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#UAlbanyLove

Who doesn’t love a good love story? We certainly do! So, just in time for Valentine’s Day, we asked some Great Danes couples to share their funny, sweet, and inspirational stories of finding true love on campus. Also, whether you're "single" or "spoken for," check out The List: Romantic Comedies We Love!

If you met the love of your life at UAlbany, tell us about it! Use #UAlbanyLove in social media.

Janis (Greenberg) Weilheimer ’84 & Michael Weilheimer ’83

They still laugh about the first time they met: It was the fall of 1982, and Michael was making his rounds as an RA on Dutch Quad. "He introduced himself and then said 'I'm going back to my room to take a nap,'" Janis recalls. Despite that comical disappearing act, she knew on their third date that he was "the one" and called her mom to tell her!

Together for 38 years and married for 34.

Joanna (McRae) Jones ’99 and Jason Jones ’01

It must have been fate. After they were both stood up for dates, Jason and Joanna found themselves at Collins Circle waiting for a bus to Crossgates Mall. Their chance encounter led to lunch dates in the cafeteria that blossomed into 16 years of marriage and three children. "We've grown together," says Jason, who adds that it's key to take seriously what makes the other person happy. "We always make the decision for 'us.'"

Together for 23 years and married for 16.

Philip “Phil” Shepherd ’60 and Frances “Fran” (Cicero) Shepherd ’62

For Fran and Phil, the summer of 1960 felt like an eternity. She was at home on Long Island while he worked a farm in central New York, but they resolved to keep their new love alive. "I really thought he was special. We spent the summer writing letters to each other and I was writing a letter every day," says Fran. Fifty years later, Phil adds that it was well worth the effort. "We still have those letters!"

Together for 62 years and married for 58!

Jeremy Silver ’97 and Randy Hadden ’97, ’99

Jeremy and Randy went from suitemates to soulmates. The intimacy of the "Presidential Honors" dorm (Fulton Hall on State Quad) and a close circle of friends during freshman year helped them to find themselves and each other. "We built some friendships that we still have today. It was just a very formative time for us." Jeremy says. Some of their fondest memories: The Cranberries and Green Day performing on campus, going to the Washington Tavern (WTs) and takeout from the Amazing Wok.

Together for 25 years and married for 10.

Brent Wilson ’08 and Tina (Bryson) Wilson ’07

Love is plantar fasciitis and a torn ACL –– at least for Tina and Brent. The UAlbany athletic training room might be an unlikely spot to find true love, but that's how it happened for these former standout athletes in field hockey and basketball. Brent says, "Almost twenty years later now, it's been perfect. Couldn't ask for anything better."

Robert Fairbanks ’66, ’70 and Barbara (Misiano) Fairbanks ’69, ’72

For Barbara and Robert, Cupid came in the guise of former basketball coach Merlin Hathaway and his wife who introduced the couple. Their first official date was a $2 ride in a small airplane; it was something neither had ever done before. Once airborne, Robert saw that none of the gauges worked and asked the pilot about it: "He says 'Well, that's why I'm giving rides. I'm restoring this plane, and I haven't gotten the gauges hooked up yet.'" Barbara adds, "That was our first and only date."

Married over 50 years!

Kenneth Washington ’92 and Joy (Harvey) Washington ’92

The crowd was grooving to the music at a party on the last night of 1987's "EOP summer" orientation, but Kenneth and Joy could only see each other. As they held each other tightly, the entire world seemed to fall away. They were lost in the music and one another. Kenneth says, "This was the moment we fell in love. Twenty-seven years later, we are still dancing!"

Together for 27 years.

Odo Naku Butler ’04 and Shai (Brown) Butler ’93, ’97

As students in 1996, Drs. Odo and Shai (Brown) Butler probably passed each other many times on the podium, but they never met. Seven years later, while in the Campus Center, a mutual friend (Charles Rogers profiled below) introduced them. As Shai recalls, "Sparks flew, there was an instant attraction, a great first date, and the rest is history."

Married 14 years.

Stacey (Kingsley) Haas ’02, ’05 and Jay Haas ’01

Jay says it was "love at first sight" when he spotted Stacey in the Campus Center volunteering for the America Reads program. "Everything just kept falling into place," Stacey says of their 20-plus year relationship, which still has at its center volunteerism and helping children. Stacey is a teacher and Jay works for a Make-A-Wish chapter.

Together for 20 years and married for 18.

Shawn Bobb ’91 and Michelle (Charles) Bobb ’92

When Shawn Bob met Michelle in the fall of 1988 in Waterbury Hall, he knew immediately she was special. "We flirted for a couple of weeks until I realized that if I didn't make my intentions clear, she may get tired of waiting for me." Thirty years and two children (one of whom is a UAlbany aluma) later, their campus love connection is still going strong.

Together 32 years and married for 29.

Christy (DeLaMater) Doyle ’04 and Dan Doyle ’97, ’04

After the first time they saw each other, Christy and Dan turned to their respective co-workers and said, "Who was THAT?!" Their first date was a casual gathering to watch Monday Night Football. Something must have gone well because, for their wedding, Christy says, "We even considered walking down the aisle to the Monday Night Football theme song!"

Together for 18 years and married for 14.

Jermaine Harris ’03, ’05 and Leandra (Payne) Harris ’99, ’01, ’11

Jermaine had the perfect surprise proposal for Leandra: Slip the ring onto her finger as she slept on Alumni Quad. "She wakes up while I'm putting it on her finger," Jermaine says while recalling that Leandra looked at him, slid the ring fully onto her finger, and then she promptly fell asleep. He remembers thinking, "Did that just happen?" Three years later, they hosted their rehearsal dinner on Empire Commons. Fun fact: Jermaine's twin brother, Tremaine, also met his wife on campus and proposed during half-time at a football game in Casey Stadium.

Together for 13 years and married for 10.

Perdietha “Dee” (Thompson) Rodgers ’86 and Charles Rogers ’85, ’92

Charles and Dee know one thing about UAlbany: Pledge Phi Beta Sigma and you just might find your spouse! Over nearly 40 years, they've seen more than a dozen relationships take root through the fraternity and grow into decades-long marriages, including their own. Dee says it's created a large, extended family. "We have, like, this strong connection that has grown over the years. We're really more like brothers and sisters than just a fraternity [and sorority]."

Together for 38 years and married for 32.

Jessica (Livshits) Nolan ’14 and Mike Nolan ’12, ’17

It was a set-up date during trivia night at TGI Friday's that brought Jess and Mike together. The mutual friend who introduced them suddenly got sick and wanted to leave, stranding Jess without a ride. "I'm still not convinced that was not part of her plan," Mike says, he persuaded Jess to stay and gallantly drove her home. It's safe to say that "love" was the answer that trivia night.

Karen (Acosta) McNeill ’96, ’97, and Clarence McNeill ’95, ’97, ’03

Karen's background in social welfare is what initially caught Clarence's eye. He was looking for a resident director who could not only serve the unique needs of the first-year living community, but who could also add value to his already strong staff. It worked out better than he expected. "She was the perfect fit for the team then," he says. "And she has always been the perfect fit for me."

Together for 21 years.

Angela (Margillo) Fletcher ’11 & Eric Fletcher ’10, ’14

"It was a Saturday afternoon and we waited for the CDTA bus at Collins Circle for over an hour," Angela remembers of their first date. They barely noticed as one student-packed bus after another came and went. They simply talked the afternoon away. "We never made it to the movie, but it didn’t matter. Later that night, we ended up ordering dinner and hanging out."

D. Ekow King ’90, ’95 & Marcia (Hoyte) King ’95

It was Move-in Day 1988. As a favor to a few younger peers, Ekow invited a group of passing girls to a party. Marcia replied that their parents did not send them to college to party. Undaunted, Ekow responded by saying, "There’s much more to college than classwork. Networking is important." His reasoning clearly worked. Today, they are not only married but are also colleagues "still bumping into each other in the hallways 33 years later!"

C'mon...admit it. You love a good Rom-Com. So do we at UAlbany Magazine! Here are some staff pix to cuddle up with this weekend.

Crazy Rich Asians, 2018

"Seriously, how could we not include this hilarious 2018 release starring a UAlbany grad? Nora Lum '11 (aka Awkwafina) steals the show!" – Paul M. (Rated PG-13)

The Princess Bride, 1987

"A fairy tale adventure with the perfect balance of romance, comedy and swashbuckling action to entertain the whole family." – Melissa F. (Rated G)

The Big Sick, 2017

"This romantic comedy based on comic Kumail Nanjiani’s own relationship is an emotional rollercoaster full of laughs, tears and will leave your heart full." – Stuart S. (Rated R)

The Holiday, 2006

"Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jack Black and Jude Law keep this movie moving along with comedy, surprises, and sweet moments. Two separate plot lines that weave together is an easy movie to watch over and over. " – Mary S. (Rated PG-13)

Coming to America, 1988

"With so much comedic gold from Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall, it's easy to forget that it's the classic Zamundan prince-meets-girl from Queens story. Best of all, the sequel comes out next month!" – Paul M. (Rated R)

Bridgerton, 2020

"This drama is a binge-worthy Netflix series based on a collection of eight novels that makes you want to drop everything and go on the hunt for your own Duke!" – Agostino F. (Rated TV-MA)

Breakfast at Tiffany’s, 1961

"Audrey Hepburn's portrayal of the naive, eccentric society girl is one of her most memorable roles. A classic." – Mary S. (Rated G)

When Harry Met Sally, 1989

"I'll have what she's having." Enough said. – Paul M. (Rated R)

Love, Simon, 2018

"A tender coming-of-age story based on the novel Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli where the lead character (Simon) falls for a guy he has yet to meet while coming to terms with his feelings. A love story that’s funny and complicated, and ultimately represents the importance of being true to yourself." – Agostino F. (Rated PG-13)

Definitely, Maybe, 2008

"This movie is one of my cozy, lonely day go-to's. The ending is happy without being cheesy and bonus points for being set in NYC – and the movie was actually filmed there, too!" – Steph S. (Rated PG-13)

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at UAlbany Magazine!