Harry D.CAMPBELL ’64
PE Hall of Fame Class of 2024
Campbell earned a professional degree in petroleum engineering in 1942. He famously led the 1939 football team to an undefeated season as quarterback, all the while excelling in academics. He declined offers to play for the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions, choosing to join the U.S. Navy where he commanded a minesweeper and served with distinction during World War II.
After the war, he joined the petroleum industry. Early on, he was president of Franco Western Oil. He became the general manager of exploration and production for the western division of Mobil Oil and left to establish The Campbell Company in 1972.
Campbell was an avid, lifelong football fan. He was a fixture at Orediggers games, attending his final game in the bitter cold in November 2010. Even at 96, he cheered them on to a win. He was inducted into the Mines Athletics Hall of Fame, and his jersey number—48— was retired in 2007, the first in the school’s history. In April 2010, the Harry D. Campbell Football Field at Marv Kay Stadium broke ground, starting a remarkable run for Oredigger football.
As a loyal donor, dedicated volunteer and constant champion, Campbell helped build and sustain Mines’ tradition of strong academics and athletics. He established endowments, scholarships and the Harry D. Campbell Endowed Chair in Petroleum Engineering. He also contributed to the construction of Marquez Hall. He served as an honorary member of the Colorado School of Mines Foundation Board of Governors and in 2010, Campbell was the first recipient of the Foundation’s Tourmaline Award, which recognizes one of the university’s most dedicated supporters. He also received the Coolbaugh Memorial Award.
Campbell died in 2011 at the age of 97.
Contribution to Mines and Awards
- Mines Foundation Board Major Gifts Committee
- Class of 1942 Reunion Planning Committee and Giving Program
Professional Societies
- Society of Petroleum Engineers
- American Association of Petroleum Geologists