Shepard Salter, Greenville FL (11/16/2007 6:42:37 AM)

Brings to mind another smelly memory of ORU. While I was there Larry Lea was the Dean of the Seminary. Can't remember why he left...but Oral put Paul Chappell in as dean. What a joke. The man licked the boots of Oral for years. Chappell would lie regulary when I first got there. During orientation he lied about the reason a particular prof. was not coming to the seminary. I knew him personally and called him to verify it. Completely wrong. For years ORU has done whatever was needed to 'fool the pions'. They just wanted to get that $$$ flowing. My last year there they lowered the academic standards and got a huge influxof stupid people who didn't belong in college. Nothing new here...many colleges do that...problem is with a Christian organization welcoming in people who cannot seriously make headway with the academic rogors...surprise! They lowered the standards! My undergrad classes (I was a graduate teaching assistant) dropped severly in the level of serious, mature students. All about $$$ @ ORU.

Former ORU Student Tulsa , (11/16/2007 6:43:13 AM)

606. 11/16/2007 2:30:44 AM, COG,

FORUS, what do you see happening? Who do you think will become the next President?

609. 11/16/2007 5:59:04 AM, Former ORU Student Tulsa ,

606, I see things unfolding as they should. You will see the vileness of the spirit behind the issues. Watch the behaviors, they will tell the story. as to who will be the next president, Good question.......

oru alum, tulsa (11/16/2007 6:56:17 AM)

For many years oru has strayed from its foundation. I remember when it was a university open to all denominations. oru had a very diverse population of christians, and was on the cutting edge of education. After so many years of comprimise and foolish spending it's no wonder that things have finally come to a real decisive moment. Will the regents step up to the plate, or will Richard finally realize the game is over? I would prefer that Richard show some game and resign. If he really has a ministry he will survive. Those who support and believe in the mission of oru should pray for the university and the regents that at this moment the right person will be put in charge and that God will be glorified.

OHMYGOSH, (11/16/2007 7:03:46 AM)

#21- Cornhusker- You post was eloquent. God Bless you for your honesty and insight. When I have mentioned how this impacts the degrees of the students I have been met with "whiney" posts. Some people don't understand that in some fields you do have to 'disclose" your credentials and where they came from on a regular basis. I know some of the professors you mentioned and they are incredibly competent. Lanny Endicott and Larry Walker are simply "jewels' in the field of behavioral science. No doubt your education was excellent...good luck with your new job.

~sojourner, Adair (11/16/2007 6:38:49 AM)

You guys need to get the crows out of your pea patch... before it all comes a tumbling down... God's done playing around, from the looks of it. If you are thinking God's going to allow "just look the other way" etics and morals anymore, you are blind to what is happening, and you don't get God at all. Looks like He wants all or nothing to me.. all you clamoring for a settlement and for RRs sin to be covered up "for the sake of the university staff, students, and alumni" better be careful. God's cleaning house... I predict either everyone will bend to His perfect will, and i do mean EVERYONE... or you guys are going to lose it all.. heavy, hard, and fast. God's seperating... who do you choose, God or man?? Time is running out... you must choose... Dr. Lew has made his choice, and I am sure it was one of the hardest things he's ever done. But he did it... God bless you Dr. Lew, peace be upon you.

Carl Robbins, Ssan Jose (11/16/2007 6:27:48 AM)

POST 20 , 21

Very touching, 21.

We ALL know ORU can be better.

LET'S BAND TOGETHER AND MAKE IT HAPPEN.

Now's the time.

If it's not done now, it will NEVER be done.

Cornhusker, Nebraska (11/16/2007 6:15:29 AM)

Please forgive the errors; I just woke up!

Embarrassed to mention my Degrees; Cornhusker, Nebraska (11/16/2007 6:12:04 AM)

You know, I took a new position the other day as a clinical psychologist in a small town. I was being asked about where I had went to school and what I had studied. I sadly had to tell them that I went to the University of Oklahoma for post graduate studies and did not at all mention Oral Roberts University because of the concerns I have heard about ORU lacking accountability fiscally and academically. So sad to say that, after ORU changed my life so much. There were and still are some of the most amazing people teaching there that I love and trust. As a leader there: Men's Chaplain, Team Mania Leader to Mexico, ORU Missions every summer I was there, ORU community Outreach Assistant Director, and highly involved in Outreach to the Down and Out; Homeless shelters. I truly developed a love for people there that has flurished and led me to continue working with people who are in need of love, nurturing and spiritual guidance.

I was told by people in my church in 1994 at my church started by John Wimber and Friends that ORU was a good choice as a college. BUT, be careful to be a seeker of God and truth for yourself and don't believe all you hear. My youth pastor had graduated from ORU in 1992 and told me that he loved it, but look past how the university's family runs the university.

" Some things go on there, just look the other way and thank God for the good things you will learn there and the great people you will meet. You will grow spiritually, but ignore some things you see and don't let them affect you!"

Wow, even my youth pastor was say things during his time there that he felt was not right.

I knew when I was there that things were going on, but I guess I took the position that I was told by my grandfather, "Chew up the meat, spit out the Bones." I also learned some life lessons taught by Coach Tom Osborne. " You don't have to tell people to have integrity, honesty, teamwork, and tradition!" "If the leaders have them, they will be in the organization and will be followed by the people." Another one impacted me' "If you think people are beneath you, you already have a problem."

My hope is that somehow, someway, future students will not have to tell student prospects to be careful what they see and hear while at ORU because all is not well, but it is a good place to grow. That should not be happening. I saw how some 1 person got rid of people when there was questioning of university leaders positions (Pastor Shuler). But, I chose to mourn and look the other way. Students are not dump. They man not be fully mature psychologically, emotionally, or spiritually yet, but they are good at reading between the lines. They see it, and it causes grief and dispair for a while if they take their eyes off of Christ. KP Burnett (Leader at ORU when I was there) told me concerning those things, "Thank God for the good and the bad, because without experiencing it, you have not fully lived." Scott Peck starts his book, "Life is Difficult" Once we accept this life gets better. And, we have the Great Shephard to guide us... He has promised to never leave us or forsake us.

Please students; Take the advice given to me and what I learned at ORU. Some things at ORU are better ignored! "Pick and choose your battles!"

I want to say hello to my old professors who to this day I greatly respect and honor. They truly continue to change my life with all I have learned and put into practice: Kiel, Dr. Walker, Nina Tucker, Lanny Endicott, Dr. Silvers, Cal Easterling, Bill Walker(deceased), Helland, Calderon. I love you and honor all of you! Now for the leaders: Ken Kenerly, Bill Shuler, Greg Craycraft, Brannon Carnes, Chris Bashford, Chris Royael: You all helped place the fire of God in me..... and thank you to Billy Joe and Pastor Sheer.... who through there teaching at Ropes course for summer missions has changed my life. I love you all.... and hopefully we will resolve having to look the other way and ignore what happens with leadership(BOR and Pres.) at ORU

Love you and have a good weekend

77orualum, mpls (11/16/2007 6:05:39 AM)

Richard Roberts must resign now!

Support the Faculty "Vote of No Confidence" on Alumni Faceplace!

Carl Robbins, (11/16/2007 5:31:10 AM)

Sorry..my post 17 was addressed to Post 13

-- not post 10. Pass the coffee.

Larry2, Tulsa (11/16/2007 5:29:01 AM)

Brownwood lawyer--Board of Regents

.

Go to oru dot edu, click accademics

university catalog

2007-2008 link in middle of page

BOR is on page 10 of the PDF file

Carl Robbins, San Jose (11/16/2007 5:27:40 AM)

#10

Have YOU read about all the legal manuerverings to suppress evidence, get a gag order, squash subpeonas, seal evidence -- in effect, cover-up?.

There's a full-court press to keep the facts from coming out. I wonder why.

Someone's worried BIG TIME.

The case is moving ahead, and I understand there will be no settlement.

They dynamics of this case -- and the associated, linked deeper issues it has surfaced -- have taken on a life of their own.

So i wouldn't expect a check, a handshake and pat on the back to stop this case.

Not at all.

-- that's how it looks to me.

c.a., Tulsa (11/16/2007 5:14:23 AM)

#8 -- Try a Google search for the names and backgrounds of the regents. Should have been a PR article in print. Then Google each regent's name/company to get contact details.

Midwest, (11/16/2007 5:08:55 AM)

10. 11/16/2007 4:41:01 AM, Machiavelli, Houston

I second this hope.

Carl Robbins, San Jose (11/16/2007 5:06:58 AM)

DOES ANYONE HAVE THE NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF THE BOR?

Post #8 -- ORU grad and lawyer -- is asking.

Help out here, folks, if you can.

c.a., Tulsa (11/16/2007 5:06:16 AM)

#10 Machiavelli -- Don't count on it. Have you read the article about the questionable background of Swails, his business associates and habit of lawsuits elsewhere?

Talk about all the makings of what the most lurid group of media will pounce on as "proof" of the hypocrisy and failings of all Christians! *sigh*

Does make me long for the days of that peaceful pasture and its cows. At least it was easy to sort out the cow piles from the flowers.

Larry2, Tulsa (11/16/2007 5:02:30 AM)

8. 11/16/2007 3:33:41 AM, bill, ORU Graduate and Lawyer, brownwood

.

Someone posted this earlier, unfortionately no addresses. I know several are from Tulsa and some of the others are well enough known that they shouldn't be difficult to find.

.

I will check for a link on ORU

.

#139. 10/14/2007 7:58:56 PM, One, Tulsa

This was posted on another blog...I copied it...

Here is the most up to date list of the Regents I could find. It was from spring of 07, of course in light of the events from the last few months, it has changed somewhat, but it is a start.

- Mrs. Karen Arutunoff

Entrepreneur

Business Regent

- Mr. James M. Blanchett

Retired Construction Company Owner

Regent Emeritus

- Mr. Michael Cardone, Jr.

President – Auto Manufacturing Company

Cardone Industries, Inc.

Associate Regent

- Reverend Kenneth Copeland

Minister

Kenneth Copeland Ministries

Business Regent

- Dr. Scott Cordray

Surgical Physician

Oasis Nasal Spray and Wash

Business Regent

- Reverend Billy Joe Daugherty

Minister

Victory Christian Center

Business Regent

- Mr. David Del Zotto

Businessman – Construction Company

Lino Del Zotto & Son Builders, Inc.

Regent Emeritus

- Reverend Creflo A. Dollar

Minister

World Changers Church International

Business Regent

- Reverend Jesse G. Duplantis

Minister

Jesse Duplantis Ministries

Business Regent

- Reverend Ulf Ekman

President

Livets Ord University

Sweden

Associate Regent

- Mr. Richard Fenimore

President

Trinity Chemical Industries

Business Regent

- Reverend Charles Green

Minister

Faith Church, Founding Pastor

Harvest Ministries, President

Chairman-Executive Committee

Business Regent

- Reverend John C. Hagee

Minister

Cornerstone Church

John Hagee Ministries

Business Regent

- Mr. Michael A. Hammer

Businessman – Chairman of Board

Armand Hammer Foundation

Business Regent

- Reverend Marilyn Hickey

Minister

Marilyn Hickey Ministries

Chairman of Board

Business Regent

- Dr. I.V. Hilliard

Minister

New Light Christian Center

Business Regent

Reverend Benny Hinn

Minister

World Healing Center Church

Business Regent

- Mr. Frank Holder

Retired Businessman

Griffin-Holder Co.

Regent Emeritus

- Mr. Barry Hon

Real Estate Developer

Hon Development

Business Regent

- Reverend Ozro T. Jones, Jr.

Minister

Holy Temple Church of God in Christ

Regent Emeritus

- Reverend Terry Law

Minister

Terry Law Ministries

World Compassion

Regent Emeritus

- Reverend John Meares

Minister

Evangel Church

Regent Emeritus

- Jere D. Melilli, M.D.

Medical Physician

The Family Clinic

Christian Life Fellowship

Regent Emeritus

- Dr. Myles Munroe Minister

Bahamas Faith Ministries International

Business Regent

- Glenda Payas, D.M.D.

Dentist

Business Regent

- Mr. Richard Pearson

Businessman

- Pearson Bus Sales Ltd.

Regent Emeritus

- Reverend George Pearsons

Minister

Eagle Mountain International Church

Vice Chairman & Business Regent

- Henry Penix

Entrepreneur

Henry Penix Ministries

Business Regent

- Bishop Michael S.B. Reid

Minister

Peniel Pentecostal Church

Associate Regent

- Evelyn Roberts (1917 – 2005)

Minister

Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association

Lifetime Spiritual Trustee

Oral Roberts University

Lifetime Spiritual Regent

- Lindsay Rob

Carl Robbins, San Jose (11/16/2007 5:01:02 AM)

Post #9

TOUCHY TOUCHY

The "investigations and additiional audits" are not much more than paid-for window-dressing to put lipstick on the pig.

Enron had its hand-picked law firm do an "independent investigation" that cleared Enron.

""We're clean" they announced. The investigation said so.

So much for that.

A real audit would be by a respected national firm, not some smaller company located in the backyards of the Texas evangelists on the BOR -- Hinn and Copeland.

Who knows what links there might be?

That smells.

The ship if in trouble, so yes decisions by the AWOL BOR need to be made now.

Nice stalling try, but it won't work.

It's PAST TIME to clean the house.

-- that's how I see it.

Machiavelli, Houston (11/16/2007 4:41:01 AM)

I hope this means Lewandoski is signaling that, when he is called as a witness for the plaintiffs, his testimony will be completely honest and provide the documentation they (plaintiffs) need to prevail. Perhaps it will be so good that there will be an excellent settlement and we (Christians) will be spared the agony of a humiliating, degrading trial, and deny the world, and ourselves, of all the "entertainment" such a juicy lawsuit brings.

Bad publicity?, (11/16/2007 4:08:43 AM)

The Provost of a university just made a drama queen media announcement, & you blame the regents for bad publicity?

The school already has an interim president, investigations & additional audits are being done, yet this big baby wants major decisions to be made immediately, by making this threat. ML certainly has known what ORU was like since he grew up there with his father teaching there for decades. He also attended ORU himself. The recent Alumni Magazine shows him glowing in his new position & speaking extremely highly of the administration & all involved. Now he claims he's afraid? Maybe he's doing this because he wants tto be the next president. I don't think that blackmail works out that way.

bill, ORU Graduate and Lawyer, brownwood (11/16/2007 3:33:41 AM)

I am still waiting on someone to post the names and addresses of all the BOR. I intend on sending a letter putting them on notice that they better take responsibility for their actions or resign. With this being said, if Pearson (with K Copeland Ministries), Hinn, and Dollar are not giving a significant amount of $ to ORU, they need to IMMEDIATELY resign. ORU does not need any more bad publicity, nor does it need to be associated with those that are under congressional scrutiny for the same core issue ....GREED....that is damaging ORU. The true business leaders on the BOR better take their responsibilities more seriously and do what is right or face liability for the damage they are allowing based upon the allegations against RR and supporting other BOR who are bringing shame on ORU and the name of Christianity. Like it or not, having multiple MILLION Dollar Jets and living the lifesytle of the extremely wealthy is not supported by the Scriptures and insulting to those in the world who need salvation. It is an absolute disgrace to Christianity and as ridiculous as the weak-minded individuals supporting such nonsense.

c.a., Tulsa (11/16/2007 3:18:00 AM)

And to think, once upon a time, that was all nice pasture land, complete with trees, cows and working natural gas wells. But that was far, far away in another galaxy.

Mandi, class of '77, (11/16/2007 3:14:08 AM)

Those of us who went to ORU for an education now must worry about the reprecussions in our professional lives, as the credibility of our academic credits is taking a monumental negative hit.

And yes, this is a legitimate concern for all present and past students. After all, the purpose of ORU is to provide a quality, balanced education, grounded in Christian principles, to send out into the world educated men and women with the knowledge base to perform well professionally and with the moral fiber to do so with Christian ethics.

Alumni in positions of professional influence have the opportunity to step forward in the face of this turmoil and use that influence for the good and betterment of the school. Influence of character can and should face down influence of money.

The principles on which ORU was founded are valid, aside from the people involved, and despite how those principles have been subverted. The school is worth saving.

And the credibility of our academic credits is worth fighting to save. If we, as Christians, wish to have an effective presence and influence in both the public and private sectors, we must protect our credentials from tarnish by association.

Just my two cents, for what it may be worth.

Good night.

Oral Roberts, back in Tulsa (11/16/2007 2:31:54 AM)

NO! My son shall soon return to his throne!!!

SEC, (11/16/2007 2:29:15 AM)

Dr. Lew......thanks for taking a stand and for admitting that you too began to become engulfed in the 'culture of fear' - that speaks volumes of your ability to see when you are going off in a wrong direction and then you make it right - that is something that the FORMER presidents OR & RR never learned to do - it is called REPENTANCE!

.

i too think you would make a great ORU President. Keep standing strong in the face of the Goliath's of oue time.