Delta Gamma - Ohio State University

AlwAys Anchored PAge 4 P roject Manager Molly Soliz and Project Executive Alison Marker of Thomas & Marker Construction have been onsite of Epsilon's renovation since day one. The women attended groundbreaking for the new addition and share their insight on what it means to be a part of this phenomenal milestone in the chapter's history. What is your affiliation/relationship with Epsilon Chapter? Molly Soliz: I am the construction project manager for the new addition/renovation of the existing chapter house. Alison Marker: I was thrilled when our firm was selected to provide preconstruction and construction services for Epsilon's project. My role is project executive. Tell us about your job. Molly: As project manager, my responsibilities include scheduling, negotiating and administering contracts, managing the budget, and coordinating work with subcontractors and suppliers. I ensure that our site superintendent, Mark Hammond, has all the tools and resources he needs to run our field operations. Alison Marker: I provide leadership and oversight for the project to ensure that we are following through on our commitments to Delta Gamma. Our company was founded by my grandfather, Harold Marker, and his partner, Bob Thomas, 61 years ago. Although I grew up around construction, I never saw a vision of how I could fit into the business. My parents encouraged me to find my passion and follow it in school, which is what I did. I always had an interest in working with people who were vulnerable and marginalized and/ or those who struggled with mental health issues. Those interests led to me earning undergraduate degrees in psychology and women's studies from Miami University and a master's degree in social work from OSU. My father currently leads the organization and five years ago, he approached me with an opportunity to join the company and help develop the then-new Columbus office. I loved the idea/challenge and I've been here ever since! Being involved in every area of the business and connecting with our clients, like Delta Gamma, is especially rewarding. How did you feel attending the groundbreaking for the new chapter house? Molly: It was great to see members from different classes at the groundbreaking. I enjoyed hearing what everyone liked and didn't like about the Epsilon house and how excited they are for the new addition. It's been a long process for Delta Gamma, so it was nice seeing the true excitement in everyone's eyes. Alison: Everyone was visibly excited that we started the construction phase of this project! The building committee, led by Dena Logan '76, has worked hard to create a design that meets the sorority's needs, is attractive to its residents, and maintains a realistic budget. A lot of volunteer hours have gone into this project over the years, and I really respect the women who have committed their time to it. To know that we're in the last stretch is thrilling and I'm honored to be a part of it! What advice would you offer to current undergraduates? Molly: Don't be afraid to switch careers and find something you love to do. You'll likely work for most of your life, so find a role that will keep you happy. In the meantime, enjoy your time in college! Alison: Follow your passions; do what you are enthusiastic about and the rest will fall into place. What is your impression of Epsilon's active chapter? Molly: Years after graduating, alumnae are still very involved in the chapter. They care about Delta Gamma and its future. Alison: The women are strong, loyal, and fun. I've enjoyed getting to know the building committee and hearing them tell stories of when they lived in the chapter house! I encourage sisters to donate to the campaign if they haven't already so that future generations can make amazing memories together! Do you have a spouse or children? Molly: Yes, a husband, Gabriel Soliz. Alison: My husband's name is Chris Yetman and we have three children: Oliver, Milo, and Evan. We live in Clintonville, right up the street from OSU campus. Thomas & Marker Construction is a full- service commercial construction firm with a focus in industrial, educational, civic and municipal, commercial, healthcare and senior living, religious, and specialty and recreational construction. The company provides a wide range of services, including preconstruction, construction, and architecture/design services. Today, Thomas & Marker continues to build on its strengths, completing a wide range of projects as diverse in complexity as they are in contract value. THE WOMEN BEHIND THE PROJECT Q&A with Members of Epsilon's Construction Team Molly and Alison onsite of the Epsilon project groundbreaking. Delta Gamma Lewis Institute "I was fortunate to have attended the Delta Gamma Lewis Institute over the summer at Ohio Wesleyan University for a leadership development conference, along with our director of points. I had an amazing experience and met sisters from all over the country! I learned so much about myself and my chapter during those few days, and believe I picked up tools that can help our chapter grow in the coming year. We identified our individual strengths and leadership styles, and learned how we can use those to better our chapters. Overall, I'm so excited to share everything I gained from the conference with Epsilon, and spread some positive energy and love for Delta Gamma." - Madison Gregorio '16

• Cover