The Unlikely Brotherhood of Oral Roberts and Billy Graham

Billy Graham brought the hope of Jesus Christ to millions around the world, and this dedication to spreading the gospel made him the most iconic and effective evangelist in modern times. Oral Roberts University was honored to welcome Rev. Graham to dedicate our campus in 1967, and his exhortation to put God first in all we do still lives on in the hearts of this community:

“…If this institution ever moves away from faith in the Bible and faith in God and putting God first, then let us this day pronounce a curse on it. This institution was built by the prayers and dedication of men and women who loved God and believed His Gospel and [that] the Bible is the Word of God,” Graham said at the campus dedication.

More than 50 years later, ORU continues to take on his challenge to stay true to the founding vision of the university with passion.

In August of 2009, ORU Founder Oral Roberts reflected on his friendship with Billy Graham.

“Billy was the most generous man in the ministry I’ve ever met. He accepted me as a brother. He said he fell in love with my ministry. I counted him the No. 1 evangelist in the world. We became very close friends.”

Upon hearing of Oral Roberts’ passing in December 2009, Rev. Graham said, in part: “Oral Roberts was a man of God and a great friend in ministry. I loved him as a brother. We had many quiet conversations over the years.”

“Billy Graham served as a great evangelist, statesman, prophet, teacher, godly example, friend to us all (including presidents), father, husband, educator, an icon of a generation and a champion of spiritual integrity,” says Dr. William M. Wilson, president of Oral Roberts University. “On behalf of the ORU board of trustees, students, faculty and staff, we are praying for the Graham family and are thankful for the shared legacy of Billy Graham.”

Billy Graham Tribute Social Media from Oral Roberts University on Vimeo.