Tulsa, Oklahoma, March 4, 2026-Oral Roberts University's (ORU) Model United Nations (MUN) team was named the Most Outstanding University at the 66th Midwest Model United Nations (MMUN) Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. In total, ORU's 17-member team won 30 awards, including Outstanding Delegation, Best Position Paper, and Delegates' Choice Awards.

"This distinction speaks volumes about the character and capability of ORU students," said ORU President Dr. William M. Wilson. "Our students demonstrated that Spirit-empowered leadership belongs in global arenas where diplomacy, strategy, and moral clarity matter most. They have shown that faith and intellectual rigor are not opposing forces-they are a powerful combination for shaping the next generation of global leadership."

As a global university, ORU has enrolled students from 176 nations over the last 7 years. The University's global identity is strengthened by ORU's award-winning MUN team, which represented Finland, the Republic of Korea, and Denmark during this year's United Nations simulation. During the conference, ORU students excelled across General Assembly committees, Security Council sessions, environmental forums, and crisis simulations. Students were recognized in areas including international security, global trade and development, environmental policy, and multilateral diplomacy.

"The greatest reward was seeing my team grow and lead," said Head Delegate Ruth Ann Celones. "My team has taught me that leadership is not about standing in front-it's about standing together. It's about late-night worship and debrief sessions, rewriting speeches together, checking in when confidence wavers, and celebrating every small win as a collective victory. The unity we built matters more than any recognition. Lastly, I'm thankful to God Almighty for blessing, empowering, and filling in the gaps for my team and me."

Among the delegation's top honors:

• Most Outstanding University - Oral Roberts University
• Outstanding Delegation - Finland
• Outstanding Delegation - Republic of Korea
• Outstanding Delegation - Denmark
• Best in Plenary Crisis - Finland and Republic of Korea
• Multiple Best Position Paper, Delegates' Choice, and Honorable Mention Delegation awards across committees

"Our students competed with professionalism, strategic insight, and resilience," said Dr. Ruby Libertus, MUN Faculty Advisor. "Being named Most Outstanding University not only reflects academic preparation, but teamwork, strategic thinking, and leadership under pressure. Our team of delegates represented Oral Roberts University-and their assigned nations-with distinction. These experiential learning opportunities are essential for students to practice their craft and prepare for the real world."

Preparations are already underway for next year's conference, and students from all majors are encouraged to participate.

For more information about ORU's Model United Nations program, contact Dr. Ruby Libertus at [email protected] or visit ORU's International Relations Department.

Nationally Ranked, Globally Recognized

ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 17 years of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor's level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. In 2024, the Carnegie Foundation recognized ORU with a "Leadership for Public Purpose" award, a distinction earned by only 25 universities nationwide. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 176 nations in the last 7 years to be whole leaders for the whole world.