Let's Celebrate!

Our story began in July 2021 at McKendree, where we first met while working together. At first, Rose was a bit hesitant about forming friendships with coworkers, and Craig's boundless optimism took some getting used to. Despite this, working closely together was inevitable, especially given that we lived just steps away from each other. As time went on, our initial reservations gave way to genuine connection. Along with our other colleagues, we would share dinners and enjoy countless board game nights, which helped us bond and break down the barriers between us. Our days were filled with collaborative work, alternating between each other's offices, and eventually, we found ourselves going on evening walks to process our days together. These walks and shared moments allowed our friendship to deepen, revealing a shared worldview and an appreciation for the interconnectedness of life. Our spiritual connection only made our bond stronger. **Highlights!** Working in Res Life highlighted in each of us the importance of creating a welcoming and fun environment where students could thrive, so it was natural for us to work on projects together. This laid the framework for our communication, making it easy to transition to sharing insights and working through conflict outside of work. Other adventures took us hiking across the Grand Canyon, Craig teaching Rose the ins and outs of riding a bike on roads (seems simple, but it's not!), and we enjoy trying various dance styles, from salsa to contra. Our ongoing adventures always include concerts, coffee, and spending time with our three cats—Callie, Winston, and Bison. <3 What started as a hesitant friendship evolved into a profound relationship, and we are thrilled to celebrate this next chapter of our lives together. Thanks for joining us!