One, Tulsa (12/7/2007 2:58:57 AM)

I am first...and as usual April..Thank you! You are doing a great job for TW.

The Oracle, Tulsa (12/7/2007 3:35:28 AM)

Wait and see what the "rev" pat robertson wants.pat has "revelations" and makes predictions that fail.Do you suppose he is coveting his neighbor's TV station.

betty jones, (12/7/2007 3:47:36 AM)

There are a lot of things going on with students that need to be brought out into the light. There are quite a lot of them that are not conducting themselves in the matter that would bring honor to the school or God. This needs to be addressed by the Board of Regents as well.

Betty Jones, (12/7/2007 3:49:00 AM)

#2 . There is no way that Pat Robertson would want that TV Station. He sold the one that he had years ago.

John, Broken Arrow (12/7/2007 4:18:26 AM)

Richard Roberts is no longer president of ORU and with the gracious gift Mart Green has offered to ORU, the university will be debt free for the first time in decades. The storm is past and it is time for everything to get back to normal, right? The problem is we are nowhere near normal. First of all, the mismanagement of the university has gone on for so long that the full extent of its effects may not be fully known until after a year or more has passed. Creative accounting is like translating Egyptian with the Rosetta Stone. This is a process that will involve a proactive relationship between the new president, the administration and the BOR to resolve discrepancies and to develop sound financial policies. The storm is not over yet, even if the university makes the needed reforms in the next 90 days to qualify for the reset of Mr. Green's donation.

Next, there is the issue of credibility. Administrators, faculty, students and community members spent years holding their tongue, biding their time, waiting until a time like now to vent their anger, frustration and opinions now that the threat of retaliation has passed. These thoughts, feelings and opinions should be listened to and considered as the university begins to create their new "transparent" policies. If these policy reforms seem superficial or only for show alumnus; alumnus, like myself, may choose to keep the school at arms length. There has been a breach of trust, which is going to take a lot of hard work, apologizing and genuine sucking up. If credibility is not restored among the alumnus, faculty, administration and the community, the level of support and ultimately the volume of students may drop. Therefore, the BOR should take a path to ensure that the reforms are real and long lasting in order to guide ORU to the height it should be. This will involve the selection of a strong, qualified and proven candidate for president.

I am very spiritual myself, but at this point it is beyond the BOR having a moment of prayer over the candidates, it needs to be a broader process where the faculty, alumnus and students get a chance scrutinize the candidate and have the opportunity to veto their recommendation. Coupled with this task is to ensure that the university stays free from unnecessary relationships, alliances or agreements. One of these prospective relationships is Pat Robertson. Now is the wrong time to have someone such as him, drawing close to ORU. His theology and politics cannot help a weakened and vulnerable university. In fact, I am suspicious of his motives. It seems to be more than coincidence that he emerges immediately after Richard resigns and Mart offers 70 million dollars. In addition to this, the questions about ORU's political involvement will definitely not go away if we let Pat Robertson get too close, too soon.

The last element with relationships goes deep into the BOR, administration and faculty. For those who are weak links, such as the BOR members being investigated for possible tax violations, they should consider resigning from their post themselves. There are others at the university that a month ago, where Richard's puppets, they too should consider leaving the university. In order for broken relationships to be restored and good relationships developed in the future, there needs to be a top-to-bottom restructuring to ensure that everyone is willing to work toward the goal of rebuilding ORU in accordance to its mission and not their own personal goals.

I hold a BA and a MA from ORU and teach at a university other than ORU. I still support the mission and goals of ORU and I know the school will come through this if it is handled professionally. The reality of it is that ORU is a Christian university and a multi-million dollar institution that has thousands of students, alumnus and staff members. This new leader must be prepared to lead in all of these areas. Nothing should be done to impede his or her, yes I said her, administration and reform of the university. Some relationships that are out th

John- Part 2, Broken Arrow (12/7/2007 4:20:13 AM)

I hold a BA and a MA from ORU and teach at a university other than ORU. I still support the mission and goals of ORU and I know the school will come through this if it is handled professionally. The reality of it is that ORU is a Christian university and a multi-million dollar institution that has thousands of students, alumnus and staff members. This new leader must be prepared to lead in all of these areas. Nothing should be done to impede his or her, yes I said her, administration and reform of the university. Some relationships that are out there to forge will still be there in a year or two if they are worth having. The last thing that we must remember is not to forget that our school needs our support during this time of reform. Too many times, we, as Americans, forget too quickly about problems once we think it has been fixed. The university has been under Richard's control for a long time and he still has supporters, even if they lost faith in him today, if the university starts to go south, these supporters will turn toward him again. If you doubt this amnesia, when was the last time you heard about the tsunami reconstruction projects? How many times have you heard about the Sudanese civil war? Let's not forget that this is going to take months, if not years of hard work, not just smiles and handshakes. Lets be there to truly save ORU. What do you think?

Class of ’05 and ’07

Makivelli, Minneapolis (12/7/2007 5:18:46 AM)

#3 Betty Jones. Are you serious? You think the BOR needs to police the behavior of all the students? What would you have them do? Perhaps they should attach monitoring ankle devices to every student. These devices could begin monitoring if they detect smoke, alcohol, the Devil's music, or pheremones.

Seriously though, please tell me what types of behavior you mean, and how you think the BOR could address it. I would be interested in any type of recommendation you have.

On another note, doesn't anyone else think that it's strange that the school still hasn't released the accounting report it got. Because if I had an accounting report that exonerated anyone or everyone, I would publish it straightaway. But they have not. Except, the current lawsuit shouldn't prevent them from doing so.

Here's why: A ton of money is missing. A ton. And I cannot wait until they are finally forced to release it. Then all of these stupid people that think RR is such a good guy, will have to face facts. Except, people like that never believe, regardless of the evidence. Too bad.

Bubba Gump, tulsa (12/7/2007 5:51:07 AM)

John......you just sound bitter....there are many many good changes at ORU......I think the critics out there, especially alumni, simply want an excuse not to give to the University....I heard from alumni that when RR resigned they'd step in and help financially....well he did, and they gave nothing.....unless you are a share holder, your input means nothing.......and in one breath, many of you call RR a dictator,,,,,,which means all of us, including the administration, worked under this fear, and in another breath you call the administration puppets, and that they should step down.......all of you need to realize that all employees from the Exec VPs down, worked under this fear campaign......I know many of the VPs personally....they are good, smart, hard working, god loving people.....and if given the chance, under a good leader, can run ORU very affectively.....change at the top is done.....now give them a fair chance to prove themselves.......now for you alumni.....put your money where your mouth is......take a risk like any other investment......its a good time, probably better than any other time in ORUs history, to invest in ORU....show some love.

'77 Alum, Dallas (12/7/2007 6:04:24 AM)

I believe the biggest reason that alumni may not be contributing yet is..pardon me Jerry Lee- there need's to be a whole lotta shaking going on!. Too many of the leaders in the higher echelons are still present that are either involved in the lawsuits or are connected or alleged in some back-handed dealings doings, i.e. Dr Lew, Jeff Ogle, Ellsworth, and some of the perpetrators on the Board.If nothing else is "shaken" from the tree- then it will be business as usual....Of course if they don't really don't plan to release anyone else-they'll behave as if no one has a safe job, then after they get the rest of Green's money-then same ol, same ol. I just pray that they will have the guts to get rid of some more of these people.

G, (12/7/2007 6:09:47 AM)

There are many good choices that could be added to the Board if changes are made. A great example of this would be evangelist Dr. Jack Hayford who does hold a Doctorate and has experience running a Christian University.

'77 Alum, Dallas (12/7/2007 6:09:51 AM)

5. 12/7/2007 4:18:26 AM, John, Broken Arrow

the questions about ORU's political involvement will definitely not go away if we let Pat Robertson get too close, too soon.

==============

Good point, John-

Just what we would need would be more IRS troubles if PR gets too politically minded if he would ever become prez.

'77 Alum, Dallas (12/7/2007 6:12:21 AM)

Another good board member might be James Robison.....He's a mild Charismatic, and I've never heard him ask for money for his ministry that isn't reverted back to poverty-stricken areas.

jam, tulsa (12/7/2007 6:13:03 AM)

Change?...What a joke. Given the same cast of characters (BOR, Roberts family), NOTHING will change in a meaningful way. To have any credibility at all, the Roberts name will have to be removed and the flim-flam artists on the BOR will have to be expelled. By the way, this will never happen and we'll see more scandal in the future and more embarrassment for Tulsa.

'77 Alum, Dallas (12/7/2007 6:14:05 AM)

Still think Mert Green & Pearsons may have been separeted at birth....or maybe they were just the first human clones! It'd be fun to see a side-by-side photo of them.

Observer, Tulsa (12/7/2007 6:17:54 AM)

'77 Alum is absolutely correct. Until we find out if there are going to be "real" changes at ORU, why throw good money after bad, so to speak. ORU has a long way to go to redeem itself in the eyes of its alumni and the public. The choice of a new president will have a huge impact on future donations. If the new president is seen merely as a figurehead, forget it. It's going to have to be someone from the outside who will command respect from the students, faculty, and public--in other words, a strong leader who is willing to make the necessary changes and not bow to pressure from the Roberts family to do things their way.

Alan Pike, (12/7/2007 6:22:31 AM)

9 Alumn - Dallas wrote

CLEAN-UP OR COVER-UP?

'REFORM" LED BY THIS CAST OF CHARACTERS UNITED IN A WHITEWASH?

1. a dysfunction BOR who closed their eyes to Richard and Lindsey's shenanigans all these years.

2. An admin of complicit, if not corrupt,enablers who, as alum Dallas said

"Too many of the leaders in the higher echelons are still present that are either involved in the lawsuits or are connected or alleged in some back-handed dealings doings, i.e. Dr Lew, Jeff Ogle, Ellsworth...",

What are they covering up with that "top secret" report?

If there were no serious wrong-doing in which they were ALL complicit by negligence, or participation

-- why not release it and clear themselves?

Why no report? The lawsuit is just an escuse.

--Challenge Pearsons to pledge to release it when the lawsuit is over -- and see what happens.

NO WAY -- because the wrongs it uncovered involves those now covering it up.

ORU is moving from a period of corrupt behavior to a period of corrupt cover-up

--LED BY THE SAME PEOPLE.

To expect these people to clean up their own mess is foolish.

NO CLEAN-UP --- JUST A COVER-UP

Comment, (12/7/2007 6:31:51 AM)

2. 12/7/2007 3:35:28 AM, The Oracle, Tulsa

Wait and see what the "rev" pat robertson wants.pat has "revelations" and makes predictions that fail.Do you suppose he is coveting his neighbor's TV station.

_____________

Of course he and his brat kid want that station. The brat kid is now in charge of things. He wants to feed off the old man's legacy and continue the con artist trade.

Comment, (12/7/2007 6:35:40 AM)

What a lame university leadership this school has. Pearsons needs to be kicked to Canada and somebody w/you know whats should step in and take control of this situation. What the crap does a preacher know about business anyway? Real business.

Jack Evans, (12/7/2007 6:57:01 AM)

Pike 16 -- has it right

CLEAN UP OR COVER UP??

How can the same cast of characters involved be trusted to clean up their own mess.

What you get is a cover-up, not a clean-up.

Just ask Pearsons to pledge to release the full report as soon as his reason for not doing so -- the lawsuits-- are over, and watch his reaction!

Never!

If it cleared them you bet they'd get it out.

This "gang" entrusted to clean up?

Clean up or cover up?

Alumni should withhold their support for now.

The Green family, in my opinion, should RUN to the nearest exit and find a cause worthy of support.

Bill Hader, Jenks (12/7/2007 7:03:19 AM)

I hear the Ken Lay, or Bernie Ebbers is avail. I mean is that not the requirments set by the BOR. and past leaders?

Alden , tulsa (12/7/2007 7:16:51 AM)

The skeptics among us, and there are many, think the Board of Regents should be thrown out, and Oral sent back to Beverly Hills. As long as anyone like Hinn, Dollar and on and on are regents the stink will continue. The students deserve better than quacks like these.

JC , Tulsa (12/7/2007 7:22:57 AM)

FYI re Grassley's requests:

Here is an accounting of the ministries’ responses as of 5:30 p.m. Eastern time:

Kenneth and Gloria Copeland – Kenneth Copeland Ministries Attorneys delivered a package of material to Sen. Grassley’s staff today.

Creflo Dollar – World Changers Church International Sent Sen. Grassley and Chairman Baucus a letter indicating that the ministry does not intend to provide information voluntarily and raised the idea of a subpoena.

Benny Hinn – World Healing Center Church, Inc. Sen. Grassley’s staff is scheduled to meet with the ministry’s attorneys on Friday, Dec. 7.

Eddie Long – New Birth Missionary Baptist Church Ministry representatives said publicly that the ministry will cooperate. Sen. Grassley has not received any material or contact from the ministry.

Joyce Meyer – Joyce Meyer Ministries

Sen. Grassley’s staff received a package of material from the organization on Tuesday, Dec. 4, and is reviewing the material.

Randy and Paula White – Without Walls International Church Today, received initial contact from attorneys. Said attorneys will contact Sen. Grassley’s staff shortly. No indication of further response.

You gotta love it!, (12/7/2007 7:31:03 AM)

When are WOF Christians EVER going to be held accountable for their misdeeds?

It truly seems against "their religion" to EVER admit wrong doing and to EVER apologize legitimately/not the IF I did anything wrong or IF I offended anyone bit. But ACTUALLY admit messing up and REPENTING and SUFFERING the consequences for whatever misbehavior.

Whether WOF people like it or not, suffering can be a good thing in our lives.

The house cleaning MUST continue, otherwise all that money is just a bandaid on the problems that have been festering for a long time. And I believe the parents and students have a right to know what has been going on...factually speaking all these years.

Midwest, (12/7/2007 7:38:08 AM)

19. 12/7/2007 6:57:01 AM, Jack Evans,

.....The Green family, in my opinion, should RUN to the nearest exit and find a cause worthy of support.

---------------

That is your opinion. The Green family should stay the course and do their due-diligence. They have paid for their ticket.

Lee, winston-salem (12/7/2007 7:39:10 AM)

My prayers are with the university and Richard Roberts. Persoanlly I don't believe the allegations against him. However, I was surprised to hear about the university being in so much debt. But God is good and has sent help. I trust Richard will become stronger through all of this.