Gibbs College Dean Hans E. Butzer Offers 2025 Commencement Address

Thirty years ago in Oklahoma City, on April 19, 1995, an act of terrorism took lives and irreparably changed many others. It was intended to destroy our sense of unity—our social fabric.

But what followed showed us something powerful: that even in the face of deep loss, people can come together to rebuild something stronger than before.

In the years since, our central Oklahoma community has done more than rebuild. We’ve responded with resolve, compassion, and a shared commitment to one another.

From that tragedy emerged what we now call the Oklahoma Standard: A way of showing up for each other. It’s about service, respect, and acts of everyday kindness. It’s about rebuilding not just structures, but trust and relationships.

The Oklahoma Standard starts with small daily actions and reactions. It is these that we all control and must, as true citizens, leverage for the best possible outcomes every day.

And that brings us to you—the next generation of designers, planners, and builders. You won’t just shape physical places—you will help shape how people live and connect within them and with each other. This is your agency. This is what you can influence.

To my graduating students from the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture, I offer you this challenge:

Keep your eyes and ears open. Your, and our, shared successes depend on how empathetic and responsive you can be to others through your professional work.

Listen well. Take time to understand the needs and stories of others, including your colleagues. Strong communities grow from shared understanding—and better conversations are where that begins.

Leverage your knowledge. Put what you’ve learned at the University of Oklahoma to work in creating more resilient cities, towns and landscapes.

Seize opportunity. Look for ways to make a difference. And when you don’t see an opportunity, create one.

And most of all, remember this: The most meaningful thing you can build is community.

Be the one who lets the people around you feel seen, supported, and inspired—through the teams you build and the environments you help shape.

Be the one to serve your community. Honor the past. Demonstrate kindness at every opportunity. Be the bearer of the Oklahoma Standard.

Be the one that helps hold us together.

Be the one that helps us focus on those values we share.

Wherever your path takes you—be the one to Plan, Design & Construct community.

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