July 15, 1943 – November 11, 2021
It is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of Christopher C. Gibbs, OU Class of 1967. Mr. Gibbs was known for his success in the home construction and development industry, as well as his exceptional generosity to his beloved alma mater.
Gibbs, who earned his bachelor of science in architecture from OU in 1967, founded two successful home construction and land development companies. A long-time supporter of OU, in 2017 he provided the largest gift in the history of the College of Architecture, which now bears his name.
“Throughout his extraordinary career, Christopher Gibbs has steadfastly supported his alma mater, particularly through his investment of time and resources in the College of Architecture and our students,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “His distinguished achievements and exceptional dedication to OU are a great inspiration to our entire university community.”
After his graduation from OU, Gibbs devoted his career to the home construction and development industry. In 1992, he founded PLC Land Co. and PLC Christopher Homes, which have been responsible for the planning, financing, design, construction, marketing and sales of more than 15,000 homes throughout southern California, Florida and Texas.
Gibbs’ 2017 leadership gift to the College of Architecture effectively doubled the college’s endowment, allowing the college to greatly expand research, faculty fellowships, guest lectures and learning opportunities for students, including study abroad. In 2011, he and his wife, Ania Gibbs, endowed an interactive learning center in Gould Hall that features state-of-the-art technology to help students collaborate and present their work. The couple also have supported OU architecture students through scholarships and enrichment funding for field trips and a lecture series.
Gibbs served on the college’s board of visitors and frequently returned to campus to meet with students and lead lectures in studio courses, where he spoke about his experiences as a designer, builder and businessman.
Over the course of his 50-year career, Gibbs received numerous regional and national awards for design, merchandising, marketing and sales excellence. In 2017, he received the OU Regents’ Alumni Award in recognition of his superior dedication to OU. In 2020, the University of Oklahoma recognized Gibbs with an honorary degree.
A memorial service is planned for Friday, November 19th, with a reception to follow at the Big Canyon Country Club in Newport Beach, California. To make a gift to Gibbs College of Architecture in Mr. Gibbs’ name, please click here: http://www.soonerconnect.com/gibbsmemorial.
To offer condolences and share memories with Mr. Gibbs family, click here:
Robert L. Wesley, a pioneering architect and beloved mentor, has died at age 88. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Wesley joined Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in 1964 and became the firm's first Black partner in 1984. Throughout his career, he contributed to significant architectural projects while maintaining a strong commitment to civic engagement and professional mentorship.
The Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture is proud to celebrate a series of recent accomplishments by Dr. Jim Collard, Professor of Practice in the Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture, and Design, whose work continues to shape conversations around Indigenous economic development nationally and internationally.
University of Oklahoma Gibbs College of Architecture Dean Hans E. [PA1.1]Butzer returned to one of his most significant works on December 15, joining survivors and past and present board members for the groundbreaking of a $15.8 million expansion of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.
