Five graduates from the Gibbs College of Architecture received Outstanding Academic Achievement Awards this April. This award recognizes the top grade point average for each undergraduate major.
The following Gibbs students received the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award:
Read below to learn about each of the graduates' experience at the Gibbs College of Architecture and their plans after graduation.
Caroline Simon
Caroline Simon, a graduate in the Bachelor of Architectural Studies program, wrote, “I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Architectural Studies, with a minor in Environmental Sustainability. I am currently working on my Master of Architecture, which I should receive in Spring 2023. I have been working at an architecture firm here in Norman for about a year and a half now, and plan to continue working there after my graduation next spring, while beginning to study for the AREs to obtain my architecture license.”
Casey Meyer
Casey Meyer, who graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Architecture, shared, “The Gibbs College of Architecture has provided largely valuable life and technical skills needed to excel in the diverse world of design. I would like to thank the professors for their hard work; helping me hone in on my design approaches. These skills have made me realize how diverse the practice of architecture is and the many different paths it could lead to; with that knowledge, I will be pursuing my passion for design which ranges from fine arts to furniture to unique residential housing.”
Natalie Burlew
Natalie Burlew, a graduate in the Environmental Design program, said, “This Fall I will be joining the Master of Landscape Architecture program here at OU. I am so excited to build on everything I learned as an undergraduate in the Environmental Design program. I learned so much, especially about working with and for communities. These past few years have taught me so much about finding creative solutions rooted in the built environment to a broad range of challenges. I have loved meeting and learning from people of diverse backgrounds, occupations, and interests. In these next years of grad school, I hope to gain the technical design skills to complement that community-minded, interdisciplinary base I have built so I can someday make a positive difference in the world.”
Paxton Little
Paxton Little, who graduated from the Interior Design program, wrote, “Following graduation I am moving to Dallas to work for Cathy Kincaid Interiors, a residential design firm. I am so thankful for the education I received at The University of Oklahoma, specifically in the Interior Design program. I feel prepared for what’s to come in my career, and I know the teachers and faculty will support and encourage me along the way.”
Davis Canton (not pictured) graduated from the Construction Science Program and received the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award for the program.
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.
