We are pleased to announce that our Ph.D. student, Rafael Hernández, has been awarded the prestigious American Council for Construction Education’s (ACCE) National Housing Endowment Scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year.
“My family and I are truly grateful for this scholarship, which eases the financial burden of paying for school and allows me to focus on my studies and research,” says Rafael. “I look forward to becoming actively involved with ACCE and its distinguished institutions in the future!”
The National Housing Endowment is a philanthropic branch of the National Association of Home Builders. They support the residential construction industry by sharing educational and career opportunities with students.
The ACCE is a global advocate for the quality of construction education, responsible for promotion, support, and accreditation of construction education programs. Working with the National Housing Endowment, the ACCE awards a scholarship to support the children of Executive Officers in the pursuit of a college degree. To date, $330,000 has supported more than 250 students in their education.
“Rafael’s professional and military background will make him a tremendous addition to any program,” says Dr. Ben Bigelow. “I’m very excited that the National Housing Endowment has recognized him with this support!”
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
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.
