OU receives historic $150 million gift for Oklahoma City health campus

The University of Oklahoma announced a $150 million gift from businessman Harold Hamm that will go toward medical research, health education and its Oklahoma City Health Campus.

OU said it is the largest single gift in university history. As part of the announcement, the university’s Health Campus in Oklahoma City will be renamed the Harold Hamm Health Campus at the University of Oklahoma.

Hamm is an Oklahoma businessman and longtime OU donor who has supported diabetes research at the university for nearly two decades.

How OU plans to use the $150 million

According to OU, $50 million of the donation will go to the Harold Hamm Diabetes Center.

Of that money, OU said $30 million will support newly hired executive director John P. Kirwan and his research priorities, while $20 million will go toward capital improvements and research infrastructure.

The remaining $100 million will support the broader Health Campus, including efforts to educate health care workers, recruit researchers and expand research, the university said.

School officials said the campus includes six health professions colleges and OU’s Graduate College, with more than 4,100 students.

Hamm’s previous giving to OU

OU said the latest gift brings Hamm’s lifetime giving to the university to nearly $250 million.

Hamm has supported the university’s diabetes research for nearly two decades. His previous donations helped establish the Harold Hamm Diabetes Center in 2007, according to OU.

FAQ

How much did Harold Hamm give OU?

Hamm committed $150 million, which OU says is the largest single gift in university history.

What will the money pay for?

OU says $50 million will support the Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, while $100 million will go toward the broader Health Campus.

Is OU renaming its Health Campus?

Yes. The Oklahoma City campus will be named the Harold Hamm Health Campus at the University of Oklahoma.

What happens next?

OU says the funding will be used to expand research, recruit researchers, improve research infrastructure and support health education on the Oklahoma City campus.