College Love Stories: Meaghan & Stroud, ECU

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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Meet Meaghan and Stroud from East Carolina University.  Meaghan graduated with a BS in Communication and MA in Strategic Communication. Stroud  graduated with a BS in Physical Education. Oh, and did we mention they're getting married in April 2027?!

KC: How did you meet? Where?

M & S: Stroud and I met during ECU’s annual Polar Plunge, he was a sophomore, and I was a freshman. For those who don’t know, it’s an event where students jump into the outdoor pool in the peak of winter. I brought goggles and offered to share them with him, and that’s where it all began. From there, we started going to ECU Baseball games together regularly before he eventually asked me to be his girlfriend. We later studied abroad in Italy together, creating memories we’ll cherish forever, and in October 2023, he proposed. We are so excited to get married in April 2027!

KC: What significance does East Carolina University hold for you? 

M & S: East Carolina University has truly become our home. I can confidently say we would not be the people we are today or have the life and experiences we share without ECU. I thank God every day that we both chose to become Pirates. It is where we fell in love, met our best friends, earned our degrees, secured local jobs, and created countless memories that will last a lifetime. ECU will forever be a part of the stories that we will tell our kids one day.

KC: Do you think you would have ever met if it weren't for your school? Why or why not? 

M & S: There is NO chance we would have ever met without ECU. I am from the other side of the state and didn't even know ECU existed until my senior year of high school while he has been a Pirate fan his whole life. The fact that we even met here is often beyond us! We have 27,000 students and somehow; despite not having any classes together, being from completely different friend groups, and having classes on opposite sides of campus, we found each other. 

KC: What's your favorite thing to do together? Why?

M & S: Before studying abroad, Stroud had never been out of the country, while I was a military kid who lived in Okinawa, Japan for six years. Watching his world expand during our time in Italy was just as exciting for me as it was for him. Now, one of our favorite things to do together is explore new places, whether that is a new coffee shop, restaurant, brewery, or store. Rarely do we spend a weekend at home because we truly love discovering somewhere new together.

KC: What advice would you give incoming first-years about meeting other people and relationships/friendships? 

Get out of your comfort zone! It is easy during your first year of college to go to class and head straight back to your room, but that can quickly become isolating. Talk to people you may never have spoken to in high school because they might become your best friend. Study abroad. Go to the games. Join the clubs. And of course, go to the Polar Plunge, you never know who you might meet.

Huge thanks to Meaghan and Stroud for sharing your love story. We can't wait to see where your love takes you next (and wedding pics!) <3 

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