Legends Dinner
Our annual Legends Dinner honors individuals who have made a lasting impact on the field of geology, the petroleum industry, or their community. This event celebrates their accomplishments and the past, present, and future of Earth sciences in Oklahoma by honoring individuals in three categories: Pioneer Legend, Historical Legend, and Living Legend.
Since starting the Legends Dinner in 2007, we have honored more than 50 legends who have made an impact in Oklahoma.
Legends Dinner
Our annual Legends Dinner honors individuals who have made a lasting impact on the field of geology, the petroleum industry, or their community. This event celebrates their accomplishments and the past, present, and future of Earth sciences in Oklahoma by honoring individuals in three categories: Pioneer Legend, Historical Legend, and Living Legend.
Since starting the Legends Dinner in 2007, we have honored more than 50 legends who have made an impact in Oklahoma.
- Warm fellowship among professionals, families, and friends united by a shared appreciation for geology and energy leadership.
- Inspiring tributes recognizing the honorees’ lifelong impact on the geological sciences, education, and the oil and gas industry.
- A celebratory atmosphere underscored by heartfelt speeches, sponsor acknowledgments, and the presence of multiple generations of attendees.
The Legends Dinner continues to serve as a cornerstone event for the Foundation, reinforcing its mission to support geoscience education, honor industry pioneers, and inspire future generations. The strong turnout reflected both the honorees’ enduring influence and the
community’s commitment to preserving Oklahoma’s geological heritage.
Event Details
Join us for the 2026 Legends Dinner
Tickets:
Social hour starts at 5:30 pm, and dinner will be served at 7:00 pm.
2026 Legends Honorees
We have an outstanding group of honorees this year, and we hope you join us to honor them on November 5.
Pioneer Legends
Erle P. Halliburton (1892-1957) and Vida Halliburton (1894-1951)
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From humble beginnings, in 1919 Erle and Vida co-founded Halliburton, which is now a 30+ billion dollar NYSE market cap international oilfield services company. In 1921 they moved their headquarters to Duncan, Oklahoma, and had a huge impact on Duncan and the state of Oklahoma as the company achieved tremendous success and growth during those early years. The story of their incredible ingenuity, perseverance, and compassion is one that makes them true legends of our profession and the oil and gas industry, not only in Oklahoma, but also worldwide.
Historical Legend
Douglas R. Cummings (1929-2018)
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Growing up in the oil fields of Oklahoma introduced Doug Cummings to the hard-working people and oil and gas industry that would help shape his life. After earning his Geological Engineering degree from OU and serving in the Korean War, Doug worked for Kirkpatrick Oil Company prior to forming Cummings Oil Company, which became a highly successful family enterprise and a lasting part of Oklahoma’s independent petroleum industry. As a successful geological engineer, oil and gas entrepreneur, civic leader, philanthropist, and family man, Doug Cummings had a tremendous impact on our profession, the oil and gas industry, and the state of Oklahoma.
Historical Legend
J. Glenn Cole (1929-2008)
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The state of Oklahoma and its geological community was fortunate to be the home of J. Glenn Cole, outstanding petroleum geologist, stratigrapher, and mentor. Glenn earned his B.S. in Geology from the University of Tulsa and his M.S. and PhD in Geology from the University of Oklahoma. Glenn spent a large portion of his career studying all aspects of the surface and subsurface geology in northeastern Oklahoma. His detailed stratigraphic correlations ultimately consisted of 506 individual cross-sections including over 21,000 log images. J. Glenn Cole was well-respected and admired not only for his knowledge and incredible career as a stratigrapher and petroleum geologist, but also for his collaboration skills with other geoscientists.
Living Legend
Lawrence H. “Larry” Davis
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Larry Davis built an outstanding career that brings together geology, entrepreneurship, leadership, and service. He earned his B.S. degree in Classical Archaeology and Earth and Environmental Sciences from Wesleyan University, and his M.S. from the University of Michigan’s Department of Mineralogy and Geology. Through his work in mineral and royalty development, Larry helped shape major energy investments and long-term resource strategies. Just as importantly, Larry has given his time and leadership to professional, civic, educational, and Jewish community organizations, leaving a broad and lasting impact. Larry’s career success has created lasting value in the energy industry, and his leadership has strengthened many of the institutions and communities he has served.
Learn more about our Legends
Since 2007, we have honored up to five Legends per year who have made a lasting impact. Our Gallery of Legends includes photos and bios for each Legend honored by the Foundation.
Thank you to our event sponsors
Title Sponsor
Presenting Sponsor
MAP Energy
Dinner Sponsor
Herb & Marynm Martin
Bar Sponsor
Ferrell Oil LLC
Visionary Sponsors
Larry & Ronna Davis
SSM Health Oklahoma – St. Anthony
Legend Sponsors
Mark and Carol Lester
Teresa & Don Pope in honor of Herb & Shirley Davis
Pioneer Sponsors
Kim & Kathy Guyer
Frank Gagliardi & Lesley Evans
Wildcatter Sponsors
Ken Johnson
Joan & Joe Bruns
Novo Oil & Gas, LLC
Pioneer Sponsors
Sponsor this event
We are always looking for event sponsors to help us support Earth science education in Oklahoma. See complete details for each sponsorship level and secure your sponsorship today!
- Presenting Sponsor* ($5,000, one per event) – Special sponsor recognition, full table of 8
- Dinner Sponsor* (CLAIMED) – Special sponsor recognition, full table of 8
- Bar Sponsor* ($3,000, one per event) – Special sponsor recognition, full table of 8
- Visionary Sponsor ($2,500) – Sponsor recognition, full table of 8
- Legend Sponsor ($1,500) – Sponsor recognition, table seating for 4
- Pioneer Sponsor ($750) – Sponsor recognition, table seating for 2
- Wildcatter Sponsor ($250) – Sponsor recognition
- Oil Scout Sponsor ($100) – Sponsor recognition
*indicates exclusive sponsorship opportunity
All sponsors receive recognition at the event, in the event program, and on the Foundation’s website, social media, and newsletter. Title, Dinner, and Bar Sponsors receive special recognition on posters at the event.
