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!
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.
