YJ4L Sweethearts for Life

On this Valentine’s Day 2017, we celebrate the more than 2,000 alumni couples. Here are a few stories from YJ4Ls who met their “sweethearts for life” at BW. 

Carmel Hall Connection

A little small talk during their summer orientation dance introduced Elizabeth (Wilcox) '07 to Corey Clay '07. However, their story as a couple began sophomore year when they lived down the hall from each other in Carmel Hall. What does BW mean to them? “Everything! We received a great education that positioned us for success in our professional careers. Most importantly, it brought us together.”

Marting Tower Proposal

Kelly (Frahlich) '09 met Matt Diamond '11 on the BW swim team and later she accepted his proposal at the top of Marting Tower. “BW helped us find each other and our careers.” Now, Kelly recruits BW students for internships with Hyland Software, while Matt helps Cleveland Clinic recruit BW students for a Finance Fellowship program.

Proud New Parents

Yana (Maimin) '12, MBA '12 and Josh Leonard '12 met at an off-campus sports cafe heading into their final year at BW. They married, moved to Pittsburgh and recently welcomed their beautiful baby boy, Elijah Joseph, who they hope to show off at this year’s Bach Festival. “We are so grateful for our wonderful start together at BW!” 

Perfect Recipe

When Dolly (Kreicher) '61 and Steve Minter '60 started working at Lang Dining Hall, they had no idea that campus food service was the perfect recipe for romance. They quickly became friends and were married in BW's chapel in April 1961, the first interracial marriage at BW, controversial at the time. “Many people were watching the chapel to see what was going on.” The couple remain steadfast BW supporters. 

A Diploma and a Ring

Maddie Southall '16 and Phil Wallace '13 met during Summer Orientation 2012, and later reconnected through fraternity and sorority life. Maddie graduated last May and received something else besides a diploma that day: an engagement ring. “Baldwin Wallace truly became home for us and will always hold a special place in our hearts.”

Marching to the Same Beat

The BW Marching Band brought Antoinette (Rivera) '10 and Steven Vanek '12 together. He was on the drum line; she was in the flag corps. Greek life widened their circle of friends. Antoinette was a Phi Mu; Steven pledged Lambda Chi Alpha. Not only was BW "the tie that brought us together” but also “created many life-long friendships.” 

Honorable Beginning

Susan (Oscker) '96 and Randy Walton '94 met as adults while attending BW’s non-traditional program. Their romance began at a dinner for the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor society. A year later, at the same dinner, came a proposal; “I got up and gave a short speech about the people you meet at the society, then I knelt down and proposed to Susan in front of about 40 people.”