The University of Oklahoma Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture Hall of Fame (GCA HOF) recognizes a select number of high-character individuals who have made a significant and lasting positive impact over time to Gibbs College (GCA), its students, staff, faculty, alumni, and/or to communities across the globe. The impact may have been, or continues to be, in the form of service and mentorship, sustained professional excellence, and/or advancement and financial support. Chris and Ania Gibbs are part of the inaugural Hall of Fame class.
Make a donation in honor of Chris and Ania Gibbs
Christopher C. and Ania Gibbs have been incredible supporters of the University of Oklahoma through personal gifts and contributions to the OU Foundation. In 2018, the Gibbs created a permanent endowment to be used for scholarship support, faculty positions and research, and enrichment initiatives within the College. In honor of this historic gift, the college was re-named the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture.
Christopher C. Gibbs (Chris), a nationally renowned home builder and developer, earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Oklahoma in 1967. He founded PLC Land Co. and PLC Christopher Homes in 1992, 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.
For more than 50 years, Chris gave back to the university through generous contributions of both his time and resources. In 2017, Chris and his wife, Ania, provided the largest gift in the history of the College of Architecture, which effectively doubled the college’s endowment, allowing the college to greatly expand research, fellowships, guest lectures and learning opportunities for students. In appreciation of his support of the college and its students, the college was named the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture.
Chris and Ania Gibbs also 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 has also supported OU architecture students through scholarships and enrichment funding for field trips and invited guest lectures. Over the years, Chris frequently returned to campus to meet with students and lead lectures in studio courses, where he spoke about his experiences as an architect, builder and businessman.
In recognition of his superior dedication to OU, Chris received the OU Regents’ Alumni Award in 2017, and he received an honorary degree in 2020. He also received numerous regional and national awards for design, merchandising, marketing and sales excellence. Chris Gibbs passed away on November 11, 2021, leaving a legacy of generosity and service.
Associate Professors Lee Fithian, Ph.D., and Elizabeth Pober have published a chapter in the recently released New Perspectives in Indoor Air Quality, published by Elsevier. Their contribution, titled “Chapter 16 – Architecture and the Challenges of Indoor Air Quality,” examines the relationship between architecture and indoor air quality.
Dr. Ladan Mozaffarian, Assistant Professor of Regional and City Planning, has been selected to serve as Co-Chair of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP) Planners of Color Interest Group (POCIG) for the 2025–2027 term.
The Gibbs College of Architecture is proud to recognize Tahsin Tabassum, a recent graduate of the college’s Master of Regional and City Planning program and current doctoral student at the University of California, Irvine, for receiving the prestigious 2024–2025 American Planning Association (APA) Outstanding Student Award.
