Connect How did your love story begin?

In 2004, we were misfit transfer students living on a co-ed dorm floor. She saw his “I Heart Vagina” pin on his bag (The Vagina Monologues) and was smitten. He needed some convincing so she’d join him in the common area so they could study and flirt. She nervously confessed her crush but he didn’t take action. To mend her broken heart, she removed herself; he took notice and asked for a date - they spent 8 hours laughing closing 3 bar tabs and have been together ever since – 20 years this year!

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

One of the most incredible experiences was traveling to Egypt together. We knew it was going to be a hard trip given the language barrier, culture, heat, but we could never have anticipated just how hard it was going to be including getting scammed in Cairo. Today we are grateful for the experience. The trip was amazing, and we can’t wait to go back one day, but it pushed us far out of our comfort zones. We learned a lot about ourselves and grew a lot as a couple after that trip.

What would you do with $20,000?

As is typical for our relationship, we will balance fun today with practical wisdom for tomorrow. Both of our mothers were diagnosed with cancer in the last few years. To support these amazing women who have raised us, witnessed our love story and supported us from day one, we will take them both on a well-deserved vacation to celebrate their inspiring progress and health. We will also invest it to support our future goals and dreams like going on an African Safari.