The Colorado School of Mines’ Petroleum Engineering (PE) Department has announced the latest inductees into its Petroleum Engineering Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes alumni, faculty and supporters for their contributions to the oil and gas industry and to the PE Department. Each of the nine inductees has been acknowledged as an outstanding member of the industry through their contributions or leadership.
Founded in 1874, Mines’ Petroleum Engineering Department is one of the oldest and highest-ranked programs in the United States, with nearly 5,000 students earning degrees from around the world. Mines graduates have made significant impacts across all facets of the oil and gas sector, including developing standard techniques and making fundamental research discoveries.
A celebration for the Hall of Fame inductees is scheduled for Nov. 8, 2024, at the PE Hall of Fame dinner. This event will honor the inductees and celebrate the PE department during the university’s 150th anniversary. Proceeds from the dinner will support financial assistance for hands-on learning experiences in classrooms and labs.
The 2024 Petroleum Engineering Department Hall of Fame inductees include:
Harry D. Campbell – Campbell had a 50-year career in petroleum and was known for his dedication to Mines, particularly its football team and PE department. He earned his degree in petroleum engineering in 1942 and served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Campbell passed away in 2011 at age 97.
Robert Irelan – With over 37 years at Occidental Petroleum and Conoco Inc., Irelan graduated from Mines in 1968 and completed a master’s in mineral economics. He retired as executive vice president of worldwide operations at Occidental and made significant contributions to Mines.
Vernon Isaacs – Isaacs emphasized his “three Fs”: Family, Faith and Friends, and excelled in oil and gas property management. He earned a professional degree in petroleum engineering from Mines in 1964 and served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. Isaacs passed away in 2022.
Harold Korell – Korell led the turnaround of Southwest Energy, discovering the Fayetteville Shale. After earning his degree in chemical and petroleum refining engineering in 1968, he contributed greatly to Mines, serving on the board of trustees and the board of governors.
Robert E. McKee III – McKee’s 37-year career at ConocoPhillips included serving as executive vice president of worldwide exploration and production. He graduated from Mines in 1968 with a degree in petroleum engineering and served on the Mines Foundation Board of Governors.
Mick Merelli – Merelli had a career in oil and gas that spanned over 50 years, holding top positions at several companies. He earned his professional degree from Mines in 1959 and was the first to have an endowed chair established in his honor. He passed away in 2012.
Neal Schmale – Schmale’s contributions to the industry include roles at Unocal and Sempra Energy. He graduated from Mines in 1968 with a professional degree and later earned a law degree. He established the Schmale BEMS Scholarship Fund at Mines.
Ted Stockmar – Stockmar, a natural resources attorney, graduated from Mines in 1943 and served in World War II. He was influential in establishing the Mines Foundation in 1951 and served on its board of trustees for 33 years, passing away in 2009.
Purnomo Yusgiantoro – Yusgiantoro has significant experience in Indonesia’s energy sector and served as OPEC’s secretary general. He obtained two degrees from Mines, a master’s in petroleum engineering in 1986 and a PhD in mineral economics in 1988, and is dedicated to educating future energy professionals.