For context: My school allowed senior students to write and present a speech on behalf of the student body that would be given at graduation. I made it as a finalist, but I guess it was not meant to be hahahaha. However, I still wanted to share it with you.
I fastened my seatbelt, glancing through the window for a final look as the plane departed from my Bahama land. I anxiously awaited to begin what was just a dream on a vision board, now a new reality for me. I was leaving behind my dear family and friends to answer the call of God, entering the training grounds of a university dedicated to developing whole leaders for the whole world.
The adage says, “The race is not given to the swift or strong, but to the one that endures to the end.” Today, hundreds of us Golden Eagles have soared to the end of our incredible academic journey at Oral Roberts University.
I know I am not alone in saying that Oral Roberts University was one of the greatest experiences of my life. This university has become a home away from home and a family that will always have a special place in our hearts. From the first day, we were greeted by enthusiastic, energetic student ambassadors who welcomed and showed us the ins and outs, the dos and donts, to make our transition smooth. As an International Student representing one of the hundreds of nations on campus, I appreciated the extraordinary assistance from the International Student Center. Walking through the campus, we could not help but take in nature’s beauty, seeing the squirrels live their best lives, while the geese take their sweet time crossing the road—gotta love ‘em.
The kick-off to the basketball season, “March to the Mabee,” always brought a sense of school pride and unity on campus. Everybody knows we have the nation’s best basketball team. Those thrilling game nights kept us on the edge of our seats. Our professors taught us with excellence. They were experienced in 21st-century technology, making our lessons engaging and creative. The hands-on training through missions and outreach gave us the opportunity in helping to build the bridge between Christ and the community with strategic, short-term investment into the long-term Kingdom work. I would be here for hours if I were to list how much ORU has made an indelible, life-changing mark in our lives.
Our experience would not be possible without God’s faithfulness toward us. Today is a testament to that. Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude. To our President, Trustees, Administration, and faculty, thank you for your unwavering commitment and sacrifices. You were always visible and available, pushing us to reach our full potential. To our parents, family, and support system, your willingness to pray with us and send us money (bless God) has been a tremendous blessing. We know it was hard to see us leave the nest, but today you see the fruit of your labor. We say thank you. To our friends, thank you for staying up late with us, allowing us to vent, and simply being a shoulder to lean on. Lastly, to my fellow graduates, I want to thank you for not giving up. Many of you had obstacles that made this day seem impossible, but you stayed the course. Today, your perseverance pays off.
As we enter a new chapter of our lives, as Colossians 2:7-8 alludes, may we remain rooted and built up in Christ and established in the faith, just as we were taught. Through the changing scenes of life, may our lives remain built on Christ, who is the solid rock. May our faith ever grow stronger in the truth we have heard over the years. May we determine not to lose the spiritual momentum we have gained through chapel services, revival, prayer sets, classes, and hall meetings. We must run with the vision of ORU, “to go where God’s light is dim, where His voice is heard small, and His healing power is not known, even to the uttermost bounds of the earth.”
We can see how dark our world has become. The goal is not just to receive a degree from ORU. God is calling us for such a time as this to influence the world around us for God’s glory. I know our degrees may look nice on a wall, but God is calling for us to pick up the legacy of anointing, power, and world-changing revival that our Founder and those before us have left. My fellow graduates, God’s hands are upon us. He who has begun this good work in us will see it to completion. We have studied, we have cried, we have walked 10,000 steps, and then some, we worked hard, we endured, and now we are ready to live out the mission of ORU in being Holy Spirit-empowered leaders to impact the world.
Though we may be leaving, the work of Oral Roberts University continues. New buildings are being erected, and student enrollment continues to grow. The best days of this university are still to come. We were honored to be part of the journey. Class of 2023, this graduation ceremony is by no means the end; it is only the beginning.
May we go forth and change the world.
Raphael R. Roker 