Oral Roberts University receives checks for $62 million
Hobby Lobby founder Mart Green has followed thorugh on his offer to bail out the financially strapped university.
In the wake of ORU president Richard Roberts' resignation, Green offered in late November to give the school $70 million, dependent on a number of reforms. He donated $8 million immediately, without strings attached; yesterday's gift of $62 million signaled that ORU's board and Green had struck a deal on the proposed changes.
Roberts, the son of ORU founder Oral Roberts, resigned on November 23 amid lawsuits alleging financial mismanagement and lavish personal purchases with school funds. The school was $52.5 million in debt when he stepped down.
Green's gift is expected to pay off the debt and enable the school to invest in future improvements and growth. The key change agreed upon was the replacement of the previous board of regents, largely made up of charismatic celebrities, with a 16-person board of trustees chaired by Green. The Green family also wanted to be sure that the lawsuits facing the school could "be settled on a fair and reasonable basis for the university," according to their proposal.
"Heavenly Father, we thank you for this wonderful gift," university trustee Scott Howard prayed during the chapel service where Green officially presented the checks. "We pray for the future of Oral Roberts University, God, that the mission will go forth, . . . the vision will be strengthened, Lord, going forth in the future for generations to come.”
Posted by Madison Trammel on January 31, 2008 4:14PM
Comments
Wow. I bet Oral wished he knew this...instead of getting a divine death threat and locked in the prayer tower for a measly $8 million, he could have run the college into the ground for $70 million! On that note, I'd love to show Mr. Green my financial records!
Posted by: Kevin B. at January 31, 2008
I like it when a plan comes together!
Posted by: Steve Skeete at February 1, 2008
"God works in mysterious ways His wonders to perform."
Posted by: Larry at February 1, 2008
I wonder which god they were praying to - the god on their side or the God whose side they say are on! Strange how many 'christian' organisations go adrift - preaching renewal in the creator God through Jesus Christ, but acting as slaves to paganism of power and wealth from which they are supposed to have been rescued!
Posted by: BC at February 1, 2008
Too bad so much money goes to a quack college. This is not God's work.
Posted by: Blake at February 2, 2008
U$ 70 million is an expensive price to pay to determine the education policy of a so called Christian University
Posted by: Robbie Scott at February 3, 2008
Mart Green did not found Hobby Lobby, his father David Green did. Mart founded the Christian retail chain, Mardel Stores.
Posted by: Bill Simmons at February 5, 2008
It seems to me (at least on the surface) that Mr. Green is utilizing his funds (the Lord's, if he's a true believer) to perpetuate a false teacher's 'mission'. If he truly desires to further the Gospel (the Biblical Gospel), why not donate resources ANONYMOUSLY (oops - maybe that says everything... perhaps Green's name isn't plastered all over this, and the University isn't called ORU by accident) to struggling local churches, and para-church organizations that hold a high view of Scripture. Wycliffe, Master's College/Seminary, Southern Baptist Seminary, (many others that uphold the Word, and not the self-serving musings of men) any of the myriad, selfless inner-city and International Missions sending organizations that minister to and feed the poor and disseminate the true Gospel with compassion; that illustrious list of Christ centered and Truth honoring leaders, churches and organizations is extensive and diverse...ORU is not among them; never has been. I mean that in the strictest, Biblical sense.
ORU's problems are not founded on Jr.'s mismanagement of funds. That was as surprising as the sun rising tomorrow morning.
They're based in false, unbiblical teachings from the beginnings.
What a silly waste. Any new (convenient) revelations lately, Oral?
OR.......... maybe Mr. Green will truly supervise a sound, Biblically based, complete spiritual make-over of the mission and staff. Everthing new (especially the library) except the buildings. In that event, how about a new name for the University?
I know that the above comments are critical; and would imagine that many sincere people have supported this institution.
I would further acknowledge that many good people have taught at and attended ORU through the years. I've met some.
Please consider that our Lord and the Apostles after Him were particularly and specifically critical of false teachers and their self-serving doctrines.
Posted by: Vic at February 13, 2008
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