Northeastern Remembers Alumnus Bill Bright

TAHLEQUAH As the world mourns the loss of religious leader Bill Bright, so, too, are hearts heavy at his alma mater, Northeastern State University. Remembered as a healer of human spirit, Bright graduated from Northeastern with a bachelor's degree in economics in 1943. Bright went on to study theology at Princeton University and later transferred to Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena.

On October 1, 1951, Bright and his dedicated assistants began the Campus Crusade for Christ. From its humble beginnings, Campus Crusade expanded worldwide with a staff number of more than 20,000 and nearly half a million volunteers. The ministry covers nearly every segment of society, with special ministries and numerous projects that reach out to inner cities, governments, prisons, families, the military, executives, musicians, athletes, and many others.

During the organization's 52-year history, Bright changed tens of millions of lives through his leadership and faith. When NSU honored Bright with a lifetime achievement award in 2001, the acclaimed evangelist held five honorary doctorate degrees and was the 1996 recipient of the $1.1 million Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion. He donated the proceeds for prayer and fasting among volunteers worldwide. Bright was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1996 by the Oklahoma Heritage Association. A prolific author, Bright produced more than 100 books, pamphlets, articles and videos, which are distributed in major languages around the world. Bright's 1979 film "Jesus" is claimed to be one of the most widely viewed films ever produced. According to figures released two years ago, the film had been reproduced in 633 languages and viewed by more than 3.9 billion people in 233 countries.

"A great humanitarian, Bill Bright touched many lives," said NSU President Dr. Larry Williams. "His legacy lives on through his outstanding work, and also through those he influenced while performing it."

According to Steve Chapman, a spokesman for Campus Crusade, Bright died at his home in Orlando on July 19 from complications of pulmonary fibrosis. The celebrated evangelist had suffered with the disease for several years. He was 81.

7/31/03

Published: 2003-07-31 00:00:00