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A group of OU Construction Science students recently had the opportunity to lay concrete masonry units as part of their Fundamentals Lab class. The Fundamentals Lab is designed to give students hands-on experience with common building materials used in the commercial building industry.
Led by Terry Clinefelter, adjunct faculty in the Construction Science department, the students examined materials and methods utilized in commercial construction projects. They worked through the process of building CMUs by mixing mortar and constructing concrete block walls.
OU Construction Science students laying concrete masonry units.
The students were also joined by industry craftsmen Jack Easley from Easley Masonry, Adam Slattery from Al Slattery Masonry Inc. and Zack Easley from Dolese Bros. Co. According to Clinefelter, “The key to this class is that students learn from the people who are actually putting the work in place. It gives the students a perspective that is very important when they enter the construction industry.”
OU Construction Science students learning to lay concrete masonry units.
Students in the Fundamentals Lab class have visited several other sites throughout this semester, including a Dolese concrete plant and W&W AFCO Steel facility. In the coming weeks, Clinefelter plans to organize a site walk of an active commercial construction project.
A team of Construction Science and Architecture students from the Gibbs College of Architecture made their mark on the national stage this week, earning third place out of 37 universities competing at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Student Competition, held during the International Builders' Show in Orlando, February 16-18, 2026.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has elevated Gary Armbruster, FAIA, ALEP to its prestigious College of Fellows—AIA’s highest membership honor—for his exceptional work and sustained contributions to architecture and society. Fellowship recognizes architects who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession and made a significant impact at a national level. Members elevated to this distinction carry the FAIA designation after their name.
Students from the Spring 2026 Graduate 4 Architecture Design Studio, led by Professor Amy Leveno, exhibited their work at the School of Visual Arts. The exhibition, titled Reimagining the OU School of Visual Arts, featured drawings, models, and animations developed throughout the semester's studio project. The show was hosted in The Spotlight, a creative gallery space located on the first floor of the Fred Jones Art Center, and ran from January 20–30, 2026.
