This past summer, John Cook School of Business senior Mary
Elizabeth Curtice changed both her life and last name when she
married Saint Louis University graduate Chris Coleman.
As a freshman, Curtice met Coleman when she became involved with
SLU’s Residence Hall Association. Coleman served as the president
of RHA, and after several of the organization’s weekly meetings,
Curtice realized there was something unique about the connection
she shared with Coleman, a sophomore at the time.
“There’s always been something different about my relationship
with Chris,” Curtice said. “There’s a quiet comfortableness and
peace about it.”
The two began dating shortly after their first encounter. But in
April of her sophomore year, Curtice started canceling dates with
Coleman. Curtice wasn’t uninterested or bored with their
relationship–she just felt she was overcommitted to outside
activities.
Sensing the fact that his girlfriend was stressed by her
responsibilities, Coleman arranged a relaxing evening for the two.
Although Curtice initially objected, citing assignments that she
had yet to complete, Coleman persisted and eventually convinced her
to come over to his apartment.
Coleman stayed true to his promise of a low-key evening, which
included movie watching and conversation. He never promised,
however, that the night wouldn’t be an event that the two would
remember for the rest of their lives.
By the end of the evening, they were engaged.
Curtice and Coleman’s parents were enthusiastic but cautious
about the news of the engagement. They encouraged the couple to
postpone any marriage plans until they had both finished college,
but both sets of parents said they understood their devotion to one
another and supported them regardless of the decision they made to
get married so close to their college careers.
“My parents fell in love with Chris before I did,” Curtice
said.
While most SLU students spend their junior year studying and
socializing, Curtice spent the majority of her time planning a
wedding. Because her matron of honor was in Texas and her maid of
honor in Italy, Curtice assumed all responsibility for the
preparations, from flower arrangements to guest lists.
Coleman and Curtice shared the responsibility of sacramental
preparation. The two enrolled in an Engagement Encounter retreat,
attended marriage counseling and even took Marriage and Christian
Life, a theology class offered to SLU students that emphasized the
role of marriage in religion and vice versa.
“We wanted to make sure that our values were in line and the
same,” Curtice said.
On Aug. 1, 2003, after a one and a half year engagement, Mary
Elizabeth Curtice and Chris Coleman tied the knot at his hometown
parish. Approximately 125 of the couple’s immediate family and good
friends were in attendance.
Curtice and Coleman recently celebrated their six-week
anniversary and are working hard to continue growing and developing
as a family unit.
Although she still devotes time to social activities since tying
the knot, Curtice has noticed a shift in her priorities and
perspective. Family matters, her marriage and her husband are now
highly prioritized .
As Mary Elizabeth Curtice begins her senior year at SLU,
preparing for graduation and law school, she remains a successful
student and and will graduate as Mary Elizabeth Coleman.
