Continental Resources Founder and Executive Chairman Harold Hamm to Speak at OU

NORMAN, OKLA. – The University of Oklahoma will welcome Harold Hamm, founder and executive chairman of Continental Resources, to discuss his new book that explores America’s energy renaissance.

The event is set for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6 in Beaird Lounge in the Oklahoma Memorial Union, 900 Asp Ave., on the OU Norman campus. A book signing and reception will follow the discussion.

In a fireside chat with OU President Joseph Harroz Jr., Hamm will reflect on his new book, Game Changer: Our 50-Year Mission to Secure America’s Energy Independence, which outlines his 50-year journey to helping restore America as an energy superpower. Copies of the book will be available at the event.

“Throughout his trailblazing career of over five decades, Harold Hamm has earned widespread acclaim as a giant in the energy industry, distinguished by his dedication to higher education and invaluable contributions to medical research,” Harroz said. “His exceptional influence on diabetes research has made life-saving medications more accessible and affordable, and for that, he is a true hero. We look forward to this engaging conversation and the many lessons we can learn from his storied career.”

Hamm’s impact on America’s energy independence began in 1967 when he founded Continental Resources, a top 10 independent oil producer and the largest privately held oil company in the United States. Hamm currently serves as executive chairman for Continental Resources. He also co-founded and serves as executive chairman of the Domestic Energy Producers Alliance, which aims to preserve the millions of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity and tax revenue generated by onshore drilling and production activities in the United States.

Throughout his career, Hamm has become a national leader in promoting health, education and energy advocacy. With the goal of finding a cure for diabetes, he has donated more than $65 million to the world-renowned OU Health Harold Hamm Diabetes Center at the University of Oklahoma. The OU Health Harold Hamm Diabetes Center is at the forefront of diabetes research – inspiring progress toward a cure, education of health care professionals and families, optimal care for those living with diabetes and effective prevention strategies. He also established the Harold Hamm International Prize for Biomedical Research in Diabetes, a $250,000 biennial award celebrating the scientific achievements of an outstanding researcher, team of researchers or research institution.

Hamm is a member of OU’s “Lead On” campaign committee. With a historic goal of raising $2 billion, “Lead On: The University of Oklahoma’s Campaign for the Future” builds upon OU’s core traditions while striving to reach new heights of excellence, and is the largest philanthropic campaign in the history of Oklahoma higher education.

In addition to his contributions to OU, Hamm has supported several other organizations to further higher education. These have included endowments to Oklahoma State University; the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota; and the University of North Dakota.

Hamm has earned many awards and recognition for his contributions, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from Platts Global Energy Awards for his legacy of leadership, innovation and commitment to bringing America to energy independence. He was included in the list of the “100 Most Influential People in the World” by TIME magazine for his creation of thousands of jobs in the oil industry and continuous support of education and diabetes research. Hamm is a member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and was named the recipient of the Chief Roughneck Award by U.S. Steel Tubular Products, and one of 13 corporate and civic leaders across the United States to receive the Horatio Alger Award for his outstanding leadership and triumph over adversity to achieve success. In 2009, OU recognized Hamm with an honorary degree, the university’s most prestigious honor. He also provided leadership and vision for the U.S. House of Representatives as they worked to pass the Affordable Insulin Now Act earlier this year.

Limited seating for the Harold Hamm event is available by reservation for OU students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the public. For reservations, more information and accommodations, email specialevents@ou.edu or call (405) 325-1701.