This Valentine’s Day, we're Shell-ebrating love! Each year, we invite Terp couples to reflect on how they met and the journeys that followed.  Whether it started with a late-night study session at McKeldin, or blossomed after graduation, these love stories all feature beloved Maryland moments. 

Join us as we celebrate all kinds of Terp love—from friendships sparked in residence halls to bonds built in student orgs—at our Shell-ebrate Love Dance, featuring dancing, cocktail-making and more!

It started with a Stanley Cup and a well-timed DM. In 2018, after the Washington Capitals won their first championship in franchise history, Ryan sent Rebecka a GIF of left-winger superstar Alex Ovechkin scoring—and just like that, two Terps met. A first date at Board and Brew turned into morning meetups at The Bagel Place, dancing at a sorority formal and stolen kisses between classes on McKeldin Mall. With parents (Ryan’s father, Norman, and Rebecka’s mother, Debra) as proud Maryland alums, campus returns are common for football tailgates and Maryland Day.—PK Daniel

Jason and Rachel’s story began slowly, if not inconsequentially, in a Commons 1 apartment. That led to the same friend groups, study sessions and get-togethers. While they shared their first kiss at a toga party on frat row, their romance didn’t blossom until after graduation. But Maryland proved to be a magnetizing force, a place of employment for both after they were married. A celebratory anniversary lunch at the former Adele’s felt like the campus date they never had as students. From football and basketball games to Maryland Day and alumni events, they continue to return to the place where they met.—PK Daniel

Michael and Khasmir met during their senior year while interviewing with what were then known as the Big 6 accounting firms. Introduced by a mutual friend, they bonded over interview stories, shared a few classes and became friends. Their favorite Maryland memory is getting married at the Memorial Chapel, bringing both families back to where it all began. Their Terp pride runs deep: They return to campus for sporting events and proudly display their Terrapin Club license plates. Today, as their son Kylen continues the tradition as a Maryland freshman, Michael gives back by serving on the Alumni Association Board of Governors.—PK Daniel

Pramod and Preeti first crossed paths in the library stacks. A year later, they were still only acquaintances. But while strolling through the celebration area at Stamp Student Union on the day of his graduation, Pramod ran into Preeti. He boldly invited her to his graduation party as a pretense for asking for her phone number. She grabbed a napkin and wrote her number on it. Pramod still has that napkin, almost 35 years later. Pramod serves on the Alumni Association Board of Governors and stays actively connected with the James Clark School of Engineering and the Dingman-Lamone Center for Entrepreneurship. The two Terps love attending UMD sporting events.—PK Daniel

Jen and Walt met through mutual friends at RJ Bentley’s—and later named their dog Bentley—on Labor Day weekend in 1998. They quickly discovered they were from neighboring Philadelphia suburbs, attended rival high schools and knew some of the same people. Walt’s favorite Maryland memory is storming the football field with Jen after beating Clemson to win the 2001 ACC Championship title. Jen’s is sleeping in Cole Fieldhouse while waiting to score tickets for a Duke basketball game. Maryland pride runs deep. They return often for games with their Terp-cheering kids in tow. Jen is currently president of the Philly Terps and is on the Alumni Association Board of Governors.—PK Daniel

Love, in many cases, can be a roll of the dice. Just ask Michael and Colin. “We love Dungeons and Dragons, Warhammer and really any type of board game with friends,” said Michael. “We’re very big nerds.” They met at a Pride party as sophomores, then reconnected at a Pride parade in Washington, D.C. Michael proposed to Colin just months after graduation—with a Ring Pop for a little levity—and they took engagement photos on campus. They’ve been married since 2018.—by Andrew Faught

Sometimes, Terp love stories start miles from campus. Adam and Jennifer’s Terp connection began in Hoboken, New Jersey, at a now-closed bar called Miss Kitty’s. After realizing they both graduated from UMD, they became friends, spending months going to basketball games and hanging out before their relationship officially began. Though they didn’t meet on campus, some of their favorite Maryland memories are attending alumni events together in New Jersey. Both proud Terps, their home is decked out in Maryland gear, their kids are fully outfitted in Terps apparel, and Adam serves as president of the active Northern New Jersey Terps Alumni Network.—by Daryllee Hale

Love found Courtney and Aaron on North Campus at an end-of-fall-semester party in 1995. As the first two people on the dance floor, they clicked instantly. Aaron spent much of the following summer trying to convince Courtney to go on a date, and soon after, they were inseparable. Some of their favorite Terp memories include celebrating the Gary Williams–era national championship and cheering on Terp athletics. Courtney danced on the Dance Team, and Aaron still fondly remembers running down to give her a quick kiss just before football games kicked off. Today, they remain proud Terps and active members of the Howard County Alumni Association—still carrying that North Campus magic with them.—by Daryllee Hale

Jerome and Jehnell first met in high school, then continued their story together as students at UMD. Some of their favorite Terp memories are the simple ones: date nights at Hungry Herman’s, arcade games, and a sweet stop at Swenson’s ice cream parlor. Their Maryland pride runs deep—not only do they cherish the exceptional education they received, but both of their children are also proud alums. Married in the Memorial Chapel, Jerome and Jehnell still return to campus each year on their anniversary to reflect on the moments that shaped them, from sledding down snowy hills on dining hall trays to Homecoming fun and unforgettable adventures through the Residence Halls Association.—by Daryllee Hale

Want even more unforgettable Maryland moments? Share your story or join us at our Shell-ebrate Love Valentine's Dance on Feb. 13. See you there, Terps!