College Love Stories: Rachel & Zach, 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 soon-to-be-wed Rachel and Zach from the East Carolina University (ECU). Rachel graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BS in Political Science, concentration in Pre-Law, and a double minor in Philosophy and Criminal Law & Legal Process. Zach graduated with a BS in Engineering, with a double concentration in Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering, and a double minor in Mathematics and Composite Natural Science. Talk about a smart union (pun intended)!

KC: How did you meet? Where?

R & Z: We met at ECU through the Student Government Association; we had been in SGA for about a year together, but got closer when we both wanted to run for Speaker of the Student Assembly. Because I first saw him as competition, our relationship did not have the friendliest of beginnings. In the end, Zach ran for Speaker and appointed me as Student Body Secretary. Through those positions, we'd see each other almost every day, and a working relationship developed into a friendship and then Zach asked me out in November 2024. 

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

R & Z: ECU was a great place for our individual professional and spiritual growth. While we both got degrees there, we were blessed with mountainous opportunities to grow. For example, we were able to make a new family of friends through SGA, many of which are attending and in our wedding in May 2025. 

"Zach proposed at my old college house in Greenville."

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

R & Z: While we are both located in DC post-graduation--I am attending GW Law for law school and Zach is an engineer for the US Navy--we would not have been able to meet organically without ECU. Because we had different degrees and career paths, if it were not for ECU, I doubt we would have found each other given the population of DC. I transferred to ECU from New York; I never thought ECU would be a place I called home, but when deciding where to finish my degree, I had a sense that ECU was where to go, even before knowing Zach existed. 

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

R & Z: Our favorite thing to do together is weightlifting. As mentioned, we were exposed and fell in love with weightlifting while at ECU. Once our friendship began, it was one of our favorite things to discuss in the office. Once our relationship began, lifting dates were a regular because we got to work on ourselves, and push each other so that we could improve our strength and health not only for ourselves, but for each other. 

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

I would encourage all incoming first-years to have an open mind; try anything and everything that you may have little interest in. Even if you don't love the club, class, or apartment building, you have such a high chance in making your new environment your home by simply putting yourself out there. Regarding all relationships, but especially finding your spouse, above all trust God and that he will put you in the places you need to be. We have no other explanation for us ending up in the same spot, both at ECU and now DC, besides God's grace and better planning.

Huge thanks to Rachel and Zach for sharing their Love story with us! We can't wait to see your love continue to grow and flourish <3 

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