WE'RE GETTING MARRIED

We are alums of the MIZZOU engineering program, but we didn’t meet in class or at the library. Kirt went to MU on the Evans Scholarship. At MU, Evan’s Scholars work part time in the sorority kitchens. Kirt was assigned to my sorority, Kappa Delta. We saw each other occasionally during meals but not much more was exchanged beyond a smile and a “thank you.” One Friday lunch as I went to put up my dishes, Kirt invited me to hang out with him and some friends that evening. Again, I smiled and said “thanks” but didn’t think much of it. Later that day I was invited to an event at a local engineering alum’s house and told to bring a friend. I couldn’t find a classmate to go with me, but then I remembered Kirt. He was my last resort and he said he’d go with me! After dinner at Kappa Delta I picked up Kirt, picked up a six pack, and drove to the alum’s home. Little did I know he lived out in the corn, in the dark, off a gravel road in a part of town I’d never been to. Nervously joking Kirt asked me, “Are you going to kill me out here?” We weren’t much relieved to find that we were the only students at the party, which was a jam-session. Band members included a few Chemical Engineering Alum, two of my professors, and now Kirt and me on tambourine and maracas. After several tunes and many good laughs, we left the party early to catch Kirt up with his friends. As I was dropping him off I suddenly reconsidered his invitation, and sheepishly asked him if it was still open. Sweetly he said yes. Then it was my turn to meet and mingle with a huge group of Evan Scholars. We hit the bars and had a blast. We stayed out until close, but we couldn’t get an Uber back to Greek Town because it was so late and it was pouring outside. We decided to run from Broadway through campus and back to Kappa Delta getting absolutely soaked and laughing along the way. Our fun night out earned me an invitation to a tailgate the next day. Again, we had a blast and we’ve been having a blast together since.

I knew I wanted to propose in a way that would be memorable for many years. One of Shelby’s bigger hobbies is skiing and we had an upcoming family trip to the Rockies around the new year. Even though it was risky I knew I wanted to propose on the mountain slopes. As with any time skiing, there is always a photoshoot that needs to occur, and this was going to be my opportunity. My two brothers, Shelby, and I pulled off one of the greens that had a majestic view of the different mountain peaks in the distance. We went through the different photo combinations: my brothers and I, individuals, and then it was time for Shelby and I. I was gripping the ring as tight as I could in my clinched fist to ensure I didn’t drop it in the snow. To my brother’s surprise, I dropped down to a knee and grabbed Shelby’s hand as quick as I could. Everyone and especially Shelby was shocked and couldn’t believe what they saw. No one knew that this was going to happen. She said yes and was all smiles and even a few tears. Luckily my brothers had their phones and were able to take pictures to capture the surprise moment.

Kirt and Shelby love football so trips are frequently made back to Columbia, around the SEC, and to Kansas City to tailgate and cheer on the Tigers or root for the Chiefs. When football isn’t in season, they travel around the States to ski, hike, or relax at the beach. In-between they make regular trips to St. Louis, Columbia, and Kansas City to keep up with friends and family. After traveling both head home to Marshalltown, IA where both have been working for Fisher Controls for three years. Kirt bought a home there in March 2019, which needed cosmetic updates (there was carpet in the kitchen!). Kirt and Shelby survived that DIY period after COVID sent their office into work-from-home mode, so their relationship will last. Most recently, Kirt and Shelby added a fury friend to their family. Dunkel the Dachshund was adopted this November.