Many of us have likely shared the hope of finding a future partner during our college years. Whether it’s locking eyes across a shared class or bumping into someone on campus, possibility seems to linger behind every simple introduction and passing smile. With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, thoughts of romance and love arise behind each red heart decoration. In the spirit of this national holiday, two Colgate University couples shared their stories on how they met and where they are today.
The story of seniors Kegan Foley and Kelly Kowenhoven began back in their sophomore year in Colgate’s very own Frank Dining Hall. Foley had transferred to Colgate that year. Luckily, he had some mutual friends with Kowenhoven, which sparked their first meeting.
Kowenhoven described the day she first approached Foley at Frank.
“I spotted [Kegan] in Frank after I moved in for the year and knew it was him by the hat he was wearing,” Kowenhoven said. “I made a move and decided to introduce myself. From there we started talking and becoming friends — he really just needed someone to help him figure out his schedule and how to order textbooks. We have been together ever since and will be graduating together in May.”
It’s amazing how meaningful one simple introduction can be, fostering a friendship and relationship beyond initial expectations. Kowenhoven and Foley further shared how their favorite memories at Colgate revolve around going on walks, grabbing meals and studying together.
While date spots can feel limited in Hamilton, with rolling farmland surrounding Colgate on all sides, the Colgate Inn and restaurants within the town are popular options for a night out. Kowenhoven and Foley’s first date was at the Colgate Inn and is now their go-to spot for anniversaries and Valentine’s Day. Cazenovia, only a 30-minute drive away, is another great area for dates, with the Brewster Inn being a delicious dinner spot. There truly are many places to explore if you know where to look, but sometimes, the best memories are simply made through the day-to-day activities of being a student.
The seniors offered some advice to other students still looking to find their match as well, while reminiscing on their own origin story.
“Put yourself out there and make friends with a transfer student!” Kowenhoven said.
Sometimes love is found in the least expected places, even when grabbing your daily Frank bowl.
“You never know who you’ll meet in Frank,” Foley said.
Similar to Kowenhoven and Foley, juniors Natalie Hofer and Brady Johnson also met on Colgate’s campus.
Hofer shared that she first met Johnson during orientation week of their first year in a romantic encounter on the lawn right outside of Curtis Hall. Similarly to Foley and Kowenhoven, the pair first connected because of mutual friends who had done the Wilderness Adventure program with Johnson and they’ve been together ever since.
In addition to the Colgate Inn, Hofer and Johnson shared how other great date ideas could be going to the Critz Farm, grabbing Cobblestone ice cream or spending the day in Syracuse. Just about an hour drive away from Colgate, Syracuse is a great place to go explore for more food options and activities outside of Hamilton’s center.
However, both of Hofer and Johnson’s favorite memories happened right on campus.
“My favorite memory of us is when Brady and I were supposed to go on a picnic date that he so kindly planned and surprised me with,” Hofer said. “The only issue was that it was pouring rain, [so] instead we just had it in his room on the ground. Obviously it wasn’t what he planned but we still had so much fun together.”
Even the most unexpected twists can make something all the more memorable, and no amount of rain can bring down a romantic mood.
Johnson shared his favorite memory that revolved around a picnic.
“My favorite memory of us was last spring, the first warm day after winter. We were so excited to be out of the snow that we spent all day on the quad having a picnic of sorts and enjoying the weather,” Johnson said. “I loved being able to just spend a day on the grass with Natalie and the quad is always full of people on warm days, so it was a great day.”
Whether rain or shine, picnics are a favorite activity for Hofer and Johnson. Especially with warm weather to look forward to in the coming months, picnics are a lovely way to enjoy the day with good company. Until then, indoor dorm picnics are definitely a fun way to spend time with others.
Hofer also gave advice to those still looking for love.
“You can’t find your match without meeting new people,” Hofer said. “The more chances you take to get out and talk to someone new, the more chances you have to meet your match.”
Take the leap and make the effort to form connections with those around you — you never know where it will lead. Even the most unexpected encounters can be the foundation for something more meaningful. With February serving as a reminder of the importance of good company, you never know when you’ll find that spark — or where for that matter, because even Frank can foster a good romance story.
