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The Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture was recently honored with OU Libraries’ annual “Partner Awards,” recognizing the teamwork it took to put together the major exhibition of The American School archival documents and related materials, entitled “Renegades: Bruce Goff and the American School of Architecture at Bizzell.” The exhibition has proven a success, receiving coverage from major design outlets, including ArchDaily, Metropolis, The Architect’s Newspaper and more.
On hand to accept the award on behalf of the GCA were Dean Hans E. Butzer, Director of Architecture Stephanie Pilat, curator and visiting professor Luca Guido, and Director of Research and Strategic Planning Angela Person.
Dean of Libraries Carl Grant offered remarks, congratulating the team on its meaningful, interdisciplinary partnership to highlight pieces from the emerging American School Archive, part of the OU Libraries’ Western History Collection. In particular, he recognized GCA’s Development Officer Erik Baker, who has been essential to developing the archive through his alumni outreach efforts.
Find more information about the “Renegades at Bizzell” exhibition.
The Gibbs College of Architecture celebrates fifth-year architecture student Haley Praytor, who has been recognized at the national level for her design work. In early March, Haley received a Graduate Division Award of Merit for her submission to the 2025 Metal Building Manufacturers Association student design competition.
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.
