Hamm Institute for American Energy at Oklahoma State University is $50 Million Reality

Oklahoma City-based Continental Resources, Inc. and the Harold Hamm Foundation and Continental Resources are jointly contributing $50 million to create the Hamm Institute for American Energy at Oklahoma State University, according to a press release issued on Wednesday.

The Hamm Institute will be the primary and permanent occupant in the Oklahoma City Innovation District at the educational institution formerly known as the OSU Discovery building located at 300 NE 9th Street. It will host symposiums, authors, speakers, energy summits and global energy leadership conversations. The building will eventually house the Oklahoma Hall of Energy Legends Interactive Museum, a public exhibit highlighting the history and storied legacy of Oklahoma’s great energy leaders.

“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,” said Kayse Shrum, OSU President. “With a state-of-the art lab featuring wells drilled below the building, an auditorium, and classrooms, this building is fit for purpose. 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.”

The Hamm Institute’s mission is to educate the next generation of energy leaders — in Oklahoma, the United States and from around the world — cementing Oklahoma’s legacy as a global energy leader.

A native Oklahoman, the enterprising Hamm went to work in the oil patch and founded Shelly Dean Oil Company in 1967 at age 21. He began with a single oil service truck and grew the business into Continental Resources, pioneering the development of the large shale oil resources of the Bakken Field formation.

Hamm is recognized as a national leader and staunch advocate of America’s domestic oil and natural gas industry. The Hamm Institute will ensure America leads the world when it comes to advancing innovation and technology while responsibly producing the energy needed in the future.

“It’s time, once again, for Oklahoma to become a global energy leader,” said Hamm. “It’s my hope the world will look to us for the best ideas when it comes to energy stewardship, research, and education. This gift is about investing in our shared future — the future of our country and the state and people I love.”

“I see the Institute as a game changer — a place where the best and the brightest will come together to responsibly solve the world’s energy challenges. A third of the world lives in energy poverty. We need to fix that. And we need to make sure Americans will always have an abundance of reliable, affordable energy for generations to come,” said Hamm.