Representatives from Flintco recently visited Gould Hall, bringing along a donation of $10,000 to bolster the Braxton Byrd Memorial Scholarship. Braxton was a 2022 Construction Science graduate who was well known to all of his classmates for his selfless approach. He was a top student in his class and was always willing to give his time to help others. Braxton tragically passed away a few short weeks after graduation. The scholarship harkens to Braxton’s giving heart and will continue to help Construction Science students.
Flintco’s connection with the Byrd family runs deep. Braxton was an intern with them, his father, Rick, spent a decade at Flintco including working on multiple projects on campus, and his uncle, Bobby, is the director of preconstruction in their Oklahoma City office.
Along with Byrd family and friends, Gibbs College was represented by, Dean Hans Butzer, Director of Development Josh Hall, and Ben Bigelow, Director of the Lemon Construction Science Division. Kirk Mammen, Vice President and Area Manager; Bobby Byrd, Director of Preconstruction; and Jolene Curry, Director of Business Development were in attendance from Flintco. The Haskell & Irene Lemon Construction Science Division’s Professional Advisory Board (PAB), represented by Tyler Sublett of JE Dunn, were also in attendance and provided $5,000 in matching funds.
The Braxton Byrd Memorial Scholarship is available to students enrolled in the Construction Science Division of the Gibbs College of Architecture.
To support the scholarship fund, please visit https://link.ou.edu/rememberingbraxton.
View photos from the visit in the gallery below.
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.