The Flyer family is a real thing. The bonds created on campus can last forever; and, for some, they blossom into marriage. Each year at Reunion Weekend, we celebrate those unions at the wedding vow renewal ceremony held in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception. It’s one of the most popular events of the weekend, filled with faith, hope, love — and kissing Flyers of all ages.
How did the two of you meet on campus?
“In Professor (Walter) Sory’s German class. We sat in the dummkopf row. And … there were only two or three women in that class, and I [Larry] sat next to the best one.”
When did you get married? Right after graduation?
“[We’re] Class of 1967, and we got married that same year. So, we’ve been married just about 55 years. ... We went together for three-and-a-half years — it wasn’t a weekend fling type of thing. We got to know each other.”
What’s the best part of being married to a fellow Flyer?
“We have a lot of history here with UD, and we’re pretty proud of it. We just love this place. [It was] the greatest education that we could have had.”
Any marriage/dating advice to share on finding “the one”?
“Pick the right person to begin with and go into it with your eyes open that not everything is going to be as wonderful as it is right now.”
How did the two of you meet on campus?
“We met in Marycrest, so a lot of our memories are [there]. It’s really nice to go up there and reminisce.”
When did you get married? Right after graduation?
“Sept. 18, 2020. So, we were a COVID couple, a COVID wedding. ... We started dating a little over nine years ago. So, we’ve been together for a very long time. We spent so much time together on campus and after we graduated that it didn’t feel like a huge change.”
What’s the best part of being married to a fellow Flyer?
“I think all the pride that we share. Yes, we are very proud of UD. And … sharing our love with other people and finding other Flyer couples … just having that common thing that we all share.”
Any marriage/dating advice to share on finding “the one”?
“During that time [right before graduation], thinking about leaving my home and all my friends and family — I [Melissa] didn’t want to ever leave him. So, that’s when I knew that we were going to get married.”
Photos and video by Ifeanyichukwu Nwanoro '23.