Award-Winning Architecture Alum Cheers, Challenges Current Students

An architectural technology alumnus returned to Penn College for Homecoming Weekend and, while on campus, spoke with first-year students in his former major and served as a guest juror for upper-level students in building science and sustainable design. Michael A. Gibble (at far left in the accompanying photo) started the day with a presentation to the Introduction to Architecture class, sharing the career path from his 2000 associate degree to earning a bachelor's at Catholic University of America. “I love coming back to see how my story can inspire freshmen on the possibilities to dream big,” said Gibble, CEO of Gibble Enterprises Holdings, a diversified venture capital, private equity and holdings company. Holdings comprise a private equity firm, involvement in architecture and construction (including ownership of the KMA Architecture Group, which specializes in health care projects), the food and beverage industry, and real estate and real estate development. After a morning of emboldening entry-level students, Gibble – recipient of the college's 2005 Alumnus Achievement Award – moved into the juror role, providing feedback to students in Architectural Design Studio IV. “I also enjoy critiquing the upperclassmen on their projects as a way to prepare them for the real world, “ he said. And that, he did. “Today, I realized I’m moving closer to graduation," said Adam T. Knoebel, of Montoursville, a junior in building science and sustainable design. "Having Mike work with us was a wake-up call that I’m going to be putting these skills to work, in the workplace, very soon.” Daniel L. Brooks (second from right), instructor of architectural technology, coordinated the visit.
Photo provided