Thomas Mellein, Facilities Manager
Profile -- (Summer 1999 Newsletter)
Beyond the rarified air of academic pursuits lie buildings,
grounds, and concrete things. That's the world of Tom Mellein,
who for the last 17 years has helped ensure that abstract
classroom discussions can exist by keeping physical plant
operations in order.
In recognition of the level of responsibility he has and
of his dedication to the College, Mellein was recently promoted
to Facilities Manager by President Dillon. Under the polity
of the College, his new position makes Mellein a member of
the Faculty. "His good judgment about so many things
is particularly valued here at the College," said Vice-President
for Finance and Administration Peter DeLuca. "This appointment
gives appropriate recognition to all Tom does to make this
College possible."
Mellein came to the College in 1983, after having come to
know various families of the College through parish life in
nearby Ojai. "I was very happy working in an electrical
shop with my father-in-law, but Norm DeSilva [who was then
a tutor, but who later succumbed to brain cancer] kept urging
me to come work here. I eventually did, and I really can't
convey the gratitude I have for the College and for what it's
done for me and my family," he said. "I'm still
thankful to Norm, and feel his presence here every day."
Mellein grew up in Ojai, the 5th of 14 children. He now has
ten children of his own (four boys and six girls). His oldest,
John Tom, graduated from the College in June and is entering
the Western Province of the Dominicans this fall. His daughter,
Jenny, is entering her junior year. More children promise
to follow them.
Mellein directs a staff of three full-time employees and,
through them, a crew of more than 60 part-time student workers.
He manages everything from building and grounds maintenance
to government inspections for environmental health, fire and
safety, and sanitation. He supervises the work of numerous
outside contractors and is the College's on-site representative
for the construction of new buildings.
More than once has he been tempted with the lure of other
lucrative job offers, including one to be a building manager
for Paramount Studios, but he turned them down. "I'd
be richer, but I wouldn't be happier," he said.
But as valued as he is to the physical aspect of the campus,
so also is he valued to the many students with whom he comes
in contact and who look to him as their mentor. "I've
been so fortunate to see so many great things happen in the
lives of students here," he said. "A lot of them
come in as freshman and are away from home for the first time.
I try to tell them what a great gift their parents have given
them and how fortunate they are to be here. You find that
you have a lot of great opportunities to give helpful advice."
-- Qtrly Newsletter, Summer 1999
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