CSU Alumni Love Stories

These alumni found their better halves right here on campus. From meeting through student organizations to meet-cutes at popular campus hangouts, these Vikings credit CSU for finding their lifelong valentines.

Brendan and Lauren

Brendan (JD ‘20) and Lauren (MPA ‘20) met in 2019, during their 3L year of law school. They knew of each other through law review and a couple of shared classes, but never really interacted. They had first noticed each other from afar in Professor Kevin O'Neill's First Amendment class. Later on, the following summer, they began messaging each other and going on dates. By that fall, Brendan and Lauren were in a serious relationship and planning a future. In 2021, Lauren followed Brendan back to his hometown of Erie, PA. They married in 2024 and welcomed their first child in 2025.

Hope and Sean

Hope (BBA ‘92) and Sean (BA ‘93) met in the fall of 1988 in their History 101 class. Sean became a teacher. Hope earned a finance degree and her MBA from CSU. They were married in May of 1994. Their two children also graduated from CSU.

“Thank you, staff and students, for the great experiences on campus and for being a part of our lives.”

Randy and Mary Lou

In 1984, Randy (BS ’84) and Mary Lou (BS ’86) met playing intramural volleyball.

Their relationship continued, and the two continued spending time together at Rascal House, the Shire, and the campus pizzeria. Randy and Mary Lou got engaged on Sweetest Day in 1986 and were married on April 23, 1988.

“Thank you, CSU!”

Julie and Josh

Julie (JD ’06) and Josh (JD ’04) met in the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Library when they were both law school students. It was around Valentine’s Day, and Julie was eating candy conversation hearts. After being introduced to Josh, she offered him one. They got married three years later.

“Without CSU Law, we would have never met. Thank you to CSU for allowing us to cross paths and for fate to do the rest!”

Hannah and Joseph

Hannah (BS '22) and Joseph (BA '22) met at the CSU Rec Center MAC gym during a club dodgeball practice. They often spent time walking the inner link together, sharing snacks in the rec center, studying in the library or the main classroom commons, and making numerous video calls during the COVID pandemic. They got engaged in 2021, graduated from CSU in 2022, and happily tied the knot shortly after.

“After seven years together, we are so grateful for that gym!”

Kenneth and Maureen

It was Friday, June 6, 1975, the last day of finals. After an end-of-year picnic, Kenneth (JD ‘81) decided to stop and have a beer at Fat Glenn's. He was alone, so was planning to get one drink then go home.  While there, he sees an old high school classmate, and we talk for a while. As they talk, Kenneth spots Maureen, dancing with her friend.  Kenneth convinced my friend to go with him to dance with her friend, while I asked her to dance.  She accepted, and they danced. Kenneth didn’t have anything to write with, yet he asked for her phone number, which he still remembers to this day. In October, Kenneth and Maureen celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary with 3 children and 8 grandchildren. 

“It scares me sometimes to think what would have happened if I had not seen an old high school classmate that Friday night at Fat Glenn's.”

Alice and Dezso

Alice (BS ’43) used to hide at the bottom of the staircase in Fenn Tower just waiting for Dezso (BS ’42) to come down so that she could casually bump into him. It finally worked after many tries.

She was married to her husband, Dr. Dezso J. Ladanyi, for over 69 years.

Nina and Sachin

Nina (BA ‘23) and Sachin’s (BS ’23) paths crossed at Cleveland State University, both as directors of the Student Government Association. Nina later became president, while Sachin remained a steady and dependable presence. In the beginning, their relationship was professionally filled with meetings, emails, and shared responsibilities without any hint of what was quietly unfolding.

Their dynamic shifted one quiet evening in the SGA office. Long after campus had emptied, Nina and Sachin found themselves studying together. That night marked the moment their path changed direction. Late-night study sessions became a tradition. Friendship grew into trust, and trust slowly blossomed into love. Nina and Sachin graduated together, closing one chapter and stepping into the future hand in hand. After graduation, Sachin began working in Cleveland, while Nina remained at CSU to complete a master’s degree. Today, they are engaged and joyfully planning our wedding next year, ready to begin the next chapter of their story together, united by their past and excited for everything still to come.

“What began in a student government office became a lifelong partnership rooted in friendship, growth, and love.”

Vicki and Jack

One day, Vicki’s (BA ’71) friend, from her honors English class, invited her to a study room on the third floor of Mather Mansion. She said a few other guys were studying in the room too, but they were nice.

Vicki had a work study job, but made time to go see her friend. Fortunately, she did because one of those other nice guys ended up being her future husband, Jack (BA’ 71). He bought her her first beer at the Shire in the basement of Mather Mansion.

They married a few years after graduation and remain a loving Viking couple today.

“We stayed connected with CSU. I worked there for 36 years. I am the current president of the retirees' association. We are proud season ticket holders in section 106. Go Vikings!”

Heather and Bryan

Heather (BA ’94, MS’ 98) and Bryan (BBA ’93) met at the new Student Center, advising freshmen and helping with orientation.

After a long day, the two went with a group to Rascal House for pizza. They were the last two of the group to leave, and the rest was history.