OSU Alumni named to CEAT Hall of Fame

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

The College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology at Oklahoma State University will induct Rixio Medina, Robert Schaefer and Rick Webb to its Hall of Fame on Sept. 27, 2013.

These distinguished professionals are honored by OSU for their exceptional leadership and career success within their given fields.

Medina is a native of Cabimas, Venezuela. He received both an associate and bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection and Safety Technology from OSU. During his career he has held several impressive positions for recognized companies, including: Mobil Oil, CITGO Petroleum, BP, and recently AcuTech Consulting.  Medina has served as a board member on the United States Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, is a Certified Safety Professional, Certified Protection Professional, and a Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (UK).

Medina was appointed by the President of the United States to serve on the US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, has worked with the US Secretary of Labor during four presidential terms as a safety professional and National Advisory Committee member, and served as Chair of the Civil Service Commission for the City of Corpus Christi.  

In July of 2013, Medina became the Vice President of Southern Business Unit for AcuTech Consulting Group, located in Houston, Texas.

Schaefer earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture from OSU in 1974 and 1976. He is the co-founder of Selser Schaefer Architects, which formed in 1993.  He has designed buildings for the Cherokee Nation, Crest Foods, Continental Medical Rehabilitation Hospital, the Philbrook Museum, H-E-B, Oklahoma State University, Tinker Air Force Base, Walmart Stores, Tulsa International Airport, Hillcrest Medical Center, UPS, YMCA, and countless churches, community centers and schools. 

Schaefer’s work has been featured in Modern Healthcare Magazine and Building Design + Construction Magazine.  He has won numerous awards including: the Foundation Leadership Award by the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture, the Citation for Design Excellence by the AIA of Central Oklahoma, the Excellence in Construction Award, Merit Award for Design Excellence, BE Inspired Award, IIDA Pinnacle Award Texas/Oklahoma, Innovator of the Year by The Journal Record, and Public Works Project of the Year by the American Public Works Association.

Schaefer is a registered architect and interior designer in Oklahoma, is accredited with LEED AP BD+C, and certified with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.

Webb is a 1977 OSU graduate of architectural engineering.  Later, he earned both a master’s degree and Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering and Management from OSU in 1979 and 1984 respectively. Webb has held prominent position with companies like Arthur and Young, KMPG, Stillwater National Bank, and was president of the Webb Group from 1998-2003.

Webb spent 20 years consulting in the retail industry for companies like Disney, Warner Bros, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Barnes & Noble, Sears and JCPenney. He joined Walmart in 2004, where he is currently the Sr. Vice President of Global Business Processes. Webb and his team are responsible for enhancing the Walmart customer’s shopping experience and all store operating procedures and systems; increasing the effectiveness of the merchandising/planning/marketing organizations by streamlining processes; and developing supporting systems and identifying opportunities to better optimize merchandise flow to Walmart Stores worldwide.

Webb is a Registered Professional Engineer, a Board Member for the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter, and current member of the Strategic Advisory Council for OSU’s College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology.

The 2013 CEAT Hall of Fame will take place in the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center on Friday, Sept. 27, beginning at 6 p.m.  Medina, Schaefer and Webb will join a list of 90 esteemed professionals  that have previously been inducted to this Hall of Fame.

For more information on the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology at OSU, visit www.ceat.okstate.edu.