A recent Instagram reel from Oral Roberts University featuring its 2024 Commencement ceremony has garnered over 8 million views in less than a week.
The video, which showcases the graduating class united in singing “Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans, presents a striking contrast to the turmoil, protests and canceled graduations occurring at numerous colleges across the United States. This moment serves as a poignant reminder that unity is still present in some corners of America.
“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!”
This year’s graduating class was the largest in ORU’s history, with 925 degree candidates. ORU senior Alexis Franklin, who filmed the viral moment, reflected on its significance.
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“That song represents so many stories at ORU,” Franklin said. “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 campus fosters a culture of unity through faith, prayer and worship, which are integral parts of student life. Worship plays a critical role in bringing the community together, both in and out of the classroom.
Kimmie Simon, the Director of ORU’s Worship Center, emphasized the unifying power of worship: “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.”
Over the past academic year, ORU has seen over 6,500 students enrolled and welcomed its largest freshman class to date. For the 15th consecutive year, the university has experienced enrollment growth, attracting students from all 50 states and 152 nations who seek both academic and spiritual growth.
ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 15 years of continued enrollment growth. The Wall Street Journal ranked ORU as the #8 university in the nation for student experience and included it among America’s Best Colleges for 2024.
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