Oklahoma State University has announced a combined $50 million gift from the Harold Hamm Foundation and Continental Resources to create the Hamm Institute for American Energy.

Gifts of $25 million from the Harold Hamm Foundation and $25 million from Continental Resources, the company Hamm founded, will provide initial funding for the institute, which will work to educate the next generation of energy leaders and host symposia, authors, speakers, energy summits, and global energy leadership conversations. In addition to the institute, the facility will eventually house the Oklahoma Hall of Energy Legends Interactive Museum, a public exhibit highlighting the history and legacy of Oklahoma’s energy leaders.

Hamm, a staunch advocate of America’s domestic oil and natural gas industry, has spent more than five and a half decades in the industry, from starting his own oil services business to founding Continental Resources. In acknowledgement of Continental’s contributions, the building’s concourse and auditorium will be named after the company, as will the program fund supporting the institute.

“The generous gifts from Harold Hamm and Continental Resources to establish the Hamm Institute for American Energy will have a transformative impact on OSU and the energy sector worldwide. With a state-of-the art lab featuring wells drilled below the building, an auditorium, and classrooms, this building is fit for purpose,” said OSU president Kayse Shrum. “Mr. Hamm’s and Continental’s generosity will bring together the brightest minds and future energy sector leaders from around the world, all with a goal of solving one of society’s most pressing concerns. Together, we will change the trajectory of energy security in the United States.”

(Photo credit: Oklahoma State University)