells from family and friends rang through the auditorium, defining this very moment. Certainly, the 2007 ORU graduation will be burned into the memory of all those present.
From the Heart of the Chancellor
The ceremony began with a special video from Chancellor Oral Roberts. With the heart of a father, he addressed the students: “Something good is going to happen to you! I greet you today from my heart. I believe in you. I pray for you every day of my life. And I have a love for you that I really can’t express. I feel like you’re in my heart and in my arms.
“I’m praying that today will be the first day of the rest of your life, as you go into every man’s world, as you hear God’s voice and go where God’s light is dim, His voice is heard small, His power is not known, even to the uttermost bounds of the earth. Your work is exceeding mine, and in that God is well pleased. I’m so pleased with you. Greater is He that’s in you than he that is in the world!”
After commencement speaker and former ORU student Joel Osteen—pastor of the largest church in America and New York Times’ best-selling author—challenged the students to leave their mark on future generations (Editor’s Note: see Joel’s article on page 8), it was time for the graduates to receive their long-awaited and much-deserved diplomas. One by one, these students reaped the rewards of their labors.
The President’s Charge
Faces—some giddy with delight, some tear-stained with emotion—turned attentively to President Roberts as he began his charge to the new graduates. “Stay under the authority of God,” he instructed. “He alone is your Source. Keep an excellent spirit. Use your faith, for it is fireproof. Praise Him in all you do. When the praise goes up, the walls come down. Finally, know that God wants you to be prosperous and in health. He wants you well.
“I am about to burst because I am so proud of every one of you. I charge you to live for God, and He will do great things in your life!”
Student Response: We’ve Only Just Begun!
Before the ceremony ended, Pastoral Christian Ministry graduate Pradaeepan X. Jeevamanoharan gave the official student response. Basing his words on 2 Timothy 4:7, he encouraged his fellow students to continue to run their race. “We have finished the race of getting a degree, but I want to remind you, we were not sent to ORU simply to get a degree. We were sent here to go into every person’s world and proclaim the Gospel. No matter how hard things get, we must run the race to win, and finish it. The world is waiting for our message.”
A New World Awaits
The ceremony concluded with a benediction from First Lady Lindsay Roberts. “Lord, guide, guard, and protect them. Go with them. Put Your Spirit in them and on them. Protect them from sin, harm, and danger. Thank You for imparting into us everything we need to be Your servants and to glorify You.”
As the music began, the graduation party marched out into the arms of waiting friends and loved ones. With ORU behind and a new world open to them, these graduates are ready to make history…by leaving their mark on the future.