Construction Management alumna honored for decades of work

Melanie Drerup is the Chief of Planning for the Ohio School Facilities Commission. Photo/Kevin Watkins.

The UC College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) and the UC Alumni Association honored Drerup with the Engineering Technology Award of Distinction. This award recognizes one outstanding individual each year who has made important contributions in their professional field, and whose work demonstrates a commitment to the mission and vision of the programs of the college.

Drerup completed her final two years of high school at the Miami Valley Career Technology Center in an architectural drafting program, where she was one of only three girls in the class. After graduating, Melanie worked for a couple years designing commercial kitchens but was still yearning for more, excited about the possibilities that awaited her in the field. After a recommendation from a friend, she visited the University of Cincinnati and enrolled in the Construction Management program.

Drerup shares the lasting impact her experience at CEAS had on her, reflecting on the friends and mentors she connected with while a student, including Emeritus Professor George Suckarieh, and her husband, Paul, who showed her around campus. Through UC's cooperative education (co-op) program, she found her love for working in the field. She was invigorated by the energy around her and watching her work take shape.

Gracie Hill, a current CEAS student, hands Melanie Drerup her award at the awards dinner celebration. Photo/Kevin Watkins

"It's been a great evolution at the agency, and I'm really proud of the work we've done," Drerup said.

Since developing the manual, she has had the opportunity to speak with other state leaders and encourage them to create their own guidelines, many of which have looked to hers for direction.

Along with her role at the Ohio Facilities Planning Commission, she has been part of the Association for Learning Environments for many years, holding almost every office, and she is currently a member of the international board. With more than 6000 members across the world, the association allows Drerup to connect with people that are doing the same type of work. In 2019, the organization honored her with the Planner of the Year Award. Professional relationships made during her career have become lifelong friendships.

Since graduating from UC, Drerup has returned to campus to speak to students about her career and share advice as someone who once sat where they are. She shared that these experiences are important to her, because she values giving back to the UC community, and inspiring young women in the industry and encouraging them to take pride in their accomplishments. Drerup also shared that she stays in touch with some of her former classmates.

Her passion for building extends beyond her professional work, she shares, renovating several homes with her husband throughout their marriage.