ORU Announces 2024 Commencement Speaker Rick Warren

Tulsa, OK, February 6, 2024— Oral Roberts University (ORU) announces that Rick Warren will be the keynote speaker for the 2024 Commencement ceremony. This year's Commencement will be held at the Mabee Center on Saturday, May 4th, and will begin at 1:00 pm, with doors opening at 11:30 am (CDT). 

“We are honored that Pastor Warren will be speaking at our Commencement ceremony,” said ORU President Dr. William M. Wilson. “Rick’s inspirational leadership is an expression of his heart to bring the Gospel to the whole world. His words and wisdom will launch this year's graduates on their journey as leaders, world-changers, and innovators.”

A Time magazine cover article named Rick Warren the most influential spiritual leader in America and one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Tens of millions of copies of Rick’s books have been published in 200 languages.  His best-known books, The Purpose Driven Life and The Purpose Driven Church, were named three times in national surveys of pastors (by Gallup, Barna, and Lifeway) as the two most helpful books in print. Rick and his wife Kay founded Saddleback Church, the Purpose Driven Network, the PEACE Plan and Hope for Mental Health.  He is cofounder of Celebrate Recovery with John Baker. Rick has spoken in 165 nations.  He has addressed the United Nations, US Congress, numerous parliaments, the World Economic Forum, TED, Aspen Institute, and lectured at universities around the world. Rick is the executive director of Finishing the Task, a global movement of denominations, organizations, churches, and individuals working together on the Great Commission goals of ensuring that everyone everywhere has access to a Bible, a believer, and a local body of Christ. 

Commencement will be broadcast live across ORU’s international television network GEB, Direct TV (channel 363), and locally on KGEB-TV 53/Cox HD and all affiliates. Family and friends may also view GEB on Amazon Fire, ROKU, Apple TV, and GEB.TV, or the GEB app. The event will also be live-streamed on ORU’s website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel.

UNIVERSITY BRIEF

ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 15 years of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor’s level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 151 nations (from 2019 to 2023) to be whole leaders for the whole world.

The Wall Street Journal ranked ORU as the #8 university in the nation for student experience and one of America's Best Colleges (2024). This new category rates the best colleges in the U.S. to have a great experience while attending. This ranking is powered by one of the largest ever independent surveys of verified college students and recent graduates in the United States. Niche recognizes ORU as one of the top 25 most diverse colleges in America, # 1 best Christian college in Oklahoma, and # 1 in Oklahoma for diversity. Princeton Review ranked ORU as the best regional college, and College Raptor ranked ORU as a Hidden Gem in the Southwest.

ORU has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as:

• #1 in Undergraduate Teaching
• #2 in Most International Students
• #3 in Best Value
• #6 in Best College for Veterans
• #7 in Best Regional Colleges in the West

For more information, visit www.oru.edu.