Big Green Love Stories: 2025 Edition
Celebrating couples who found love in Hanover!
Our annual edition of Big Green Love Stories has arrived! Each year we ask all members of the Dartmouth community to submit their love stories. From first-year meet cutes to reunions rekindling, this year's roundup features a wide variety of unique, funny, and heartwarming memories to remind us that love can be found in the most unexpected places.
Maya Dombroskie ’29 and Stephen Fowler ’29
How we met: Stephen and I met through a mutual friend and started dating over three years ago. His grandfather (’65) and parents (’96 and ’97) are Dartmouth alums, and our families met up at his grandparents’ Hanover house three summers ago. We spent days hiking the Velvet Rocks, borrowing boats from Ledyard to canoe on the Connecticut, and getting ice cream from Hanover Scoops.
Shared memory: I remember stargazing on the hills of Pine Park and wondering from under the bright night sky if, together, we could make the incredible campus our home someday.
Today: Stephen and I are overjoyed to be fulfilling that dream next fall, after having been told “the odds suggested” applying Early Decision would split us up. We’ve both accepted our offers to join the Class of 2029 and are so glad to have taken a chance on Dartmouth.
Elki Dobson ’21 and Willy Phillips ’20
How we met: We like to tell people that we kissed in a frat (Bones Gate) bathroom. The reality was we had been in the same social circle, but when Willy spent his junior summer on campus during my Sophomore Summer, we quickly became good friends through an ENVS class on sustainable food systems.
We started dating towards the end of the summer and then secretly got engaged during the first Covid term, when we lived in a van. We got married in 2022, with the majority of our guests being friends from Dartmouth!
Today: We now live in London, with our dog Scooby, where I work as a chef at The River Cafe and Willy just graduated with a master’s in environmental science for sustainability—clearly, our passion for food and the environment never went away.
Khymaya Battle ’20 and Miles Battle ’21
How we met: Maya (Perkins) and I (Miles) met in August 2017 while on campus for our respective preseason training for women’s rugby and football. Members of the football team and brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha hosted a cookout by the river. As a newcomer, I arrived hopeful that I might enjoy a free meal and learn something to help me better navigate campus.
Maya was never out of place in any crowd, and this day was no exception. By the time I arrived, Maya was sitting around a table playing cards with student-athletes, coaches, and professors alike. Our first encounter was when I interrupted her game to ask if she knew anybody on campus who could braid my hair. She took a brief pause to reply in her usual fashion with a joke, before offering to braid my hair herself. It was not until winter 2018 that I would see her again and take her up on her offer. From there, we saw each other frequently for meals in ’53 Commons, study sessions in Berry Library, or social events in the Shabazz Center. Our relationship grew from two people enjoying a day at the river to best friends who wanted to spend their lives together.
Shared memory: Many people who knew Maya could tell you that she was always busy. One special day at the end of fall 2018 captures this energy better than any I can recall and led us back to campus for even more memories years later.
On the last Sunday of fall 2018, I stood in the bleachers and watched Maya help lead Dartmouth Women’s Rugby to its first-ever national championship. What many do not know is that she arrived at the field just minutes after taking a final exam on the other side of campus. Even after she finished celebrating, her day did not end there. She made her way across campus for the final time that day to join me in the kitchen where we cooked dinner for our fellow Shabazz Center residents.
Six years later and just months after our wedding, we returned to Hanover for Maya’s induction to the Wearers of the Green alongside her teammates from that momentous day. We spent the weekend recapping so much of the season that resulted in the first of many national championships the Dartmouth women’s rugby team would ultimately win.
Today: Maya and I live in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Maya remains active with her beloved rugby as the chair of Friends of Dartmouth Women’s Rugby. She serves our local community by leading financial literacy workshops for students of color across Southeast Pennsylvania and the surrounding area. For her dedication and outstanding performance, Maya won the Award for Excellence in 2024, an honor only 7 out of Vanguard’s 20,000 employees receive worldwide. As alumni of the Bridge Program at the Tuck School of Business, Maya and I travel back to Hanover for alumni panels and mentoring programs for Bridge students. In addition to the work with the Bridge Program, I sit on the Advisory Council for RISE Career Launch program founded by a Tuck professor. Throughout the year I also volunteer with the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance and Junior Achievement of America, New York Chapter.
Julia Vallone ’19 and Guillermo Gomez ’19
How we met: The Choates brought us together our freshman fall, when Julia lived on Cohen 1 and Guillermo lived on Bissell 1. What started off as friendship quickly became something more and by that winter the rest was history!
Shared memory: We remember many a late night at 5 Webster Avenue, stargazing strolls on the golf course, and (a rare highlight) taking a class together Sophomore Summer. One of Julia’s favorite memories is the day before Guillermo left at the end of each term, when he’d bulk order Collis sushi in a frantic attempt to use up the rest of his meal plan.
Today: We’re happily married and living in Tampa, FL. Julia works in management consulting and Guillermo is a solutions engineer. In our free time, we love trying new restaurants, spending time with family, traveling whenever we can, and exploring Tampa with our puppy, Honey.
Sadie Doran TH’19 and Austin Van Namen TH’21
How we met: Austin and I met in fall 2017 at a grad student party at a barn in Norwich. We had a perfect first date shortly thereafter in Burlington, VT. We spent five amazing years in the Upper Valley and are hoping to be back someday.
Today: We got engaged in front of Baker-Berry library on December 31, 2023. We will tie the knot this upcoming June in Vermont! Forever grateful to Dartmouth for bringing us together.
Kate Herrington Pruthi ’17 and Nick Pruthi ’17
How we met: We connected after graduation in Boston and started dating in 2019! (My parents also attended Dartmouth).
Today: We got married this summer!
Julieta Feltrin Sengupta ’17 and Shaun Sengupta ’17 TH’18
How we met: We met in Spring 2014 in Professor Kenkel’s German II class. Shaun, ever resourceful, decided not to buy his own textbook. Instead, he strategically sat next to me, and we shared my book for the entire term. That’s when our friendship began!
Shared memory: Valentine’s Day 2017. That evening, we shared an incredible meal at Candela’s, a charming Spanish restaurant in town. On our way home, the Green was blanketed in fresh snow, and we couldn’t resist lying down to make snow angels. It was a magical moment that still makes us smile today.
Today: After a decade together, we tied the knot on November 10, 2024, in Miami, FL, surrounded by many of our Dartmouth friends. Now happily living in Miami, we’re eagerly awaiting the newest addition to our family—our daughter, future Class of 2047. We still feel deeply connected to Dartmouth. Julieta serves as president of the Dartmouth Club of South Florida, and Shaun is the events chair. Shaun also contributes as a member of the Dean’s Council for the Thayer School. Professionally, Julieta leads the Business Development team at Raines International, an executive search and talent advisory firm, while Shaun is the COO of Hextronics, an autonomous drone solutions startup. We love traveling to Argentina, Italy, India, and beyond and can’t wait to embark on new adventures as a family.
Ledah Geller ’16 and Joseph Geller ’16
How we met: Our story first began during freshman parents’ weekend, when our paths crossed unexpectedly. Both of our fathers, sharing the same name—Dr. Geller—had made reservations for parties of three at the Canoe Club (RIP). Ledah and her parents unexpectedly arrived at a table for three that had already been filled by Joseph’s family.
A decade later, fate reunited us when Ledah’s father fell ill while vacationing in Venice, Italy, and was medically evacuated to a hospital in Miami, where Joseph worked as an orthopedic surgeon. During this difficult time, Joseph visited almost daily to offer his support while her dad recovered, and they quickly fell in love again.
Shared memory: Summer farmers market, the organic farm, Ice Cream Fore U, and Kappa Krush.
Today: Today, we live in Miami with our beloved puppy, Kiwi Dartmouth Geller-Geller. We eagerly anticipate our wedding—which will take place this year at Dartmouth—the very place where our love story first began!
Ally Clark ’12 and Tim Koeth ’12
How we met: We knew each other and were friendly during our undergrad days at Dartmouth. Although not very close, a mutual friend suggested that Tim attend Ally's Tri-Delt formal during Sophomore Summer. Shortly after, Tim went abroad on two consecutive FSPs followed by two off terms. When Tim returned to campus for his senior year, Ally and Tim continued as friends and fell out of touch shortly after graduation.
By chance, Tim and Ally reconnected at their five-year Reunion in 2017, which kicked off an unexpected start to a long-distance relationship while Tim was in Boston and Ally was living in the suburbs of Philadelphia.
Today: Tim and Ally have been married for two-and-a-half years, and recently welcomed their daughter, Millie Margaret.
Stephanie Picon ’12 and Brandon Floch ’11
How we met: We met in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon basement in 2009.
Today: Fifteen years, five states, and two kids later, we haven’t looked back!
Cindy Kahlenberg ’10 and Matt Wang ’10
How we met: We lived on the same floor freshman year and have been together ever since. We got married in 2014 at Occom Pond.
Monica A. Martin de Bustamante ’08 TH’09 and Michelle G. de Bustamante ’09
How we met: A true Dartmouth romance —we met in a basement!
Shared memory: There may be too many to pick just one, but we fondly remember walking around Occom Pond and looking at the stars, playing rugby together, and working hard to perfect our pong game.
Today: We have moved around over the last 15 years while Michelle finished her veterinary ophthalmology training, but 2-1/2 years ago we finally settled out in the Bay Area. We have a 1-year-old daughter, born on Valentine's Day! We spend much of our time outside—biking and hiking, and we usually follow our adventures with a good meal.
Emi Ortiz ’08 and Nick Ortiz ’08
How we met: We met in 2004 during our freshman fall. We lived on different floors of the same dorm—Cohen in the Choates.
Shared memory: Our first date: Tri Delta formal at Bates Hotel during our Sophomore Summer in 2006. We started dating and would frequently go on nighttime study break dates at Lone Pine Tavern. We also used to hang out for hours at ’53 Commons and would study together at the library.
Today: We are now lawyers living our best lives in Miami. We have three children: Arielle and Lucas (6-year-old twins), Zoe (4 years); and a dog (Oliver) and kitten (Rosie).
Shaina Landau ’07 and Jose Gonzalez ’06
How we met: In the winter of 2004 we both moved into New Hamp and were next-door neighbors on the third floor.
Shared memory: We were friendly and went on a date to the Nugget theater and saw “Sideways.” Jose liked the movie, and I did not and that made for a bit of an awkward walk home. We stayed friendly but didn’t reconnect until the end of spring semester, when we shared a home-cooked meal.
Today: We have endured many of life’s challenges and blessings in the 20 years we have been together, including a long-distance relationship, job searches and changes, purchasing homes, family illnesses, deaths, and births. We got engaged in front of New Hampshire Hall in 2011 and now have three children, Owen, (almost 6), Ezra, (almost 4) and Eden (1). This past fall we made it to Dartmouth for their first visit and shared our love of Dartmouth and New England with them. Dartmouth will always hold a special and beautiful place in our hearts, and we are looking forward to instilling that love in our kids!
Jackie Olson ’07 and Minkun Zhang ’07
How we met: Jackie and I met freshmen orientation at the River dorms ice cream social, though she insists that she first noticed me during the DOC trip. We started dating soon after, and went on the Rome Classics FSP.
Today: Fast forward 21 years later, we have a joyous toddler and will be welcoming a little girl in just a few months.
Kimberly Rosensteel Sullivan ’05 and Timothy Sullivan ’05
How we met: We met under the Orozco murals doing the supplemental reading for Professor Lagomarsino’s European history class.
Shared memory: Our LSA study abroad in Siena, Italy during sophomore spring is the best shared memory, as it’s when we started dating.
Today: We live in Portsmouth, NH with our 3 girls- ages 5, 7 and 9. Tim is an ophthalmologist and Kim is an employment attorney.
Monica Jocelyn Holboke ’98 TH’98 and Jonathan P. Briggs ’95 TH’95
How we met: Monica and I met at Caltech at an off-campus party in Pasadena. She was finishing her senior year, and I was finishing my junior year despite her being just a month older: a point she likes to remind me of frequently, of course. Monica stayed an extra year for a master’s, and then we both ended up at Dartmouth as PhD candidates in engineering.
Four years later I asked her to marry me on her birthday in early November. We had absolutely no money, I couldn’t afford a ring, but I did manage to scrape enough money together to buy her a nice dinner at the Hanover Inn. She of course thought we were celebrating her birthday. The plan was to ask her outside overlooking the Green after dinner.
Naturally it was absolutely pouring rain and had gotten quite dark. There was a roof over a bench just outside the front door and as I waited for Monica, a beautiful Dalmatian walked up and sat next to me. I never saw the owner and to this day I have no idea why the dog was there other than, like me, staying dry. The dog leaned up against my leg and put her head on my knee. “Well, I guess we are doing this together,” I thought. Monica came out, smiled at the dog, instantly fell in love with it, sat down next to her, and began patting her on the head. Now or never I guess! I got down on one knee and asked her if she would “do the honor of spending the rest of her life with me.” She was so enthralled by this beautiful dog, she paused patting it, looked up and said, “Huh?”
About 10 months later on August 8, we had organized a Justice of the Peace to perform the marriage ceremony with the two of us at a lovely location near campus. Of course, true to form for us, he forgot to show. We had a list of justices in the area and started calling. I told my story to one of the lawyers, who laughed sympathetically (he knew the Justice and said he could be a bit forgetful) and invited us to come by whenever we wanted. Monica and I drove over, and we were married there in the office. We walked across the street and had pizza and beer before heading to our honeymoon on the coast of Maine.
Today: We are dual citizens living in Toronto, Canada, with two tall, beautiful daughters, both now in university. Monica has worked in research in physics and engineering and eventually sold her cryptography startup to Snowflake. I have spent my years in a variety of roles in quant equity and macro research eventually launching my own fund. We will celebrate our 28th wedding anniversary this year.
Marisa Howe ’98 and Kyle Marchesseault ’99
How we met: We met at an Austin Powers ’60s themed party at Sigma Delt on MLK weekend in January 1998. Marisa was a senior; Kyle a junior. Kyle was wearing a purple velour shirt, which prompted Marisa to comment… and well, the rest is history.
Shared memory: Introducing our two kids (now 17 and 14) to Dartmouth has been special for us, especially taking them up to Baker Tower when they were young and looking out over campus.
Today: Kyle followed Marisa after graduation to San Francisco… and New York City… and then Boston, which they have called home since 2003 (marrying in Marisa’s home state of Oregon the same year). Marisa went to law school; Kyle went to business school. Marisa is an immigration lawyer by training, currently working at Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), serving unaccompanied immigrant children. Kyle is a marketing professional with a community solar company. They have two kids—a senior and freshman in high school— who manage to put up begrudgingly.
Aleise Matheson ’94 and Cameron Matheson ’94
How we met: My husband and I met freshman year—fall 1990—through a mutual friend. We were friends and fellow pledges at Phi Tau and started dating Sophomore Summer 1992. We were married in Rollins Chapel two days after graduation.
Today: We celebrated our 30th anniversary at our 30th reunion in Hanover this past June!
Margie Wallace Gibson ’88 and Peter Gibson ’86
How we met: We met in the foyer when Margie stopped by to visit Peter’s fraternity brother in fall 1987.
Shared memory: Bridge jumping, formals, Winter Carnival, visiting our kids while they attended Dartmouth. We always get an Occom walk or run in whenever we’re in Hanover. We miss C&As and EBAs. Very happy Lou’s is still there!
Today: We have lived in Princeton, NJ for the last 33 years. Margie has been teaching third grade for 17 years, and Peter has run his own company for 30 years. We have four children who graduated from Dartmouth in ’14, ’15,’16, and ’20. They’re living over widespread parts of the United States. We recently became grandparents and are thrilled. We continue to be very active, enjoying the outdoors and embracing all the seasons. We try to get back to Hanover as often as possible, including Homecoming. We are grateful for our lasting Dartmouth friendships, remaining close with many. We also love that we have made new Dartmouth friends post-college years.
Linda Kelly ’89 and Kurt Moser ’89
How we met: We met freshman week in “New Hamp,” where, thanks to the magic of the Office of Residential Life, we were placed in adjacent fourth-floor doubles.
Shared memory: We have many fond memories of skiing at the Dartmouth Skiway (including the doughnuts at the lodge), off-campus trips to Montreal and Freeport, Maine, a very rainy backpacking trip with one of Kurt's high-school friends (without a tent), and frequent 2 a.m. C&A pizza arrivals at fourth floor Mid Mass when former roomie Carl Walker finished work.
Today: We’ve lived in Alexandria, Virginia, since the early ’90s, and raised two children (now college-age), Peter and Caroline. Linda is the general counsel for the National Association of Manufacturers in Washington, DC, and Kurt leads a small urban conservation non-profit, the Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation. Together, we’ve only missed one Dartmouth ’89 reunion, last summer, to be at son Peter’s college graduation.
Franklin Stephens ’58
Stephens’ submission was provided by his granddaughter, Abi Thomas, who notes that while her grandpa did not meet his wife Dawn at Dartmouth, “as my Nan says, my grandpa is impossibly attached to Dartmouth.”
My grandpa is Franklin Stephens. He was a geology student in the Class of 1958. Dartmouth has been in his life ever since and will forever have a place in his heart. Since leaving, he has maintained an active role within the university with sponsorships and keeping in touch with his Dartmouth friends. The university shaped him into an incredible man whom I look up to every day.
