Q: Steve, when did you come to Wesleyan?
A: I started in April of 2004 and was hired as a project coordinator in
Construction Services.
Q: What does it mean to be a construction project coordinator?
A: The primary role of a project coordinator is to assist with the
coordination efforts of project managers. Some of my responsibilities
include project cost accounting, inspecting field conditions, preparing bid
drawings and specifications, contract administration and preparing monthly
and annual reports based on project volume, progress and cost.
Q: What are some of the projects you have worked on recently, or are
planning to work on?
A: Our big push right now is Major Maintenance 07/08. We are currently
planning for projects that will start at the end of May and must be complete
by the first week of August. Last summer we completed over 60 projects all
over campus. Planning is a key component for any project. Long lead items
like custom windows, custom fabricated steel and mechanical equipment, must
be identified during the planning process and contracts must be awarded
early enough to allow adequate time for review, procurement and
installation. The complete list of projects that we will be working on this
summer
can be viewed on our Web site at:
http://www.wesleyan.edu/pplant/major_maintenance_fy0708.htm
Q: What is the process involved in getting things done, from idea to
finished project?
A: For some of the larger projects, the process may take several years from
idea to finished project. Basically, the process can be broken down into
four steps. Step 1 consists of the conceptual programming phase which
identifies the preliminary project scope, conceptual budget and possible
funding source(s). Step 2 involves schematic planning and the preliminary
budget estimate. In Step 3, the design and final estimate are developed and
finally, in Step 4, the actual construction phase begins. Depending upon the
size of the project, the construction phase can be as short as a month or as
long as one or more years.
Q: Who are the key people you work with in Facilities and where is your
office located?
A: I primarily work with Roseann Sillasen and help to support the entire
construction services and facilities administration team. Our office is
located in the Cady Building at 170 Long Lane.
Q: Is it difficult to work on several projects at once?
A: Since I assist several different project managers and other team members,
I try to provide the best support that I can for each without compromising
quality.
Q: What is your background?
A: I graduated in 1990 with a BS degree in construction engineering
technology. Throughout college, I worked for a land surveyor performing
property surveys and laying out subdivisions and houses. After college, I
worked for an engineering firm for two years as a resident engineer
inspecting state funded construction projects. For the next 12 years, I
worked for several large construction management firms as a project engineer
and project manager on projects throughout Connecticut. I learned something
new on every project and continue to learn here at Wesleyan.
Q: What are some examples of projects you’ve worked on in the past?
A: They include the Ninth Square Redevelopment Project in New Haven, the
Restoration of Ruttenburg Hall at Yale Law School, Foxwoods Grand Pequot
Tower and Non-Smoking Casino in Ledyard, Manchester Community College New
Learning Center, Mystic Marriott Hotel in Groton, the Pfizer Helipad in New
London and the Pfizer Core Technologies Building in Groton.
Q: You are pursuing a master’s of art through the Graduate Liberal Studies
Program. What is your concentration and when will you be finished?
A: I am concentrating in the arts. I am currently taking my seventh course
and have five more to go. I’m pursuing the degree because I enjoy the
classes, professors, subject matter and learning environment. I’ve taken
graduate courses at other colleges and they can’t compare with what is
offered here. I am currently taking The New Solar System with Bill Herbst
and during our last class, I actually held a piece of Mars! I also held a
meteorite that was 4.557 billion years old, the age of our solar system.
Helps to keep things in perspective! I can’t say enough good things about
the GLSP program and the professors here at Wesleyan. Each class that I have
taken has inspired me to appreciate our world and be grateful for what I
have.
Q: Do you construct things of your own?
A: In 1994, I bought a lot in Higganum, cleared the land and built a house.
My funds were somewhat limited, so I decided to take on a lot of the work
myself. I was dating my wife at the time and decided to marry her after I
observed her unique abilities to mix mortar, carry sheetrock, carry more
sheetrock, stain woodwork and spend all hours of the night with me working
with no heat and no indoor plumbing.
Q: Are you from the area?
A: I was actually born in Middletown and grew up about two miles away from
campus. I never thought I would be working at Wesleyan. My wife showed me
the posting and although I was hopeful for the opportunity, I knew there
would be many qualified candidates and a high demand for the position. I got
lucky!
Q: Tell me about your family and activities you enjoy doing together?
A: I’ve been together with my wife for seventeen years and have been married
for ten. We actually still get along and talk to each other, imagine that!
We have two boys, Nicholas who is 7, and Joseph who is 4. Right now, my
hobbies are spending time with my wife and kids – my wife and I coached our
oldest son’s soccer team this past fall and although we ran out of “it’s
really ok to lose” speeches, we had a great time. And, believe it or not, I
still have some time leftover to finish projects around the house.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to say about yourself or your role at
Wesleyan?
A: I am just a small part of a great team here at Wesleyan. I would like to
say that Wesleyan is a great place to work and learn. I’ve been here for
almost three years and look forward to many more.
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