Gibbs, who earned his bachelor of science in architecture from OU in 1967, founded two successful home construction and land development companies. A long-time supporter of OU, in 2017 he provided the largest gift in the history of the College of Architecture, which bears his name.
“Throughout his extraordinary career, Christopher Gibbs has steadfastly supported his alma mater, particularly through his investment of time and resources in the College of Architecture and our students,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “His distinguished achievements and exceptional dedication to OU are a great inspiration to our entire university community. He is truly deserving, and we are proud to recognize him with the university’s highest honor.”
After his graduation from OU, Gibbs devoted his career to the home construction and development industry. In 1992, he founded PLC Land Co. and PLC Christopher Homes, which have been responsible for the planning, financing, design, construction, marketing and sales of more than 15,000 homes throughout southern California, Florida and Texas.
Gibbs’ 2017 leadership gift to the College of Architecture effectively doubled the college’s endowment, allowing the college to greatly expand research, faculty fellowships, guest lectures and learning opportunities for students, including study abroad. In 2011, he and his wife, Ania Gibbs, endowed an interactive learning center in Gould Hall that features state-of-the-art technology to help students collaborate and present their work. The couple also have supported OU architecture students through scholarships and enrichment funding for field trips and a lecture series.
Gibbs has served on the college’s board of visitors and frequently returns to campus to meet with students and lead lectures in studio courses, where he speaks about his experiences as an architect, builder and businessman.
Over the course of his 50-year career, Gibbs has received numerous regional and national awards for design, merchandising, marketing and sales excellence. In 2017, he received the OU Regents’ Alumni Award in recognition of his superior dedication to OU.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information visit www.ou.edu.
