2019 OU Bachelor of Architecture alumnus Zachary Maggia was recently awarded the Robert Bradford Newman Medal for excellence in acoustics from the Acoustical Society of America.
Maggia earned the award based on his contributions to associate professor Daniel Butko’s Gallery Acoustics Research Project (also known as the “sOUnd lab”), from 2017-2019. His involvement included initial acoustical field data collection, conceptual design, modeling and validation, material analysis, and prototypical design and fabrication. Maggia also co-authored presentations and supported laboratory testing of faceted and porous lightweight, precast concrete for improved acoustical environments.
The medal, awarded by the Acoustical Society of America Newman Fund, was accompanied by a stipend, as well as a library of architectural acoustics books. Maggia is the fifth OU student to receive this prestigious award since 2011.
For more information about acoustical research at OU, contact Dan Butko (butko@ou.edu).
The Gibbs Design in Action Awards (GDAA) program, led by Dr. Wanda Liebermann, has announced its 2026–2027 funded student projects. The initiative supports design and research work that addresses social, cultural, and economic issues in the built environment through collaboration with faculty and community partners.
The OU Institute for Quality Communities (IQC) 2024 collaboration with the Historic Threatt Filling Station has been recognized in the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City's newly released Byways Report: The Scenic Route to Rural Prosperity – a story-driven publication exploring how road trip culture and place-based tourism can fuel economic growth in rural communities.
The Gibbs College of Architecture is pleased to announce that Camille Germany, Chief of Staff, has been named the 2026 recipient of the university-wide Jennifer L. Wise Good Stewardship Award.
