Scranton Love Stories
Joseph and Kristen Sorbera on their wedding day at Scranton.We talked to a few University of Scranton couples. Hear what they have to say about their love stories, here.
Joseph '08 and Kristen Sorbera '09
Joseph and Kristen didn't actually meet at Scranton, but they consider themselves a "Scranton couple," so much so that they were married on campus.
Tell us how and where you met.
Actually, despite spending three years on campus together, attending the same events, and even having some overlapping friends, we didn’t actually meet until 2016 at an alumni Christmas reception! We like to say we didn’t meet at Scranton, we met because of Scranton; and that’s how we knew we were meant for each other.
Is there a place in the Scranton area that was your “go-to” spot that you both treasure?
Because we didn’t know each other during our time on campus, there are no spots we have from back then. However, there are more than a few spots that we hold dear. The first is the Rose Garden, where we sat on our first time visiting campus together. The second is Brennan Hall, where we got engaged right on the seal of the University. And, of course, our hearts will always be in Madonna della Strada Chapel where we said our vows and became husband and wife.
What is your best relationship advice for current Scranton couples and others?
Go to alumni events! You never know who you’re going to meet. And when you do, you’ll have at least one thing in common.
And when you finally find your forever Royal, remember to be a man or woman for them, caring for their whole person, and dedicating yourself to doing more for them and for the greater glory of God.
PHOTOS
TOP: Joseph and Kristen on their wedding day at Scranton.
BOTTOM: Joseph and Kristen around when they met.
Don '72, G'74 and Rosemary Broderick '76, G'80, G'89
Don and Rosemary were introduced by a mutual friend in the University's student affairs building.
Where was your first date?
At a University of Scranton function, after the Snowball event in 1970.
Is there a place in the Scranton area that was your “go-to” spot that you both treasure?
We spent a lot of our time in the dormitory visiting with friends; we enjoyed taking long walks in the park and dined on pizza at Granteeds and burgers at O'Toole's.
What is your best relationship advice for current Scranton couples and others?
Mutual trust, respect and consideration! Give it your best! Laugh a lot and have each other’s back.
Kevin and Jacquey Dermody, Class of 2013
Kevin and Jacquey met during their freshman year at Chapman Lake, but they didn't start dating until the end of their senior year.
Where was your first date?
Our first date was at Sibio’s Restaurant in Dunmore, Pennsylvania - one of Kevin’s favorite restaurants.
Is there a place in the Scranton area that was your “go-to” spot that you both treasure?
DeNaples Third Floor Cafeteria -- we both loved the social atmosphere and the food of the third-floor cafeteria!
What is your best relationship advice for current Scranton couples and others?
Trust God that it will all work out. Love is patient.
PHOTOS
TOP: Jacquey and Kevin on their wedding day: June 22, 2019
BOTTOM: Jacquey and Kevin on their graduation day: May 26, 2013
Jeff and Kathleen Rossi, Class of 1988
Jeff and Kathleen were friends first. He likes to rely on her memory.
Tell us how and where you met.
We were friends since sophomore year. We ran in the same circles and I got to know her even though I was in Redington Hall sophomore year and she lived off campus.
Where was your first date?
We didn't start dating until the second semester of senior year. Kathy tells me that our first official date was at a Bennigans Restaurant near her home (Hazlet, New Jersey) -- although I don't remember (but I believe her). I do remember our first official date at the U was at one of the senior formals.
Is there a place in the Scranton area that was your “go-to” spot that you both treasure?
She says I used to regularly drive her to a laundromat in Dunmore (I don't remember that either, but I believe her :)) Her house senior year was on Mulberry St right next to Scanlons and Oscars, so we definitely treasured each of those fine establishments on a regular basis.
What is your best relationship advice for current Scranton couples and others?
Be flexible, be forgiving, be easy going, don't sweat the small stuff. Those are the themes that describe both of us and it's worked for the last 26 years. I'd also say surround yourself with similar traits in friends. Our longest and best friends are all Scranton grads (or connected to Scranton grads). Scranton breeds good people, and our Scranton friends have been a source of love and happiness that I think has helped us stay grounded throughout our marriage.
PHOTOS
TOP: Jeff and Kathleen at the prom (or senior formal) last semester, senior year.
BOTTOM: "Our family": son, Thomas, 24, daughter, Nicole, 21
Tell us YOUR Scranton love story by using #ScrantonLoveStory or by emailing socialmedia@scranton.edu!
