T. Boone Pickens: Energy Executive and Philanthropist
T. Boone Pickens, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 91, was an American energy executive and philanthropist. He founded the company Mesa Petroleum and is widely recognized for his business acumen and exceptional wealth. He is also remembered for his dedication to philanthropy and his pioneering role in an entire energy revolution. Let’s take a closer look at the life of T. Boone Pickens and provide an overview of his many contributions to the energy industry.
Early Life and Education
Thomas Boone Pickens, Jr. was born on May 22, 1928, in Holdenville, Oklahoma. He was the son of Thomas Boone and Grace (Muse) Pickens. Being a business orientated individual, Pickens enrolled in Oklahoma State University, initially majoring in geology. After two years, he transferred to Texas A&M, but he left before graduation.
Business Career and Ventures
In 1951, Pickens moved to Amarillo, Texas, where he established an oil and gas company. This company, Mesa Petroleum, later became the largest independent oil and gas exploration and production business in the U.S. Pickens is also remembered for his role in the hostile takeover of Gulf Oil in 1984, during which Mesa was the largest shareholder. In 1966, Pickens bought into Natural Gas shares and became involved in a campaign for the acquisition of Natural Gas Shares.
In addition to oil and gas, pickens is credited for forming numerous energy related enterprises. He established energy-related companies, including Pickens Fuel Corp, Mesa Power, BP Capital and more. As part of his efforts to create a “Green Computers” venture, he started an investment fund and introduced a wind power business.
Charitable Work
T. Boone Pickens was a noted philanthropist who believed in the power of giving. He contributed generously to Oklahoma State University and Texas A&M, creating the T. Boone Pickens Chairman’s Endowed Fellows Program for The Tower Society of the Texas A&MFoundation and the Boone Pickens School of Geology at Oklahoma State University. He also donated millions to other charitable causes, including education, healthcare, and the performing arts.
In 2015, Pickens publicly announced his pledge of nearly half a billion dollars to various charities. This included a $50 million gift to Oklahoma State University and a $100 million gift to the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas.
Legacy of T. Boone Pickens
T. Boone Pickens is best remembered as an innovative businessman and generous philanthropist. From his early days working in the oil and gas sector, to his involvement with a variety of energy related companies, he successfully diversified himself and paved the way for a modern energy revolution. He will also be remembered for his charitable gifts and endeavors, which extended to many causes and supported numerous organizations.
T. Boone Pickens was a successful energy executive and philanthropist who achieved much in his lifetime. From his involvement in the oil and gas industry, to his numerous investments in energy related enterprises, he remained at the forefront of an energy revolution. In addition, his exceptional generosity benefited many organizations and causes, leaving behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.
