In honor of Valentine’s Day 2024, we featured three alumni couples who found love through A.C.C./Barton College.
The year is 2004. Krystal Rowland (’07) and Marcos Alices (’08), both mass communications majors, sit across from each other in their 2D Design Class, completely unaware that this seemingly ordinary encounter would be the beginning of their story.
From the moment Marcos laid eyes on Krystal, he took notice of her magnetic presence. “She’s the type of person that, when she walks into a room, she gets everyone’s attention,” Marcos says. Krystal was a social butterfly – she loved being in the company of friends and making the most out of every moment on campus. Raised by a military-oriented family, Marcos had been enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve since 2002 but wanted to study journalism at Barton.
Throughout their time at Barton, they found themselves crossing paths in various classes, not much more than passing glances and simple exchanges. In 2005, right in the midst of his sophomore year at Barton College, Marcos received the news that he was called up to active-duty and would be deployed to Kuwait. The unexpected turn of events marked a pivotal moment in his academic journey, demanding not only his commitment to his country but also resilience in navigating the complexities of continuing his education amidst military service.
Marcos returned to Barton one year later to continue his degree and found himself working alongside Krystal at “The Collegiate”, the school newspaper. They remained friends throughout the remainder of their college experience, and even went on a couple of dates, but they didn’t discover what was meant to be until several years later.
Life took its course after graduation, with Marcos facing another deployment to Afghanistan in 2009. Krystal, having heard about his impending journey through a friend, reached out to wish him well. The two exchanged letters back and forth until Marcos’s homecoming in 2010. After his return, mutual friends, recognizing the undeniable connection between Marcos and Krystal, subtly played matchmakers. Before long, the two rekindled their relationship and decided on forever – together.
Krystal returned to Barton College shortly after to work in the Office of Admissions, reviving their ties to the special place that had become an integral part of their story. After recently celebrating 10 years of marriage, Krystal and Marcos can’t help but feel grateful for the role Barton played in bringing them together. The couple is now blessed with two beautiful children, Zoe and Maceo, who hope to one day attend Barton College – just like mom and dad. “Barton really has become our second home, not just because of how much time we spend here, but because we genuinely love being a part of this community,” Krystal shares.
Barton College, once the silent witness to the beginning of Krystal and Marcos’s love story, is now a cherished companion. There is so much to love about Barton, and, together, we celebrate the unique connections and relationships created here. Whether Krystal and Marcos’s story resonates with you and a loved one, or you’re inspired by Barton’s timeless love, consider making a gift today. https://give.barton.edu/online-giving/