Lindsey, ’08, and Zach,08, met when they shared a booth with friends during a post-party stop at Hardee’s near campus. For Zach, it was love at first sight:

“I knew from the moment I met her. True story; ask some of my fraternity brothers.”

Lindsey admits she was smitten from the beginning, too. “From the moment we met, he was a complete gentleman, and I knew he would always look out for me and take care of me. I’m lucky to have a love as unconditional as his.”

Zach asked Lindsey to his fraternity’s formal after hanging out a few times. They both agree — somewhat — on why they started dating.

“Shortly after the formal, he asked me to be his girlfriend because of how awesome I am,” Lindsey said.

Zach contends it is his awesomeness that sealed the deal: “I’m awesome, and she wanted to hang out with me.”

Zach and Lindsey built their lives together as a couple during the next six years, sharing adventures such as skydiving.

They also grew as professionals, graduating in 2008 and finding jobs. Lindsey works as a special education teacher for Springfield Public Schools; Zach works as a portfolio manager for BKD Wealth Advisors (and was named to the 2012 class of 20 Under 30 young business professionals by 417 Magazine).

In March 2011, Zach decided it was time to take their relationship to the next level. He bought a ring and left it with the jeweler while he decided on the perfect way to propose.

“There isn’t a specific memory that drew me to the fountain and bells. I just knew that MSU was a special place for both of us in general and that it would make sense to use campus for that special moment,” Zach said.

With the help of Thomas Lane, the assistant vice president for student life, and Jeremy Chesman, the University’s carillonist, Zach put his plan in motion. In October, he took Lindsey for a walk through campus. They ended at the fountains as the carillon played their song, “Collide” by Howie Day.

“I made the comment that I missed the bells playing while I walked around campus, not knowing they were playing especially for me this time,” Lindsey said.

Zach and Lindsey will marry in December. The couple plans to make a photo stop at campus to remember the school that brought them together.

“When I think about the proposal, I just can’t help but smile from ear to ear,” Lindsey said. “It felt surreal, especially because I had been waiting for that moment for nearly six years.”