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. Peter Karl William Wert is part of the 2026 Hall of Fame class.
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Peter Karl William Wert built a distinguished career in the construction industry, serving as president, chairman of the board and chairman emeritus of Haskell Lemon Construction Co. His leadership extended nationally through the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), where he served as national president in 1998–99. Throughout his career, he remained connected to the University of Oklahoma, supporting construction education and opportunities for future professionals.
Born in Beaumont, Texas, on January 23, 1938, Wert spent much of his childhood moving throughout the central United States as his father, a geophysicist with Gulf Oil, traveled for work. The family often stayed in one place for only about six weeks at a time. During assignments in Nicaragua and Cuba, Wert became fluent in Spanish and was homeschooled by his mother for much of his early education. After the family settled in Fort Worth, Texas, he became the regional Texas spelling bee champion in eighth grade and competed in the national spelling bee in Washington, D.C. At Arlington Heights High School, he played cornet and served as drum major for the band.
Wert attended the University of Oklahoma from 1956 to 1960, studying geology and playing cornet with the Pride of Oklahoma for three years. He earned membership in Sigma Gamma Epsilon, the national honor society for earth sciences, and met his future wife, Lynette Lemon, on a blind date. His time at OU also included summer Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps cruises aboard the battleship USS Wisconsin and the destroyer USS Ingersoll, as well as a summer at the university's geology camp in Cañon City, Colorado.
After graduating in 1960, Wert was commissioned as a naval officer and served four years aboard the USS Walker (DD-517) as its gunnery officer. Based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the ship deployed to the Far East, visiting Japan, Hong Kong and the Philippines. Although he was invited to serve as an admiral's aide, Wert chose to return to Oklahoma and pursue a career in the private sector, joining Haskell Lemon Construction Co.
Wert spent the next 34 years with Haskell Lemon, eventually serving as president, chairman of the board and chairman emeritus. His first day on a road construction project in Oklahoma City became a memorable story: the superintendent deliberately handed him the plans upside down to test him. Wert studied the drawings, smiled and turned them around. The moment marked the beginning of a long career in which he became a leader in both his company and the construction industry.
His professional service included serving as president of the Oklahoma AGC chapter and national president of AGC in 1998–99. He also contributed to the National Quality Initiative, served as a delegate to the Council of International Construction Associations, held leadership roles with the AGC Foundation and oversaw the National Center for Construction Education and Research. In addition to his industry work, Wert appeared in two Phillips 66 commercials for Petromat, filmed in Oklahoma City and shown internationally.
Wert maintained a strong relationship with OU through his involvement with the Construction Board of Visitors, serving as one of its early members and later as chair. He helped establish scholarships and the Bim-Viz lab, supporting students preparing for careers in construction. His leadership also extended into banking, where he served as chairman of the board of Oklahoma State Bank until 2012.
Although Wert officially retired in 2000, he stayed busy pursuing interests beyond his professional career. He spent four years enjoying maritime adventures aboard Dreamcatcher, a 55-foot trawler he kept in Annapolis. His other interests have included fishing at Lake Texoma, ranching near Henryetta, studying military history, particularly the Pacific campaigns of World War II, and international travel. He also became a registered ceremonial minister and performed wedding ceremonies for three of his grandchildren. His career and continued involvement with OU reflect a longstanding commitment to the construction industry and the university that helped shape his path.
The University of Oklahoma Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture Hall of Fame recognizes a select number of high-character individuals who have made a significant and lasting positive impact on Gibbs College, 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. Joseph Edgar Smay is part of the 2025 Hall of Fame class.
Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture congratulates three architecture students who were recognized in the 2026 AIA Dallas Student Design Awards.
The University of Oklahoma Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture Hall of Fame recognizes a select number of high-character individuals who have made a significant and lasting positive impact on Gibbs College, 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. Raymond W.H. Yeh is part of the 2025 Hall of Fame class.
