ORU, Oklahoma’s Most Diverse University, Celebrates International Students at Culture Fest

ORU hosted Culture Fest 2025, a campus-wide celebration of the nations featuring music, dance, cuisine, and traditional attire from around the world.
With students from 174 nations over the last six years and all 50 states each year, ORU has been recognized as the #1 most diverse university in Oklahoma (Niche, 2023-2026).

Tulsa, Oklahoma, November 17, 2025—Oral Roberts University (ORU) celebrated its global community during Culture Fest 2025, a campus-wide festival of music, dance, cuisine, and vibrant displays of world heritage. The annual event highlights ORU’s distinction as the #1 most diverse university in Oklahoma (Niche 2023-2026) and embodies the University’s mission to develop Whole Leaders for the Whole World.

“Culture Fest reflects the heart of who we are as a global and diverse Spirit-empowered University,” said ORU President Dr. William M. Wilson. “It reminds us that faith and learning transcend culture and language, bringing together students from around the world to grow, serve, and lead. International students enrich ORU in countless ways. They bring unique perspectives and experiences that deepen our understanding of the world and strengthen our shared commitment to lead and impact the world for God’s glory.”

A Celebration of Faith and Culture

Culture Fest is one of ORU’s most beloved annual traditions—more than an event, it’s a celebration of unity through diversity. Students showcase their heritage while sharing their hearts and testimonies. Every year, Culture Fest features international cuisine, cultural performances, and the event’s most moving highlight, the Parade of Nations, a procession of flags from around the world.

“The Parade of Nations is more than just a parade; it’s a declaration,” said Dr. Grey Hoff, Associate Vice President of International Student Relations. “You can sense the weight of what it represents: 174 nations, each with its own story, its own dream, all gathered under one Savior. Many walk with tears and pride, grateful that their homeland is represented. It reminds me that at ORU, the Nations aren’t just present—they are honored.”

Students performing cultural dances at Culture Fest

Education That Transforms and Connects

Being part of such a diverse, global student body gives ORU graduates a distinctive edge. ORU’s global exposure teaches students how to lead in a connected world. Every friendship and every classroom conversation is a chance to grow in empathy, cross-cultural communication, and understanding. ORU graduates leave ready to lead with wisdom, humility, and global vision—qualities that set them apart as Spirit-empowered leaders who can make a difference wherever God calls them.

Raja Lagadapati, ORU’s Student Association President

“At ORU, every culture is seen, every story is valued, and every student feels a sense of belonging,” said ORU’s Student Association President Raja Lagadapati, an international student from India. “This diversity is the cornerstone of our campus experience, moving our education beyond the textbook. You aren't just learning about the world; you are learning from the world, right here in your residence hall and classrooms. It builds empathy, shatters stereotypes, and is a vital part of what prepares us to be effective and understanding leaders in a globally connected society."

Students representing diverse cultures at Culture Fest

A Global, Unified Family on Campus

Over the last six years, ORU has welcomed students from all 50 states and 174 nations. This diversity on campus reminds the community that its impact stretches far beyond the United States. Many students bring inspiring stories of faith, perseverance, and vision—examples that strengthen ORU’s culture of courage and purpose. This global representation reflects the University’s mission: to develop Spirit-empowered leaders through whole-person education to impact the world.

#1 in Diversity, #1 in Spirit

With ORU's rich culture and growing international enrollment, Niche has recognized the University as the #1 most diverse university in Oklahoma (2023-2026). This isn’t just a title—it’s a reflection of purpose. It affirms that the University’s commitment to welcome the nations is more than a statistic—it’s a reality. ORU continues to be a place where students from around the world come to find belonging, spiritual growth, and academic excellence.

“Many nations, one Spirit, one purpose,” said Dr. Hoff. “For ORU, culture is both a celebration and a sacred responsibility ... to continue being a place where all are valued, equipped, and sent.”

Nationally Ranked, Globally Recognized

ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 17 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. In 2024, the Carnegie Foundation recognized ORU with a “Leadership for Public Purpose” award, a distinction earned by only 25 universities nationwide. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 174 nations in the last 6 years to be whole leaders for the whole world.

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