Ball State Construction Management Alumni Help Renovate the Architecture Building That Shaped Their Careers
Melisa Magallanes, ’25, and Dylan Roach, ’21, employees at F.A. Wilhelm Construction—and graduates of the construction management program at Ball State’s Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning (ECAP)—are working on the renovation of ECAP’s Architecture Building.
Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning alumni Melisa Magallanes, ’25, and Dylan Roach, ’21, bring their construction management education full circle as they help renovate Ball State’s Architecture Building.
For construction industry professionals Melisa Magallanes, ’25, and Dylan Roach, ’21, the renovation of the Architecture Building at Ball State University is more than a work assignment. It’s a full-circle moment—an opportunity to apply their education and experience to shape the landscape of a place that helped shape them.
Both alumni of the University’s Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning (ECAP) and its construction management program, Ms. Magallanes and Mr. Roach are employed at F.A. Wilhelm Construction, the firm hired for the renovation. The project includes replacing the building’s south-facing glass façade and upgrading its mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, while preserving the building’s architectural character.
“We’re maintaining the building’s existing feel while modernizing what’s behind the scenes,” Mr. Roach said.
Ms. Magallanes, now a project engineer, took a class in the Architecture Building as a student. As much as she appreciates the aesthetics and purpose of the building, her affinity for Ball State and ECAP stems from her positive student experience and campus-wide interactions.
“There’s a strong sense of community and connection within this campus community,” she said. “I still see professors around, which has helped me maintain meaningful relationships.”
Although he never took a class in the Architecture Building, Mr. Roach calls the renovation project—his first as a project manager—his most meaningful to date.
“Being able to preserve the building’s character while improving it has been a rewarding experience,” he said. “I hope everyone enjoys the enhancements.”
The renovations are expected to be completed by the start of the Spring 2027 semester.
Leading and learning on the job
As project manager for the Architecture Building renovation, Mr. Roach oversees safety, quality, schedule, and cost. He also mentors project engineers such as Ms. Magallanes, guiding them as they navigate the complexities of construction.
“My role is primarily from the office side,” he explained, “but I’m also managing people—subcontractors, the project team, and stakeholders.”
Ms. Magallanes works in the field, walking through the site daily, coordinating with workers, reviewing drawings, and preparing requests for information when issues arise.
Because existing structural conditions don’t always match original design plans, she frequently collaborates with architects and engineers to resolve discrepancies. She also manages submittals and contributes to project closeout documentation.
Prepared by Ball State
Both alumni credit Ball State and ECAP with preparing them for real-world challenges that can arise in construction or renovation projects.
Ms. Magallanes emphasized ECAP’s construction management program’s focus on problem-solving and systems knowledge, highlighting courses in electrical and HVAC systems, and participation in national competitions that simulate real-world scenarios.
Mr. Roach pointed to smaller class sizes and strong faculty relationships as key advantages, along with the program’s emphasis on internships.
Through the renovation project, ECAP continues to impact the professional and personal growth of both alumni. Mr. Roach is getting hands-on experience as a first-time project manager. Ms. Magallanes is learning to embrace uncertainty and cultivate confidence, even in unfamiliar situations.
“Growth comes from being uncomfortable,” she said. “If you stay comfortable, you’re not learning.”
For Ms. Magallanes, who lives in Muncie, the project also carries personal meaning.
“Not everyone gets to work in their field right after graduating. Being able to stay in my community and work on Ball State’s campus feels special,” she said.
The Business of Building
Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning’s construction management degree program includes a built-in minor in business. Committed to preparing students for success in the industry, leadership at the college and within the CM program decided that a business minor would give these new professionals an edge.
