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.
Flintco’s connection with the Byrd family runs deep. Braxton was an intern with them, his father, Rick, spent a decade at Flintco including working on multiple projects on campus, and his uncle, Bobby, is the director of preconstruction in their Oklahoma City office.
Along with Byrd family and friends, Gibbs College was represented by, Dean Hans Butzer, Director of Development Josh Hall, and Ben Bigelow, Director of the Lemon Construction Science Division. Kirk Mammen, Vice President and Area Manager; Bobby Byrd, Director of Preconstruction; and Jolene Curry, Director of Business Development were in attendance from Flintco. The Haskell & Irene Lemon Construction Science Division’s Professional Advisory Board (PAB), represented by Tyler Sublett of JE Dunn, were also in attendance and provided $5,000 in matching funds.
The Braxton Byrd Memorial Scholarship is available to students enrolled in the Construction Science Division of the Gibbs College of Architecture.
To support the scholarship fund, please visit https://link.ou.edu/rememberingbraxton.
View photos from the visit in the gallery below.
Gibbs College of Architecture is proud to recognize Petya Stefanoff, who is pursuing her doctorate in the Planning, Design & Construction (PDC) program, has been appointed the new role of Director of Community Development for the City of Shawnee, Oklahoma. She joined the city in 2024.
Gibbs College of Architecture is pleased to announce that Amber N. Wiley, Ph.D., associate professor in the Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture and Design and director of the Institute for Quality Communities, has received national recognition for her book Model Schools in the Model City. The book has been named a finalist for the 2026 the PROSE Awards.
Gibbs College of Architecture Regional + City Planning Professor of Practice Vanessa Morrison and Associate Professor of Architecture Deborah Richards’ Open Design Collective received top honors at the inaugural BlackSpace Urbanist Collective Studio KIN Pitch Night Competition, held last month in Brooklyn, New York City.
