50th Anniversary Paper | Oct 23, 2015 Print Edition by ORU Oracle

Oral Roberts University 路 Oct. 23, 2015 Tulsa, Oklahoma 路 Vol 50, No. 5 www.oruoracle.com @oruoracle @oruoraclesports

Photo illustration by Gerald Brown

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Web www.oruoracle.com Facebook www.facebook.com/ORUOracle Twitter @ORUOracle @OruOracleSports 2 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 23, 2015

SCENE Retro trends popular once again PAGE 20

Photos by Wyatt Bullard

Students pose after a Partiestival paint party. President William M. Wilson ushers in changes for the university.

Looking forward to another 50 years ERICA LUDWIG Senior Staff Writer

Touting globalization as his main initiative in his first year at ORU, President William M. Wilson has announced a new five-year adaptive plan to elevate ORU at home and abroad. “Growth is not about numbers or economic vitality,” Wilson said. “Yes, those things are important, but it’s about more people being able to experience the ORU education. We want as many people to be able to experience the whole person education as possible.” The five-year adaptive plan includes expanding access to whole person education around the world, creating a global culture at the university and improving the students’ quality of education. The university will move toward adapting quickly to changing times, serving the global Spirit-empowered movement, economic sustainability and teaching the healing power of Jesus. The plan supports the overarching end-goal to become the premier Spirit-empowered university worldwide. Wilson, now in his third year with the university, recently signed a fiveyear contract to continue his tenure. He admits the students are what keep him

coming back. “I want the sense of family to be on this campus,” Wilson said. “I love being around young people. It keeps me young.” The Kentucky native has moved the university further toward globalization in the past two and a half years with technology, renovations and international partnerships. In the next five years, Wilson plans to take the university’s presence from 86 to 100 nations and ultimately expand its reach around the world. Under Wilson’s administration, enrollment has continued to increase for seven consecutive years as more people come for the whole person experience. The university announced eight major goals as a part of the new five-year adaptive plan, and put action to those goals immediately. The Global Learning Center is presently under construction to allow greater virtualization in online learning. New track and tennis facilities are slated to break ground Saturday at 4:45 p.m., and a new apartment-style dormitory is in the planning stages. Ultimately, it is Wilson’s goal to have a viable, sustainable presence on every inhabited continent in the world by 2025.

The 5-Year Adaptive Plan Goals

Expand access throughout the world to Spirit-empowered whole person education

Courtesy Photo

Create a thriving global

culture within the university

Improve the quality and value of

the academic education received by ORU students

Adapt quickly to opportunities and challenges while maintaining mission and purpose

Serve the global Spiritempowered movement as ORU’s primary constituency Teach and demonstrate the healing power of Jesus Christ

Enhance economic sustainability leading to financial vitality

Strive to become the premier Spirit-empowered university

THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 23, 2015 • 3

News Missions to launch new ‘Healing Teams’ SYDNEY ILG Editor-in-Chief

The stories are touching. Students profess miracles of healing, the impact of clean water to an impoverished nation or the simple message of hope to a man in a coffee shop. Missions trips are known for-the stories they produce and the lives they change. “Missions is the nature, character and DNA of ORU students,” said Bobby Parks, director of missions and outreach. This year, teams will expand to Burma, Greece, Romania, Ireland, Indonesia, Scotland, Los Angeles and New York, bringing the gospel and love of Christ to nearly 50 nations. No formal missions program existed at the university’s founding. Students initiated the missions department in order to see the vision of ORU carried out. Great men of faith like Terry Law, Myles Monroe and Larry Stockstill were some of the first to pave the way. The school formally introduced the ORU Missions and Outreach Department in 1976. “Since the founding of the missions department we have put more definition, training and strategy toward the missions statement of the program, which is to be a strategic short-term investment into long-

Illustration by Gerald Brown

Thirty-five nations will see new “Healing Teams,” aimed at serving the entirety of a person’s needs. term kingdom work,” said Parks. “Professor Kevin Schneider and Professor Bruno ORU missions has invested more than $300,000 Teles are leading our ‘Healing Teams,’ which was into development work in the last eight years and Chancellor Roberts’ vision,” Parks said. “It’s not just continues to expand its reach because of it. a business team or a medical team, but a multidisciThis past summer, a pilot team spent a month in a plinary team that aims to offer healing to the totality small village in northern Brazil solidifying plans for of humanity’s needs.” such a team.

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Gala to celebrate ‘Lifetime Achievement’ MADISON MCDANIEL Features Editor

Since 1965, thousands of students and faculty have stepped onto campus and continue to fulfill the vision of Chancellor Oral Roberts to go into every man’s world. Tomorrow, President William M. Wilson will present 50 ORU Lifetime Achievement Awards to acknowledge 50 individuals who have impacted the university and beyond.

Amick Byram (’77) Byram is a recording artist and two-time Grammy nominee. He is perhaps best known for singing the role of Moses in the animated film, “The Prince of Egypt.” Byram has contributed vocally to several Broadway cast albums, including “Civil War,” “Sunset Boulevard” and “Jekyll and Hyde.” He also performed for commercials and more than 100 episodes of “The Simpsons.” He has sung for hundreds of recordings including the films “The Lion King,” “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Shrek,” “Pocahontas,” “Hercules,” “Mulan” and “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” Byram has recorded two original albums, “Encounter” and “Hymns Renewed.”

To see a full list of the 50 Lifetime Achievement Award winners log on to oruoracle.com

Pansy “Miss Pansy” Wallace Wallace has served ORU students for over 40 years. During her time at ORU, she has served in the dining hall in several different capacities. Wallace’s role as front-of-house supervisor and cashier have created the most opportunities for her to interact with students. Her intentional relationships have left decades of students with the indelible mark of ORU. Her love for students, staff and faculty has made her impactful in showing the love of Christ every day.

Kathy Lee Gifford Gifford has enjoyed a four-decade career as a television host, actress, singer, playwright, songwriter and author. She is best known for her 15-year run on “Regis and Kathie Lee” and she currently serves as the three-time Emmy-winning co-host of the fourth hour of the “TODAY” show. She is a New York Times bestselling author of many books including “Party Animals” and “The Legend of Messy M’Cheany.” Gifford devotes much of her time to the Association to Benefit Children, which spawned the Cody Foundation. The resources from the association benefit foundations providing care for children with severe disabilities and medical problems.

Terry Law (’69) Law is the founder of World Compassion Terry Law Ministries, and he is one of the most influential missions leaders to nations hostile to the gospel in the last 45 years. He has reached over 40 nations including Russia, North Korea, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and Ukraine. Law is passionate about equipping the next generation to minister the gospel with the same boldness that has characterized his life of ministry. He has authored several books, including “The Story of Jesus” which has sold over 27 million copies worldwide in 52 languages.

Andretti Bain (’07, ’09 MBA) A native of Nassau, Bahamas, Bain is an Olympic medalist and 11-time All-American. He won a silver medal in the 4x400 meter relay with the Bahamian team in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Competing for the ORU track team, he was the 2008 NCAA indoor and outdoor 400-meter national champion—ORU’s first-ever national champion in any sport. Bain set numerous school and conference records and twice received recognition as the Summit League Athlete of the Year in outdoor track and field. Bain won 11 Summit League championships and was inducted into the ORU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2014. THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 23, 2015 • 5

2016 front-runners pulling away from pack ALYSSA LACOURSE News Editor

THE REPUBLICANS

DONALD TRUMP

BEN CARSON

RESUME: Chairman and president of The Trump

Organization and real estate tycoon with a net worth of more than $4 billion.

POLLS: 21 percent WHY HE’S DOMINATING THE POLLS:

Some claim to like when Trump says what’s on his mind. Others hate it. Recent comments on gun control and limiting the checks and balances caused both parties to disagree. Trump’s proposed tax plan would eliminate income taxes for low income singles and families making less than $50,000 “I’m leading big in every poll, and we are going to WIN!” Trump tweeted. “Remember, Trump never gives up!”

RESUME: Retired pediatric neurosurgeon POLLS: 20 percent THOUGHTS AND ARGUMENTS: “I am in no way

willing to get into bed with special interest groups or lick the boots of billionaires,” he said. Carson took the lead in the Iowa polls Thursday morning with 28 percent of the vote. He uses his experience in the health care system to defend his views on Obamacare and abortion. He believes both patients and physicians should be able to decide what kind of care patients receive, not the government. As he has operated on babies in the womb, he believes they are very much alive. Carson wishes to ban abortions for convenience and 20 weeks after fertilization.

MARCO RUBIO

RESUME: U.S. senator from Florida since 2010 and

former eight-year Florida representative POLLS: 11 percent THOUGHTS AND ARGUMENTS: “The first thing that will change when I’m president is we’re not gonna have a foreign policy designed to make us popular in the world. We’re gonna have a foreign policy designed to protect our people and make sure we’re respected and our interests are respected in the world” Rubio’s foreign policy plan is based on the three pillars of American strength, American prosperity, American values.

THE DEMOCRATS

HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON RESUME: Former first lady, secretary of state and

U.S. senator of New York from 2001-2009. POLLS: 42 percent WHY SHE’S THE TOP CANDIDATE: After winning the Democratic debate, Clinton gained further support from her party. “I think being the first woman president would be quite a change from the presidents we’ve had up until this point including President Obama,” she said during the CNN Democratic debate. 6 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 23, 2015

BERNIE SANDERS RESUME: U.S. senator from Vermont and the lon-

gest serving independent in the U.S. Congress. POLLS: 35 percent THOUGHTS AND ARGUMENTS: “Do I consider myself part of the casino capitalist process by which so few have so much and so many have so little by which Wall Street’s greed and recklessness wrecked this economy? No, I don’t. I believe in a society where all people do well. Not just a handful of billionaires,” Sanders said during the CNN Democratic debate.

MARTIN O’MALLEY RESUME: Current governor of Delaware and former mayor of Baltimore. POLLS: One percent

THOUGHTS AND ARGUMENTS: “There is a deep

injustice, an economic injustice that threatens to tear our country apart, and it will not solve itself. Injustice does not solve itself.” O’Malley believes the talents of American citizens will help strengthen the nation, particularly in the area of young people volunteering for positive change.

Expanding to China ALYSSA LACOURSE News Editor

Photo by Wyatt Bullard

Addressing students on behalf of the government, British Consul General Karen Bell spoke on global partnerships and connections.

British Consul General visits ORU JADYN WATSON-FISHER Staff Writer

British Consul General Karen Bell spoke to more than 60 government students Oct. 5 at an event hosted by the History, Humanities and Government department. She emphasized international partnerships and connections, one of ORU’s globalization goals. “My role is essentially to look after the UK’s interests in the states in which we are represented,” Bell said. “We’re trying to find business and investment partners. There’s always two sides to every partnership. The Brits are on one side and Americans are on the other. I also have a huge responsibility to the British citizens who live in this part of the United States.” The consulate, located in Houston, provides resources for British nationals to obtain or renew important documents such as passports or marriage licenses. The office also arranges reservations and assists in planning visits for other British dignitaries. “Consuls general sometimes feels like you’re running a travel agency,” Bell said. “We can spend as much time worrying about the hotel where the secretary is going to stay, whether or not there is going to be Wi-Fi that will enable his aides to tweet his every move, as well as making sure he goes into his debriefing prepared with the

topics he is going to address.” Bell is an advocate of improving global partnerships by bringing more diversity in governmental bodies through internships and connections made through visits like this one. “It’s not about political correctness,” Bell said. “As you all know, it’s diversity that brings new ideas and fresh perspectives, which helps governments arrive at new, robust policies.” Consul General Bell has worked her way up the diplomatic service ladder since she was 17 years old and has since traveled the world for the consulate. “You need to have a sense of adventure. You need to spend as much time as you can getting out and talking to people and really soaking up the environment of the country in which you’re posted,” Bell said. “The temptation all too often is to sit in our office rather than going out and about and talking to people you don’t know and really embracing the adventure. That’s how you make a difference. It’s not like any other government job. It’s much better than that.” The History, Humanities and Government Department works with Oklahoma’s Honorary Consul Rodger Randle, University of Oklahoma professor and founder of Center for Studies in Democracy and Culture. “[I got connected to ORU] through

our wonderful Honorary Consul Professor Rodger Randle,” Bell said. “He does an amazing job for us. He looks after our interests here when I can’t be. It’s quite difficult for me to be everywhere in my post at a time. We’re very fortunate. He has been looking after UK interests in this part of the world since 2002.” Sonny Branham, ORU assistant government professor, thought Bell’s visit was beneficial for the students. “This is an excellent opportunity for our students to meet the British consul general of this area,” Branham said. “Any time we can show our students the potential they have and allow them to interact with people who are the movers and the shakers, the people who are making decisions that affect the United States and our allies, we try to.” This visit came just in time for the ORU Global Homecoming Celebration this week. “Each time we have an event like this, we always stress how cosmopolitan ORU is, particularly with the number of students we have from different countries,” Branham said. “With our globalization effort, we are looking to expand our presence overseas. Now, someone from Great Britain will know about Oral Roberts University, has visited here and could speak on our behalf if we needed a connection.”

The Chinese government has approved Oral Roberts University as an education destination for Chinese foreign exchange students, a move not given to just any university. When President William M. Wilson came to Oral Roberts University, his vision of globalization was not new. The desire to cross borders and redefine geography in terms of Christian education were held closely by Chancellor Oral Roberts from the university’s founding. China has become one of the first to partner with ORU in these globalization initiatives. In the future, ORU hopes to build a satellite campus in China. By 2025, satellite campuses will be planted on every inhabited continent. Before this happens, the university is slated to develop a global lens and expand international culture at home in the Tulsa campus. Through a process called Collaborative Access Education, ORU will have the opportunity to form new partnerships with educational institutions and accelerate distance learning throughout the world. Since 1965, over 115 countries have been represented on campus. The university is not willing to stop there. The third step in ORU’s globalization process is intensifying international recruiting efforts. The 50th Anniversary Campaign To the Uttermost Bounds of the Earth is currently trying to raise $18 million for the specific use of globalization of the university. “For 50 years, ORU has drawn future leaders from all over the world,” said Wilson. “In the next 50 years, ORU will build a truly global network of world-class, whole-person education opportunities – in Tulsa, on every inhabited continent and to the uttermost bounds of the Earth.” THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 23, 2015 • 7

Features A legacy of ‘Duke is the best’ Andrea Matthews Contributing Writer

He entered through the back, lightly tinted doors of the Oral Roberts University Aerobics Center. His decade-old Etonic sneakers scuffled across the notyet-waxed floors of the university gymnasium. He drug two-wheeled silver poles to the center bounds of each thin, yellow-lined court. A wrinkled hand extended to straighten out his salmon-colored roll sheet. The routine double check verified his first class of the day: “Beginning Badminton & Fitness.” “Duke is the best,” a passerby shouted with an arm raised and a tan finger, pointing in case the volume of his voice failed to grasp the coach’s attention. The phrase is common across the 74171 bubble: Coach Bernis Duke is the best. After two morning classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the beloved coach goes home. It’s here, in the black, wooded house with the red door, just behind the ORU soccer field, where 86 years of “un-Oracled” history thrives. Duke began his athletic career at Arkansas Tech as a boxer. His desires to pursue a basketball career were placed on hold when the school’s boxing coach drooled over his size at 6-foot-3, 195-pounds. “And I was strong,” Duke added. Duke’s mind took him back to the “glory days” when he entered as a heavyweight for the novice division to compete in his first Golden Gloves tournament. The 1949 newcomer walked away with the State Golden Gloves Title. Duke, unable to forget his first love of basketball, transferred to Arkansas College to “dominate the paint.” Basketball was his focus, but the adrenaline rush of dodging hooks and throwing punches taunted him. Boxing offered Duke a high he was not ready to quit, so he did both. Without a team and without proper training, his naturally athletic build and former instruction proved sufficient to take home the 1951 State Championship in boxing. In ’52, his feet danced in the ring again. Duke was starting forward for Arkansas College’s basketball team which was fighting for a slot in the state AAU tournament. Duke long awaited the day he could defend his boxing title, and his heart sank when the schedule was posted. The Arkansas Scots were scheduled to play in Batesville at 6 p.m., and his shot to redeem his boxing title in Robinson Auditorium in Little Rock was at 10 p.m. the same night. Duke’s mind went to work, planning his dual triumph. A fellow student offered to drive the athlete in his beat-up ’49 sedan. A rusty old bucket wasn’t enough to keep Duke from making history. 8 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 23, 2015

Photos by Nik Stophel

Above: Coach Bernis Duke presents a photo early in his career as the tennis coach. Left: Duke reminisces with old news clippings and letters from former students.

Two 20-minute halves passed, 17 points penciled in adjacent to Duke’s name on the team’s stats sheet. He was gone at the buzzer, too busy to notice. Sweat from his uniform drenched his friend’s vehicle as the Sedan hiccuped the 95 miles to the big city. Duke sprinted into the night’s feature fight, facing off Billy Ray Smith (who went on to play defensive tackle for the Baltimore Colts). Duke defeated Smith, defending his crown for the second consecutive year. He ended his boxing career after one more year as state champion in 1953. After coaching track and field at Hoxie High School, Duke and his family moved into the black wooded house with the red door behind the ORU soccer field. He was hired to

coach basketball, but ended up forming the university tennis team. “It was 1965…Tennis wasn’t even my best sport,” he said. “It was like third.” Duke gazed at the retired rackets nailed just below the ceiling on the dark, wood-paneled walls of his home. The tennis players who held those rackets got Duke inducted into the Intercollegiate Hall of Fame in 2002. To the right, a tacked world map covered with pins in six continents marked the players he recruited: over 120 players from 28 countries. “You know, if I ever got captured in another country, I’d have a friend there,” Duke said. Duke held a letter from a former student, something that happens quite often and is a testament to his tenure at ORU. “You have been God’s light here on this earth and you can confidently believe that you are everything a true Christian should be, an example to us all.” And, with that, he turned his head and answered with a humble response to his decades of esteem. “Maybe I did do something.”

50 years through the eyes of Dr. Gillen MADISON MCDANIEL Features Editor

In 1965 a blanket of rural land covered the city of Tulsa, a blank canvas for the future. A sign on Lewis read, “This is the building of Oklahoma’s newest university.” Returning to Tulsa with four years of teaching and a doctorate, Dr. George Gillen drove past the sign and wondered if they needed a business teacher.

Moments later, he pulled into the front drive and crossed the stark campus. The avenue of flags had yet to be built, and the land was bare. The trees were reminiscent of sticks, only six feet in height and two inches wide in diameter. The campus awaited the next 50 years of growth. “In those early years, because we were so small, we were socially cohesive,” business professor Gillen recalled. “There was a great interrelationship and cross pollination among all of the professors. At that time, we didn’t have colleges, we just had one school: arts and sciences.” Gillen began his career at ORU in June of 1965. He took on the role of assistant to the controller, helping with the finances as the university was established. He was the only business professor for the first two years, teaching four courses a semester until the second business professor arrived in 1968. Eventually, a whole litany of professors arrived due to the rapid growth of the university. “Dr. Hamilton was the first chair of [the arts and sciences] so we had representation on that council by each of the departments,” Gillen said. “Because we were so close and all there in the LRC, there was a great camaraderie between the chairmen because we knew we were building a great university.” During the first two years, chapel services were held on the north end of Timko Barton where the performance hall now resides. On the south end, the 250-260 students congregated three times a day to eat in the cafeteria. Professors and faculty

gathered at noon every day to eat lunch in a lounge located on the third floor. Teachers of different subjects would line the walls to discuss humanities, history and science with one another. “The noon hour would be over but it was just so interesting because we had the fine arts people, the scientists and the math people,” Gillen said. “And, then, when we became much larger, we had segmentation and never did recover that relationship ever again. But those were wonderful times.” A soft smile lingered on Gillen’s face as he remembered the moments shared with the original faculty who formed the foundation of ORU. Gillen recalled one of the most triumphant milestones for the university when it received accreditation in 1972. ORU had been turned down the first time around but anticipated the approval of becoming a fully-accredited school. He remembered the milestone like it was yesterday. “We were waiting for Oral to come in with the news, and he came in with this terrible look on his face. He was always very expressive,” Gillen said with a knowing glance. “And everybody said, ‘Uh-oh, we’ve been turned down,’ so everybody was kind of groaning when they saw him.” Oral quieted the room with his somber tone. “And then he said, ‘Now, I want to see, regardless what the issue is, can you take it with dignity?’ And so there was this weak ‘yes.’” Gillen leaned forward in his chair with excitement as he remembers the memory so vividly. “Then he said, ‘We got it!’ The place just erupted with shouts and hurrahs and they ran to the podium and they carried Oral all around the auditorium and he gave us the next two days off because of the celebration,” he said. “It was something that you would never forget.” Gillen smiled warmly remembering the image of what would launch the beginning of the next 50 years to come. ORU’s academic achievements are why Gillen believes the university exceeds other institutions.

“We have academic excellence in every college. Every college that we have is fully credited by the highest standard of accreditation,” Gillen said. “So that is something for a religious institution to have faculty who are academically qualified but also have a strong religious and spiritual commitment.” Since 1965, the university has seen four presidents whom have each impacted the school in various ways. In witnessing it all, Gillen credits the presidents for achieving excellence through the upkeep of Oral’s vision. “The spiritual evolution is still here and just as strong as it was in 1965: the commitment into going into every man’s world and teaching people the message of Christ in healing. We had very dedicated students [and faculty] in those years and we still do,” Gillen said. Fifty years later, the university teems with new life as the Prayer Tower stands at the center surrounded by several buildings, the Praying Hands and the Prayer Gardens. Those trees that were once sticks now line the paths providing shade, their thick trunks firmly planted. “We all laughed and said that we would be dead and gone before any of these trees grew,” Gillen laughed. “But look at these trees today.” Now, Gillen walks across a campus covered with a vibrant blanket of green and splashes of color. He still remembers the campus just as it was when he first arrived, but delights in the growth built from the vision birthed from a man 50 years ago.

Courtesy Photo

Dr. George Gillen teaches management in the College of Business and has worked at ORU since 1965. THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 23, 2015 • 9

Alumnus leads NASA during crisis VICTORIA ATTERBERRY Scene Editor

Alumnus Bruce Buckingham sat in Christ’s Chapel as a student, and, later in his career, found himself communicating as launch control during the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. “I was the voice of launch control for the Columbia shuttle. I had gotten to know [the astronauts] pretty well. It was pretty tough going through that experience,” Buckingham said of the disaster when the Columbia broke apart just before re-entering the atmosphere, killing all seven crew members on board. Buckingham, a 1978 graduate with a degree in psychology, said he valued his time as a student at ORU. “I actually have some very fond memories of being a student at ORU,” Buckingham said. “It was a pretty exciting time meeting Christians from all over the world and getting to understand what the movement of the Holy Spirit’s all about. My interaction with people at Oral Roberts was hugely instrumental in my being successful at NASA.” After graduating, Buckingham moved to Washington, D.C. and became a senior legislative assistant for seven years for U.S. Senator Bill Nelson of Florida. During his time in D.C., Buckingham tracked legislation and policy affecting NASA. He moved back to Florida and applied for a position at the Kennedy Space Center. Buckingham started at NASA in 1985 as a media specialist. He worked his way up and eventually became the news chief and head of media relations at NASA. Buckingham counts the 2003

10 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 23, 2015

Space Shuttle Columbia disaster as one of the defining moments of his career. “I was looking forward to getting them back home,” he said. “We were devastated when they didn’t make it.” Buckingham worked exceptionally hard during the time of the explosion. He worked 20-hour days, dealing with multiple media outlets and going live on national television in the morning, noon and evening editions. In 2004, the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement Foundation awarded Buckingham “The Space Communicator” award for his work following the Columbia explosion. “I was honored to receive [the award] on behalf of the entire team,” Buckingham said. “I got to sit next to another gentleman who was receiving a similar award, Neil Armstrong. It was kind of cool to be right next to him during the whole process.” Buckingham’s legislative work in Senator Nelson’s office helped in the process of keeping projects like the Hubble Space Telescope and the Mars Observer alive. “Both of those projects were at risk of being cut at one time,” Buckingham said. “It was part of my job to ensure that we could get funding for those programs. We worked pretty diligently to make sure that they kept on track.” Buckingham says what he learned at NASA helped him later in life. He founded Jamie Buckingham ministries in memory of his late father, a pastor who traveled the world and authored several books. “I’ve learned a lot in my career and

the culmination of all that led to me to the ministry I’m in now,” he said. After his father passed away, Buckingham collected all of his father’s teaching materials, sermons and books. He continues to publish his father’s materials online and put books back into publication. In addition to his ministry, Buckingham recently wrote a novel called “The Last Snowman in Paris.” Taking from his experiences in the U.S. Capitol, Buckingham’s fictional character is an apathetic congressman who finds himself on a life-changing adventure in Paris. Buckingham has accomplished much during his career, and he hopes to accomplish even more in his lifetime. “I always tell people it wasn’t me,” Buckingham said. “All I’m doing is following the Lord. All I’m doing is trying to hear what God’s telling me to do and do what he tells me to do.”

Courtesy photo

Buckingham served as the voice of NASA working as a media specialist.

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1965

April 30, 1993

Oral Roberts steps down as university president and Richard Roberts becomes the university’s second president.

January, 1993

1983

The school boasts 22 buildings on 500 acres and is the number-one tourist attraction in the Tulsa area.

2009

The university is

The Praying Hands are moved from the City of Faith to the entrance of ORU’s campus. The hands were designed to symbolize the merging of faith and medicine.

1991

1972-1974

The Mabee Center opens as a home for Titans basketball and a concert venue for traveling artists. Elvis Presley is one of the many guests who perform. Through the years, the Mabee Center will host James Taylor, The Beach Boys and many others.

ORU celebrates 50 years with a revived campus, growing enrollment and an evolving globalized vision for the future.

October 2015

becoming the basketball coach with the most all-time wins in ORU history.

February 6, 2015 Coach Scott Sutton earned his 300th win

William M. Wilson is inducted as the fourth president of the university.

2013

Oral Roberts dies at the age of 91. Thousands attend his funeral.

December 15, 2009

declared debt-free thanks to the generous contributions of the Green family and numerous donors. “ORU’s long-term debt was a major dragon to slay for future success. We can now move forward with confidence and continue to make this university the best it can be,” Green said.

September 23, 2009

Mark Rutland becomes the university’s third president.

Volleyball team reaches the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament and is ranked No. 10 in the nation.

1995

The mascot changes from the Titans to the Golden Eagles.

The geese move on campus due to the relocation of more than 15,000 giant Canada Goose by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Legend says Chancellor Roberts detested the geese so much, he prayed for them to leave campus during chapel. The City of Faith Medical and Research Hospital opens the same year and closes in 1989.

1981

1971

Oral Roberts University receives accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, bringing Chancellor Roberts to tears. ORU athletics joined the NCAA.

April 2,1967

The Oral Roberts University is dedicated before a crowd of more than 18,000 people. Rev. Billy Graham gives the dedication speech and officially invests Oral Roberts as president. “Here at Oral Roberts University these young people are being taught not only how to make a living, but how to live,” Graham said in his speech.

Ground is broken for ORU. Buildings are designed by architect Frank Wallace, a native of Afton, Oklahoma who helped bring Oral Roberts’ dreams alive. The campus ORU opens to its first class of was designed in an “ultramodern” and “futur300 students. Tuition was $1,800 dollars. istic style” which captured national attention. Adjusted for inflation, tuition would cost $13,596.86 in present day.

19 62

1965

April 30, 1993

Oral Roberts steps down as university president and Richard Roberts becomes the university’s second president.

January, 1993

1983

The school boasts 22 buildings on 500 acres and is the number-one tourist attraction in the Tulsa area.

2009

The university is

The Praying Hands are moved from the City of Faith to the entrance of ORU’s campus. The hands were designed to symbolize the merging of faith and medicine.

1991

1972-1974

ORU celebrates 50 years with a revived campus, growing enrollment and an evolving globalized vision for the future.

October 2015

becoming the basketball coach with the most all-time wins in ORU history.

February 6, 2015 Coach Scott Sutton earned his 300th win

William M. Wilson is inducted as the fourth president of the university.

2013

Oral Roberts dies at the age of 91. Thousands attend his funeral.

December 15, 2009

September 23, 2009

Mark Rutland becomes the university’s third president.

Volleyball team reaches the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament and is ranked No. 10 in the nation.

1995

The mascot changes from the Titans to the Golden Eagles.

1981

1971

Oral Roberts University receives accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, bringing Chancellor Roberts to tears. ORU athletics joined the NCAA.

April 2,1967

19 62

14 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 23, 2015

Sports

The Mount Rushmore of ORU Basketball Five all-star players in ORU history are venerated in an ORU basketball version of Mt. Rushmore. From left to right: Greg Sutton (1988-91), Richard Fuqua (1969-73), Caleb Green (2003-07), Anthony Roberts (1973-77) and Dominique Morrison (2008-12).

The all-time starting five

RUSSELL DORSEY AND PARRISH PURNELL JR. Sports Editor and Staff Writer

Greg Sutton 1988-1991

reg Sutton made his mark at ORU as a bona-fide scorer. He scored 34 points per game during the 1990-1991 season. Sutton even set the ORU single game scoring record by scoring 68 points in 1990. Sutton was selected twice as an NAIA All-American. He was drafted in the second round of the NBA draft by the San Antonio Spurs and played four seasons in the league.

Caleb Green 2003-2007

reen led the Golden Eagles to two consecutive NCAA tournament appearances in 2006 and 2007. He holds the ORU record for career double-doubles (61) and games with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds (35). Green earned three AP All-American honors from (2005-2007) and was also Mid-Con Player of the Year during those seasons.

nthony Roberts was a three-time All-American who finished with a career average of 21.7 points per game. He had two 60-point games throughout his career. He also ranked fourth in school history with 2,341 points and is one of three players to have his No. 15 jersey retired. Anthony Roberts 1973-1977

Richard Fuqua 1969-1973

ichard Fuqua was a four-year starter at ORU and led the team in scoring all four years. He averaged 27 points per game for his career and 36 points per game his junior year, ranking second in the country in 1972. Fuqua was also the first All-American in ORU history. His No. 24 jersey is one of only three jerseys to be retired by the university.

Dominique Morrison 2008-2012

orrison averaged 16.1 points per game for his career. He finished with 2,080 points, ranking fifth in the ORU record books. He received Summit League Player of the Year honors, and was the last men’s basketball player to be named an All-American in 2012. THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 23, 2015 • 15

Women’s basketball season preview RUSSELL DORSEY Sports Editor

2015-16 SUMMIT LEAGUE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL PRESEASON POLL RANKINGS

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Kaylan Mayberry | Guard Kaylan “Kay Kay” Mayberry played in 28 games her freshman year, starting 18 of those contests. She averaged 10.5 points per game during the 2013-2014 season. Mayberry sat out the 20142015 season. This year, she returns to Coach Cussen’s squad and will be an X-factor. It will be interesting to see if Mayberry can knock the rust off and contribute right away. Maria Martianez | Forward Maria Martianez brings a very distinguished resume to the ORU roster. Martianez, from Barcelona, Spain, played in the FIBA U17, U18 and U19 World Championships. Martianez brings a unique skill set to the Golden Eagles with the ability to handle the ball and knock down shots. The biggest challenge for Martianez will be adjusting to the more physical American style of play.

Projected Starting Lineup:

Jordan Doyle, Guard

Kaylan Mayberry, Guard

*Last played in 2013-2014 season ** Missed 2014-2015 season due to injury (Torn ACL)

THOUGHTS FROM COACH CUSSEN:

“We may be a younger team this season than last season, but we have a very seasoned sophomore class. There’s a lot of game-time experience with this group.” “My excitement for this group is that we have this core nucleus of players together for the next three seasons. Every investment we make with our girls is going to pay dividends the next three seasons.” “We’ve got a fast team. We are better in the full court than we are in the half court, because that plays to our strength a little bit more.” 16 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 23, 2015

Faith Ihim, Forward

Photo by Nick Conroy

Junior forward Dorottya Balla shoots a layup.

Maria Martianez, Forward

Men’s basketball season preview PARRISH PURNELL JR.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Projected Starting Lineup

Aaron Anderson | Guard Anderson returns to the court after a red-shirt when he transferred from UCO. Look for him to have an immediate impact.

Aaron Anderson | Guard (Transfer-Central Oklahoma)

Jalen Bradley | Guard Transferred from Northeast Community College where he averaged 17.3ppg, while shooting 42.6 percent from behind the arc. He also scored 42 points versus Indian Hills.

Kris Martin | Guard (Kimball HS-TX)

Staff Writer

Aaron Young, Guard

Coach Scott Sutton has rolled with a steady eight-man rotation during his years as head coach, but with the talented freshman class, and depth on the bench, he may be forced to go a different route this season.

NEW PLAYERS:

2015-16 SUMMIT LEAGUE MEN’S BASKETBALL PRESEASON POLL RANKINGS

DaQuan Jeffries | Forward (Santa Fe HS-OK)

Jalen Bradley | Guard (Transfer-Northeast CC) Chris Crawford | Guard (Victory Christian HS-OK) Tre Vance | Forward (Transfer-Clark College) Javan White | Forward (Ames HS-IA)

RETURNING PLAYERS:

Aaron Anderson, Guard

Obi Emegano, Guard

Thoughts from the captain:

Brandon Conley, Forward

Photo by Wyatt Bullard

Albert Owens, Center

DaQuan Jeffries shoots a floater.

Obi Emegano returns as the team and league leader after averaging 18.3ppg last season. The senior also earned Preseason Player of the Year honors for the Summit League. “We’ve got a lot of young guys but plenty of talent. I think with such a young team it’s about teaching and being patient.” “With the roster we have this year, for me, it is about enabling my teammates and showing them what our expectations for them individually as well as collectively are, and then let their game do the rest.” THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 23, 2015 •17

Scene Talk back

2015 student responses to 1960s slang:

KRISTEN LEUPEN

“A Gas” (a lot of fun)

Contributing Writer

Generations of students have walked the ORU campus, their fashions and music have come full circle over the decades, but the catch phrases and slang have remained with their times. The Oracle asked students and professors to define phrases from the opposite generation. Current students replied to 1960s slang and professors responded to 2015 slang. The results? Confusion, dismay and lots of laughs.

“Ankle Biter” (small child, baby) "Puppy?" "Cute girl?" "Close call"

"Bodily function?" "Car?"

“Outta Sight” (amazement, excitement) "Too cool" "I can't see it?"

“Gimme some skin” (shake hand) "Elbow?" "High five?"

“Drag” (disappointment) "Super annoying"

“Primo” (best, first class) "Cousin?"

“Dig” (do you understand?)

"Digging holes?"

Faculty respond to 2015 slang:

“Thirsty” (someone’s desperation, over-eagerness)

“Bae” (before anyone else)

“Like a foyer, or apartment?” – Gary Pranger, associate professor of history “Probably an acronym. “Everybody speaks in ‘OMG.’” – Sandy Turnbow, behavioral sciences “It probably means ‘babe,’ and I probably would not want anyone to call me that.” – Gilda Elk, library circulations supervisor

Turn up (getting pumped)

“Either a small red vegetable, or they can’t hear you” – Mrs. Turnbow

“They need water.” – Mrs. Turnbow, and after finding out, – “We call that needy.” “They want an appropriate significant other” – Becky Mills secretary Communication, Arts and Media “To me, it means thirsty for the Lord.” – Mrs. Elk

“On Fleek” (top, looking good)

“Either some new mobile device, or some fashion statement. That was totally off the top of my head.” – Dr. Pranger “If someone says it to me, they’re not dissing me, right?” – Mrs. Turnbow

“Basic” (someone who is interested in popular, commercial things, unoriginal or mainstream) “Very simple, very simply dressed.” – Dr. Pranger “There’s nothing outstanding about that person.” – Mrs. Becky Mills

Graphic by Tabitha Levi 18 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 23, 2015

Swim team’s decline muddled in rumor MIQUEAS BARREIRO Contributing Writer

There is a special room in the Kenneth H. Cooper Aerobics Center, whose golden days have clearly swum by. The few who notice it are enthralled by the mysterious disappearance of the athletes who once brought vibrant life to the ORU pool. One popular rumor is the pool is not competition length. While the long edge of the pool measures 50 meters, the discrepancy lies in the end-toend measurement of the length across the middle of the pool. According to

faculty member Roger Bush, who has been at ORU for 44 years, a tornado hit the Athletic Center in 1975, one week before the AC opened its doors for the first time. The tornado damaged the pool. Although repairs were made, the pool was left with its ends bowed inward, making it a few centimeters short of being a 50-meter, Olympic-size pool. Rumor has it, this lack of length made the pool unfit for intercollegiate competitive swimming. The inadequate pool length is not the reason there is

no swim team. According to Bush, the ORU swim team still existed after this disastrous event and used the AC pool for training. The disappearance of the swim team began in 1989 when ORU had to make serious budget cuts to it athletic programs. The university cut several women’s teams and lowered the operating expenses of several male teams including the swim team. “We came very close to closing it down altogether. The university must

never go under, and as much as we love athletics, we are not willing to sacrifice the university for them,” said Chancellor Oral Roberts in the 1989 edition of the Tulsa World. The official reason the swim team is no more is unclear. It seems budget cuts are the most probable cause. The hope is someday the Golden Eagles will once again take to the water, and make the enigmatic room in the Aerobic Center come alive.

Tulsa Ballet presents ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ EMERALD DEAN Staff Writer

Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” will be presented by Tulsa Ballet on Oct. 23-25 with music performed by The Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. The exquisite choreography by John Cranko tells the comedic story of a stubborn woman and her equally stubborn admirer through intricate dance steps. “The Taming of the Shrew” has been performed in a limited number of theaters across the U.S., including the American Ballet Theater. Cranko’s trust determines which companies are artistically and technically skilled enough to perform the piece. Tulsa Ballet is honored to have the ability to share his work for a second time. The ballet performance is challenging due to the strength and technique needed to perform the roles. “The solos for both Kate and Petruchio are very difficult and physically demanding,” said Marcello Angelini, artistic director of Tulsa Ballet. “In

fact, there are some steps in Petruchio’s solo that a handful of male dancers worldwide have been able to master. You are supposed to look not-so-sober throughout all of them, in fact throughout the entire act one. As for the duets, the lifts are intricate, complex and borderline scary. The duets are pure virtuoso partnering, if you can do ‘taming,’ you can dance pretty much any duet in any work of the past and present.” Petruchio and Katherina, the leading roles, are considered some of the most fulfilling characters to play because they are humans, unlike many classical ballets whose scenes are mystical and border on the supernatural. The

cast of “The Taming of the Shrew” are down-to-earth and flawed characters. The magical love-at-first sight does not exist for Katerina and

Petruchio. Katerina slaps Petruchio when she first meets him, and then continues to do so throughout their pas de deux, a partnering step. “What you are supposed to feel, and therefore express throughout the ballet, will eventually evolve out of the steps,” said Angelini. “And that’s the geniality

of the choreography of John Cranko. The actual steps feel like the perfect ‘words’ to express what you are feeling.” John Percival, a 32-year chief critic for “The Times of London,” is known as being one of the toughest and fairest reviewers of all times, according to Angelini. He wrote a review on “The Taming of the Shrew.” “He wrote, ‘I have been trying to think when – or whether – I ever laughed so much at a ballet as I did at John Cranko’s ‘The Taming of the Shrew.’ Perhaps the subject sounds an unlikely one for dancing, but to think so is to leave out of account Cranko’s absolute genius for comic invention,’” said Angelini. “The Taming of the Shrew” will be performed at the Performing Arts Center at 110 E 2nd St. in Tulsa. Tickets are on sell for Friday, Oct. 23 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 25 at 3 p.m. For more information call (918) 749-6006 or visit www.tulsaballet.org. THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 23, 2015 • 19

Retro trends from back when, popular again RACHEL ANDERSON Managing Editor

Trends keep the fashion industry alive and kicking. Every season designers create new looks or reinvent old pieces long lost to the world of runway. The year 2015 paved a way for retro-inspired trends to wiggle their way into modern closets once again.

At the start of 2015, fashion houses in Paris, London and Milan all agreed on one main theme for their spring and summer collections: nostalgia. 90s inspired crop tops infiltrated the shopping scene followed by plenty of high-waists, rompers and cut-outs inspired by numerous decades of fashion. After touring campus, it’s evident students support this “new”

retro trend. All of these looks will turn heads this fall as you debut your long anticipated layered closets. So grab a pumpkin spice latte, your favorite outfit and jam out in retro style

Wide-brimmed hats were all the rage in the 1800s for anyone who could afford such a luxury. Women attached elaborate plumes and flowers as a way to mark social status. Greta Garbo popularized the look in the early 20th-century film adaptation of Anna Karenina, bringing mystery to the once garish trend. Fast forward a few decades and the brims became larger and floppier than ever. Style icons Faye Dunaway and Bridget Bardot reintroduced the floppy hat in the 1970s. These suede sun blockers were a staple among the women of the decade. Some even wore them on their wedding day, adorned with ribbon and flowers. Today, women wear floppy hats to add a flair of retro to modern looks.

The cut-out trend may seem fresh, but in reality, it’s an adaptation of crotchet garments dating back to the early 19th century. This “holy” trend caught fire in the 1960s as women wore completely crocheted dresses with almost nothing underneath. Cut-outs became more tasteful as the mod crowd picked up the trend using it to showcase specific parts of the body rather than the whole thing. As the years passed, designers confined the cut-out to the back and shoulders. Nowadays, cut-outs are used as a decorative elements among designers as a way to illicit edginess among the classic looks with holes showcasing almost every part of the body in tasteful ways.

What was once a staple among the adolescents of the 70s is now a must have of every age group in 2015. French designer Jeanne Paquin created a suit using goat suede and wool in the 1930s. In recent years the popularity of suede has crept its way back into closets all over the world, showing its face first in shoes and working its way up to full-fledged business suits and skirts. As a versatile fabric, suede offers high-fashion silhouettes for every figure. Designers recognize this fabric as the perfect fall element, offering women a chance to spice up their warm weather closets. Photos by Rachel Anderson

20 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 23, 2015

John Lennon, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix possessed a “circular” sense of trend power in the world of sunglasses. Traditionally these glasses were made of thin wire and small lenses, but by the mid 1970s these groovy lenses grew in size taking on the motto, “the bigger the better.” Designers began to include sunglasses in their collections due to the inadvertent celebrity endorsements. In today’s time, these round shades are seen resting on the bridges of young folk, aiming to channel their inner flower child and groovy senses.

Student launches campus ministry VICTORIA ATTERBERRY Scene Editor

Small fliers advertising daily devos recently slid under the doors of students on campus. The flyers represent U-in-1, an organization started by ORU marketing major Harley Liechty. The student-led organization U-in-1 launched this semester has already has brought in a large following of people. “U-in1 is a fully student-run organization that strives to make ORU a more connected and happy place,” said Liechty. “We’re seeking to improve each other, from one student to another.” Liechty got the inspiration for the organization while doing a marketing internship over the summer. “It was sorta a thought that jumped into my head. The thought was what if you could create organized happiness? What if there was a set of services that was done by an organization where if people tapped into them they would more than likely have a happier more improved day?” said Liechty. One thing that may catch students’ eye is the blue Canada goose U-in-1 uses as its logo. Geese are a disliked animal on campus but Liechty uses the disliked animal to his advantage. “Everybody hates the geese, right? Why not take a figure that is hated and make it something that people love?” said Liechty. U-in-1 posts small encouraging messages each day for Facebook and Instagram followers. The organization has around 135 Facebook likes and about 716 Instagram followers. U-in-1 also sends out daily devotionals to students who subscribe to the service. “The devotionals are meant to be encouraging and motivating to anyone who reads them,” said Liechty. Liechty has seven writers writing U-in-1’s daily devotionals. Each writer has an individual day to send out a devotional. Subscribers will receive a link to the devotional and will be able to read it straight from their phone. The format of each devo is a scripture and a couple paragraphs. Liechty gives his writers flexibility and trusts their writing skills, but he does expect the devos

Photo by Abrienne Summerer

Marketing major Harley Liechty shows off his brand, a Canada goose, for U-in-1. With the motto unity in university, U-in-1 attempts to create connectivity and happiness on campus. to be “short, sweet and to the point.” There are currently 190 students signed up for the daily devos. Right now, U-in-1 is steadily growing and Liechty has a few ideas to help his organization grow even faster. Two of his ideas include what Liechty calls the GTT list and student intercessors. The GTT list stands for good things in Tulsa and will include a full list of local events and offers such as places where students can get discounts, big event areas and events that are happening on campus like music concerts. The GTT list will be just as convenient as the daily devotionals. The student intercessors will consist of students who send out uplifting messages to those who need an encouraging word. If somebody has an issue or situation going on, they can text U-in-1 a summary of what their situation is. The student intercessor will respond back to them with uplifting encouraging words and scripture within the next 24 hours. The student can also choose to see the student intercessor face to face is desired. Right now, Liechty is ahead of U-in-1, but he is not sure how his organization will go on after he graduates. Liechty has put his trust in God to give him direction.

“I heard from God that he just wants me to see what happens in the

next two years and just live as an example of him,” he said.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 23, 2015 • 21

Muse Foundational message still rings true LAURIE GARCIA Contributing Writer

The year was 1965 as the Vietnam War progressed. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. advocated equal rights and fueled the nation. In that same year, Oral Roberts, an Evangelical minister, who criss-crossed the nation and world with the power of the gospel and healing power of God, founded a university. Thomson Mathew, dean of theology and ministry, said the first thing Roberts did differently was pioneer television evangelism and utilized radio to “reach people in their homes.” In 2015, television evangelism does not seem revolutionary, but during his time, this was a brand new and innovative way to bring the gospel to the world. “[In 1965] the nation was turned upside down,” said Mathew. “The country was in distress.”

22 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 23, 2015

There was the Jesus Movement and the Hippies; tradition no longer worked for those who desired something different, something more radical. This was precisely what Roberts presented to the world through the Holy Spirit. “He had a message of healing, peace,” said Mathew. Roberts’ message resonated within the social climate, and provided a “needed contrast to the culture.” Roberts also preached “discipline, whole being [and] wholeness.” The university still preaches the message of the “Whole Person,” 50 years later. This message and the establishment created a witness for the surrounding community in Tulsa as well. “ORU became the anchor for south Tulsa economically and developmentally and medically,” said Mathew. The Prayer Tower was even the “number-one visitor attraction” for years in Tulsa.

The “message of healing” of “body, mind [and] spirit… became mainstream” as Roberts also combined the “concept of medicine and prayer.” President William M. Wilson reminds students and faculty how God is still working and powerful. During chapel, the body of Christ prays for healing and renewal. Fellow students believe in the miracles of God and the gifts of the Spirit. Roberts’ theology impacted 1965, and serves as foundational to the university today. Even after everything, it was always God, and was always about His

power, His love and His healing. God used Roberts to show the world who He was and still is through the Holy Spirit. Now, He calls our generation at ORU to do the same.

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CURRENT STUDENTS AND ALUMNI:

Apply online at oru.edu/grad/business and we’ll waive the $35 application fee. Legacy scholarships are now available. THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 23, 2015 • 23

“RAISE UP

your students to hear my

VOICE,

to GO where My

light is dim,

where My

voice is heard small,

& My healing

POWER is not known,

even to the

UTTERMOST BOUNDS Photo illustration by Gerald Brown

24 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 23, 2015

of the earth.”