Love Stories: The Miami Mergers Tradition
"The Upham Arch Necklace is one of my favorite styles because it was inspired by real life love stories like the ones featured below, and we worked closely with the Miami community and Alumni Association to bring it to life. That's the beauty of a start-up, we have the flexibility and agility to create meaningful pieces like this." - Elizabeth Shirley, Co-Founder of KYLE CAVAN
Feb 04, 2020
At KYLE CAVAN, our mission is to design college jewelry that you'll want to wear for years to come - jewelry that evokes memories of friendship, all-nighters, optimism - and for many - love. Over the past year, we've worked closely with universities, students and alumni to build collections that are worthy of your stories - we designed the Villanova Church Necklace to celebrate those who graduate in front of or get married at Villanova's St. Thomas of Villanova Church, or the Tulane Mardi Gras Tree Necklace to celebrate the annual tradition of blanketing the now iconic tree with Mardi Gras beads.
One of our all-time favorite traditions is what Miami University calls "Miami Mergers", which refers to Miami alumni who marry other Miami alumni. There is an iconic archway on campus called Upham Arch, and as the story goes, couples who kiss under the arch at midnight are destined to be married. This tradition inspired us to make a very special piece for the Miami Collection - the Upham Arch Necklace complete with diamond in the lantern.
"The Upham Arch Necklace is one of my favorite styles because it was inspired by real life love stories like the ones featured below, and we worked closely with the Miami community and Alumni Association to bring it to life. That's the beauty of a start-up, we have the flexibility and agility to create meaningful pieces like this when schools help us spread the word." - Elizabeth Shirley, Co-Founder of KYLE CAVAN
Shop The Miami Collection
Today, there are over 14,000 "Miami Mergers" across the country and world - all of whom receive a Valentine's Day card from the Miami University Alumni Association. A tradition that has been upheld for more than 40 years and features a card with a unique poem and theme in honor of those Miamians who are married to one another.
Read about more real life Miami Merger stories on the Miami University Alumni Association Website.
Found love in college? Tell us your story for a chance to be featured!