Dear OBU Alumni and Friends,
It is with a profound sense of gratitude and anticipation that I write to you about the ongoing progress of our “Shape the Future” campaign. This initiative is not just a vision for tomorrow – it is a declaration of who we are as a university today. Our commitment to providing a Christ-centered education that transforms lives continues to guide every decision we make.
As I reflect on the campaign’s priorities, I want to draw your focus to one building that stands as a beacon of OBU’s mission: Raley Chapel. For more than six decades, Raley Chapel has been a place of worship, learning and inspiration. It has shaped the spiritual and cultural lives of countless students and alumni, and its towering spire remains a symbol of our faith and dedication to God’s calling.
The restoration of Raley Chapel is more than an act of preservation – it is an investment in our future. While this beloved structure withstood the April 2023 tornado, it sustained significant damage that has required extensive repairs and updates. These efforts go beyond addressing physical needs; they are about ensuring that Raley Chapel continues to serve as the heart of our campus for generations to come.
Former President John Wesley Raley envisioned a space where students could gather to worship, reflect and grow. His dream came to life in 1961 when the chapel was dedicated as a centerpiece of faith and community on Bison Hill. Over the years, its halls have echoed with the voices of students in worship, renowned artists and speakers, and the melodies of timeless hymns.
Yet Raley Chapel is more than its history – it is a place where lives are transformed. Students encounter God here in ways that shape their faith and equip them to serve as Christ-followers in the world. Weddings, worship services and solemn moments of prayer mark its significance in the lives of our alumni and friends. Every stained-glass window, every note played on the organ, and every word spoken from the stage testify to the enduring power of this special place.
As I have shared with you before, the “Shape the Future” campaign prioritizes academic investment, campus life enhancement and facility improvement.
Although all these priorities are vitality important, I wanted to take this opportunity to focus on Raley Chapel - literally an iconic symbol of OBU.
Planned renovations include updates to Potter Auditorium, improved accessibility, and essential infrastructure upgrades that will allow this iconic building to continue inspiring and equipping our community. These updates will ensure that Raley Chapel remains a space where students and alumni alike worship God together, nurture their faith, and celebrate life’s milestones.
Raley Chapel stands at the heart of OBU, but it needs your support now more than ever to restore it as the campus centerpiece. Whether you walked through Raley Chapel’s doors decades ago or more recently, you are part of its story. By joining us in this campaign, you are investing in a legacy that will impact students for years to come. Together, we can ensure that Raley Chapel continues to be a place where faith, learning and community flourish.
Thank you for standing with us. Your prayers, encouragement and generosity are a vital part of OBU’s story. As we move forward, let us continue to seek God’s guidance and remain faithful to the calling He has placed on our university.
With gratitude and hope,
Dr. Heath A. Thomas
OBU President