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Oral Roberts University, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is the largest charismatic university in the world. The school has an enrollment of over 5,000 students from every state in the US and attracts a significant number of international students. Futuristic architecture trims the campus, with the trademark Prayer Tower in the center. The 200-foot tower is said to resemble "an abstract cross and crown of thorns" and houses the Abundant Life Prayer Group on the observation deck. Mabee Center, an arena seating over 11,000 people, is located at the southwestern edge of the campus and is home to basketball games, concerts, church services, and satellite television productions.
All students are required to live according to an "Honor Code" prohibiting smoking, drinking, gambling, illicit sexual acts, and homosexual behavior.
History
Healing evangelist Oral Roberts founded the school in 1963, claiming God had given him the following commission: "Raise up your students to hear my voice, to go where my light is dim, where my voice is heard small, and my healing power is not known, even to the uttermost bounds of the earth. Their work will exceed yours, and in this I am well pleased." The first students enrolled in 1965. In 1981, the City of Faith Medical and Research Center opened. It closed in 1989 due to financial problems and is now rented as commercial office space under the name Citiplex. Richard Roberts, Oral's son, was named President in 1993. Oral currently resides in California.
