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I Believe Week: October 28-November 4
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What do ORU alumni believe? They believe in:
...a strong foundation
...connecting
...leading
...each other.
The leaders of ORU's Student Association heard the details of the campaign (read more at alumniweb.oru.edu) and realized that "I Believe" dovetailed with what they were hoping to accomplish this year as they encouraged students to reach out to others and pray for one another.
A perfect opportunity to practice these priorities crystallized in "I Believe Week."
"The Student Association theme for this year is, One House, One God, One Vision. I confidently know that as we each take our individual gifts and talents and recognize we are one body, there is nothing we cannot do," said Heather Thomas, ORU Student Association president.
Kicking off with a BBQ dinner outside on Friday night behind the Towers, students participated in costume contests, tug-o-war, pie eating, wheel barrel races, and opportunities to raise money for hurricane relief through a "Kiss the Pig" contest. Additionally, students enjoyed worshiping outside with many up-and-coming worship bands.
The week continued with drama and dance performances, poetry readings, special speakers, and an "I Believe" speech contest. Students will also go out into the community on Halloween night to collect canned food for families in need.
The week culminated with a tailgate in the baseball parking lot, where students, faculty and staff gathered and then processed with a drum line to the Mabee Center. Students sang the ORU fight song and participated in relay activities and a slam dunk contest.
All week long, students participated in the "Denim to the Rescue" fundraiser in which they could purchase the right to wear jeans each day rather than abide by the customary dress code. This fundraiser, welcomed by those who enjoy wearing denim, greatly benefited students whose financial situations were affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma.
"All the money will go to ORU students who were directly affected by the hurricanes," said Melissa Metheny, Director of Student Activities, as the week began. "The hurricanes have caused some of the students' families to have financial difficulties, and the money raised can stay in-house and help those students to stay in school next semester."
Alumni director McKitrick was pleased with the results of the week, and the way it tied into the Annual Fund purpose.
"The intent of the 'I Believe' campaign was to unite the diverse groups that ORU touches by tapping into core beliefs we all share," McKitrick said. "Looking back at I Believe Week, it's amazing how God could use such a simple thought to unite so many people."
