College love is truly special—not only because it creates a lifelong connection, but because it’s rooted in the spirit of your school. Once intertwined, it's a bond that remains unbreakable. Did you find love in college? We can't wait to hear all about your College Love Stories (romantic, BFFs, generational and everything in between)!
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We're super excited to introduce Brooke and Daryn from Purdue University! Brooke graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. But Daryn actually didn't go to Purdue! He graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a degree in Business and Accounting. He was actually living on campus and volunteering with Purdue students when he and Brooke met! Strap in, because their love is one for the ages!
KC: How did you meet? Where?
B & D: We are from the same hometown and I was friends with his brother. I was a volunteer with the organization he worked for on Purdue's campus. (Young Life)
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KC: What significance does Purdue University hold for you?
B & D: Purdue holds HUGE significance for me. My grandfather, dad, sister, uncle, and brother in law all went to Purdue. I grew up a Boilermaker and now I have a son who is a junior there! I was the third generation and Luke is the forth. My grandfather used to tell me stories of when he was there in the 1940s before he went to WWII. My grandpa grew up during the Great Depression so he made sure my sister and I could go to college for free. He was very generous. He was a Civil Engineer, so I got that degree, partially in honor of him. He and my dad would take us to Purdue games every fall and we'd sit and listen to the band and walk to the game. My sister also graduated from Purdue and so did her husband. We now take her kids with us to Purdue so they can have the same special memories their mom and I have!
My husband and I got married and started a family when living on campus at Purdue. We now have 7 kids (5 adopted) and we go up every fall for the football games just like I did when I was little! My kids are 23, 21, 21, 21, 20, 18, and 7. They were adopted at the ages of 1, 4, 10, 15, and 17 years old. Two are biological. Two of our kids are Ugandan, one is Ethiopian, and two are adopted from Indiana foster care.
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KC: Do you think you would have ever met if it weren't for your school? Why or why not?
B & D: There is no way Daryn and I would be together if it weren't for Purdue! Campus volunteer work is what brought us together and we launched our family while living on campus. Our kids grew up with Purdue in their veins. Even the ones adopted as teenagers are now fans!
KC: What's your favorite thing to do together? Why?
B & D: Daryn and I stay very busy with so many kids and full time jobs. I am now a high school principal and he is the chief financial officer at a local fitness/gym here in Newburgh, Indiana. We love to travel and this summer we will be taking our kids back to Uganda where we lived for a few years, to visit their biological families. We love to cook together and workout. I love my job that I get to help young people launch into college life! Working with teenagers is a very special calling.
KC: What advice would you give incoming first-years about meeting other people and relationships/friendships?
Get involved to find your people. It's easy to get lost in a big university, but if you get involved and find others with similar interests, it helps you find your niche! Everyone needs a place to truly belong.
Huge thanks to Brooke and Daryn for inspiring us with your incredible Love Story! We can't wait to see where your love takes you next<3
