For principal architects and partners Gary Armbruster and Heath Tate, giving back to the University of Oklahoma’s Gibbs College of Architecture isn’t just a professional obligation; it’s personal. Both proud OU alumni, Gary and Heath credit much of their success to the connections, mentorships, and lessons learned during their time at the University. Today, that Sooner spirit lives on through MA+’s active partnership with Gibbs College — from advisory board membership, to supporting scholarships and student internships to hands-on mentorship that helps bridge the critical gap between education and professional practice.
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.
Larry Hopper, FAICP, is an alumnus of the OU Master of Regional and City Planning program and is currently a freelance planning consultant. He was formerly the principal planner for the transit agency for Oklahoma City. Hopper is still an active member of the OU community, and recently donated $25,000 to the Gibbs College of Architecture to establish the Hopper Family’s Planning Scholarship. We sat down with him to learn more about his experience at OU and in the professional planning field, and what inspired him to give back to the university. Read on for highlights.
Despite having to cancel the 2021 Charles W. Graham Travel Study Benefit Dinner due to the pandemic, Gibbs College is determined in its commitment to educating our students through out-of-classroom learning experiences. This year, we ask for your help in honoring a very special advocate for travel study, the late Professor Nick Harm, who passed away in May 2020.
We recently spoke to Elizabeth Windel about why she gives back to Gibbs College of Architecture (GCA)! She graduated from OU in 2003 with a Bachelor of Architecture degree and a minor in Construction Science. She currently runs her own firm, SDG Architects.
Dotty Shaw Killam discusses her family’s legacy in architecture and their scholarship supporting hand-drawn design skills at the Gibbs College of Architecture. She reflects on her connection to OU, her career, and her hopes to encourage creativity and excellence in future students.
As a part of our donor spotlights, we recently spoke with Khoi Hoang about why he supports Gibbs College of Architecture (GCA). Khoi is an alumnus of GCA’s undergraduate Interior Design program (2009), and he earned his Master of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design from Savannah College of Art and Design (2011). Today, Khoi is a senior designer for Gensler.
This semester, we’d like to put the spotlight on a few of Gibbs College of Architecture‘s (GCA) donors and supporters. Their gifts of time and financial resources to our programs are continuously changing lives, and, for that, we are so grateful.
