Local college students and Thanksgiving

Many families have gathered for Thanksgivingâ€™s big feast, but that isn't possible for everyone. Some college students are stuck in the dorm. <br><br>The University of Tulsa and Oral Roberts University

Thursday, November 22nd 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Many families have gathered for Thanksgivingâ€™s big feast, but that isn't possible for everyone. Some college students are stuck in the dorm.

The University of Tulsa and Oral Roberts University are trying to help their students make connections for Thanksgiving. News on Six reporter Glenda Silvey says University of Tulsa student Kevin Firth has an entire dormitory almost all to himself. He's an in state student who'll spend the holiday with family, but is taking advantage of an opportunity. "I have a lot of stuff I have to get done. Studying and everything, and since nobody's here, it's easy, it's quiet." TU residence halls are all but deserted.

The school combines its fall and Thanksgiving breaks to give students a full week off. Chuck Colby, Student Services Director: "So we do see the great majority leave unless they're working or have some school related tie or some special project they've procrastinated on. Then we see them stay.â€

Other students are grateful to be welcomed by Tulsa area families. Scott and Cathy Randolph and their four daughters will share their traditional feast with 12 Oral Roberts University students. Scott Randolph: "We've been blessed and are thankful for what we have and we've been away on Thanksgiving before." Jennifer Randolph, ORU Student: "I went through my wing and my brother wing and just invited everyone who couldn't go home to come home with me because we don't want anyone eating in the cafeteria, we want a good home cooking." Kersten Goldsby couldn't drive all the way home to Wisconsin for only two days, so she's grateful for the invitation. â€œWell it's going to be great food, so that's nice, but I miss my family and my home. But I love Jen and I'm glad her parents allowed us to come."

There may be no place like home, but there are still good times to share with good people, what Thanksgiving is about. Both TU and ORU keep residence Halls open during the holidays. International students are usually unable to travel home until semester break.

TU's international student services office works to pair those students with a family in the community for the Thanksgiving holiday.