FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                    February 12, 2008

RANGER STATUE TO BE DEDICATED IN ENID

            The dedication of “The Ranger” statue at Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Enid Campus will be at 4 p.m., Friday, Feb. 29. The public is encouraged to attend the ceremony, which will be held on the east side of the campus.

            “The Ranger” is a larger than life-sized bronze embodiment of a bucking horse and rider, the university’s most enduring symbol that serves as a focal point for Ranger pride. It was sculpted by noted western artist Harold Holden of Kremlin.

            In November 2007, “The Ranger” was first unveiled and dedicated at the Alva Campus. Plans call for a version of the statue to be placed at each of Northwestern’s three campuses.

            The statue is a gift to Northwestern from Enid businessman Harold Hamm and his wife, Sue Ann.

            “We are so pleased that Harold and Sue Ann Hamm have stepped forward and supported this project,” said Dr. Janet Cunningham, president of Northwestern. “They understand and appreciate what Northwestern means to all of northwest Oklahoma and once again have graciously given back to the University.

            “The horse and rider symbol has been the cornerstone of our ‘Ride with Pride’ campaign and characterizes the spirit and courage of northwestern Oklahomans,” said Cunningham. “This outstanding work of art will be a wonderful addition to the Enid Campus and will be a source of pride for generations of Rangers.

            Hamm is chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Continental Resources, Inc., one of the largest privately owned oil and gas exploration and production companies in the country. He simultaneously serves as chairman of the Hiland Partners, GP (HPGP) and Hiland Partners, MLP (HLND), publicly-owned mid-size natural gas processing and gathering companies.

            He also serves as chairman of the board of the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association (OIPA), the nation’s largest and most influential statewide oil and gas association. Within that organization, he has been president of the Wildcatters Club of Oklahoma since 1989.

            In 1996, Hamm received the first honorary master’s degree ever bestowed at Northwestern and continues to award scholarships to deserving graduates of Ringwood High School who attend Northern Oklahoma College and Northwestern. Northwestern’s business program has recognized Hamm by naming an endowed chair in his honor.

            Enid’s Bert Mackie will serve as master of ceremonies for the dedication ceremony. Speakers will Cunningham, Hamm and Holden and Ken Fergeson.

            Special music for the event will be provided by the Northwestern band.

            A public reception will take place in the campus commons area immediately after the conclusion of the dedication ceremony. 

            “The Ranger” stands approximately 10 feet high and will be placed on a four foot base. Tentative plans call for the statue to be set in place on Monday, Feb. 25.

            Holden has been capturing the West in sculptures and paintings for more than 30 years. While his work can be found in the Oklahoma State Capitol and on a postage stamp, his public sculptures have kept him busy the last few years.

            His sculpture of Will Rogers on horseback can be seen at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City and his piece “We Will Remember” is part of a memorial at Oklahoma State University that honors members of the basketball team killed in a plane crash. Holden also worked on numerous Oklahoma Centennial projects.

-NW-

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