article.tcf article.tmpl display In Memory of Chancellor Oral Roberts In Memory of Chancellor Oral Roberts In Memory of Chancellor Oral Roberts

Chancellor Oral Roberts

Oral Roberts, founder and chancellor of Oral Roberts University, passed away on December 15 at the age of 91. His departure is mourned by the ORU family, including the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters who embraced his philosophy of whole-person education.

Born in 1918 in rural Oklahoma, Roberts was a preacher's kid who initially rejected his father's faith. At the age of 17, however, he was struck down with tuberculosis. A subsequent miraculous healing led to his conversion, and a call on his life from God himself to "take My healing power to your generation."

Carrying out that call took him from small churches to tent meetings to international crusades, and from radio and television to books and letters he wrote to the thousands who partnered with his ministry. The capstone of his life's work was the founding of ORU in 1963. "Raise up your students to hear My voice," God told Roberts, "to go where My light is seen dim, 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."

As Roberts often said, "Success without a successor is failure." The graduates of ORU, he believed, would carry on the work of his healing ministry, "until Jesus comes again."

Dr. Mark Rutland, who was inaugurated as the third president of ORU in September, had this to say about Roberts:

"Chancellor Roberts was one of the brilliant spiritual lights of the 20th century and a giant of the Christian faith. At the core of his legacy is a great university that bears his name. Like millions worldwide, I am mourning his passing and am grateful for his visionary life and contributions."

Trustees Board Chair Mart Green said, "Chancellor Oral Roberts was a true disciple of Christ and his contributions to the kingdom of God will live on for many years to come. Just 10 days from Christmas, we know Oral will celebrate the birth of Christ with his heavenly father. The Oral Roberts University family grieves his loss yet celebrates the legacy he leaves behind."

Information concerning a memorial service will be forthcoming.

Those memorial gifts given in Oral Roberts honor will be applied to the Quest Whole Person Scholarship Program at Oral Roberts University. Click here to make a gift.