Mariana and Gilbert
Mariana Suarez Tapia, BS’11 (Flor), BSN’12 (Metro): We met at a Latino American Student Organization (LASO) meeting in the Student Center on the Florham Campus.
Gilbert Tapia, BS’10 (Flor): She claims it was at a LASO meeting, but I think it was at a nightclub in Dover, N.J., with friends. I messaged her on MySpace after to ask her if she could proofread an essay for me and she actually did! Eventually, I asked for her number and our conversations started.
MST: I remember our first kiss like it was yesterday. It happened after a Navidad Ball hosted by the LASO. We both commuted, so we hung out sometimes in the lounge in the Science Building. One of the best days was when we got snowed in on campus! We stayed with friends who lived in the dorms, and spent the day sledding on cafeteria trays.
MST: I think I still have the Dunkin’ Donuts napkin I wrote my number on for him! We got engaged on campus, and I have the parking pass from that day and a box of other mementos.
MST and GT: Life has been busy and chaotic in the best way with our growing family [the couple has two young daughters]. But we try to make time for ourselves and good communication is key!