"ORU was in my blood when I was born." 

There's no arguing that point with Jay Henderson. The son of Steve and Gayla (Harwood)--Class of '72--Jay has spent more time on campus than most. (Steve was director of Admissions, and continues to serve as a consultant to the Admissions Office.) 

Henderson, a junior marketing major, was a walk-on for the Golden Eagles basketball team his freshman year. Halfway through his first semester, he received a scholarship to play ball, and he's been making the most of it ever since. 

"I'm trying to get every opportunity college gives me," he said. Becoming an RA this year "changed how I thought about Oral Roberts. I became a leader. I have to live the honor code. You can't expect guys (on your floor) to follow the rules if you don't. 

"The RA program taught me time management, how to perform under pressure, and how to reach goals." 

His parents didn't tell him to go to ORU. The decision was his own, and he based it on "being at peace in my spirit--not getting blinded by the hype of being an athlete. During visits to other schools, I couldn't picture myself there. I could picture myself here." 

Henderson has been active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, encouraging young athletes at high schools and youth groups. He has some sage advice to share with them. 

"I thought I was so grown up when I got out of high school. But I'm still growing up. You think you're grown up" when you go to college, but "you're not. You're just away from home. 

"You have to ask yourself, When do I want to grow up? What habits am I establishing for the rest of my life?" 

Henderson has thought that through, and he's focused. He's in the fast-track MBA program, and credits his drive to the example set by his father. 

"He started his own business two years ago." (Christian College Consulting helps schools recruit and retain the best students.) "I'm so proud of him for stepping out in faith. I see someone who's found his ministry. If I could do something like that! And it's not about making a lot of money; it's about ministry--building Christian colleges to their full potential." 

Growing up in the shadow of the Prayer Tower, Henderson has a unique perspective on ORU. One point he'd like to get across to his fellow students is: Make the most of your four years. 

"Being at Oral Roberts is so much more than just going to school. It's about a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. It changes your dreams and what you want to do with your life. I don't know how anyone could go through ORU and not be changed. It really has changed me." 

The Spirit, he says, is alive and well on campus. He encourages alumni to come back for a campus church service (vespers) and see for themselves. 

"(Vespers) is what Oral Roberts is. If alumni would come, they would see the true heart of ORU. That's where you'll find people who want to grow deeper in their walk. That's where you're going to see people who will make a difference in this world." 

As an athlete, RA, and full-time student, Henderson knows only too well that "you have to sacrifice a lot" to make a meaningful impact on those around you, but he's up to the challenge. "Looking down the road," he said, "it'll be worth it. Sacrificing the sleep will be worth it." 

As the Bible says, They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.