The University of Oklahoma's tradition of excellence in energy education dates back to 1919 when the first degree in Geological Engineering was awarded. Since then, more than 5,000 Petroleum and Geological Engineering degrees have been granted by the University, surpassing all but two other programs in the country. On May 5, 2000, the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents approved a renaming of the School to the Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering to honor industry leader and alumnus Curtis W. Mewbourne, who made the largest gift in College of Engineering history which resulted in the first named, fully endowed school in OU's College of Engineering. Today, the Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering (MPGE) is consistently rated among the top five petroleum engineering programs in the nation, and has placed 100 percent of graduates from its undergraduate programs for the past several years. These graduates also command the top average starting salary of OU Norman campus graduates. As a leading petroleum research institution, the School has attracted eminent faculty. Six faculty members have received the Society of Petroleum Engineering's Distinguished Achievement Award and three have served SPE as Distinguished Lecturers. In addition, eight OU graduates have served as president of Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). Strong traditions, commitment to student success and responsiveness to industry needs give the University of Oklahoma's Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering its distinct character. Teaching, research and service are inseparable components of our academic objective, and intellectual currents form and flow in abundant variety, fostering the spirit of educational innovation that has distinguished this program since its earliest days.