The University of Oklahoma Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture Hall of Fame (GCA HOF) recognizes a select number of high-character individuals who have made a significant and lasting positive impact over time to Gibbs College (GCA), its students, staff, faculty, alumni, and/or to communities across the globe. The impact may have been, or continues to be, in the form of service and mentorship, sustained professional excellence, and/or advancement and financial support. Chris and Ania Gibbs are part of the inaugural Hall of Fame class.
Make a donation in honor of Chris and Ania Gibbs
Christopher C. and Ania Gibbs have been incredible supporters of the University of Oklahoma through personal gifts and contributions to the OU Foundation. In 2018, the Gibbs created a permanent endowment to be used for scholarship support, faculty positions and research, and enrichment initiatives within the College. In honor of this historic gift, the college was re-named the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture.
Christopher C. Gibbs (Chris), a nationally renowned home builder and developer, earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Oklahoma in 1967. He founded PLC Land Co. and PLC Christopher Homes in 1992, 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.
For more than 50 years, Chris gave back to the university through generous contributions of both his time and resources. In 2017, Chris and his wife, Ania, provided the largest gift in the history of the College of Architecture, which effectively doubled the college’s endowment, allowing the college to greatly expand research, fellowships, guest lectures and learning opportunities for students. In appreciation of his support of the college and its students, the college was named the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture.
Chris and Ania Gibbs also 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 has also supported OU architecture students through scholarships and enrichment funding for field trips and invited guest lectures. Over the years, Chris frequently returned to campus to meet with students and lead lectures in studio courses, where he spoke about his experiences as an architect, builder and businessman.
In recognition of his superior dedication to OU, Chris received the OU Regents’ Alumni Award in 2017, and he received an honorary degree in 2020. He also received numerous regional and national awards for design, merchandising, marketing and sales excellence. Chris Gibbs passed away on November 11, 2021, leaving a legacy of generosity and service.
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.
