Campus Couples
|
|
When it comes to this MSU couple, or rather, trio, red hair runs in the family. "We always have pets with red hair," said Joan Ficke with a smile. "It’s genetic." Joan and husband Joe Moore, who are approaching two decades of marriage, met at Montclair State through union activities. Joan says the best part about working together is that when they go home at night to share their day at the office, they both always know who the other is talking about. "There isn't a worst part about working together," Joan said. "We immensely enjoy sharing our careers. Our relationship remains fresh maybe because it's an endless conversation."
|
|
|
John Goscinski and his wife, Susan, met in 1975. "John was working in the Business Office and I was working in the secretarial pool," Susan explained. "I was assigned to the Business Office to alphabetize student payment receipts. It was boring but he was cute." The couple has lunch a few times a week and when it comes to work stories, Susan says that can be the best and worst part about being employed at the same place. "Since Sue and I have worked at Montclair State for such a long time, we have a treasury of shared work-related stories," said John. "Some are wonderful and funny, others downright crazy or unbelieveable. No matter how good or bad the stories, we both can fully believe them." |
|
|
While Jeff Giacobbe and Jennifer Fusco work just two floors apart in College Hall, they rarely spend any time together on campus. When they need some real quality time, they take in a Broadway musical, their favorite pastime. "We've seen dozens of shows through the years," said Fusco. "I'm an autograph hound and Jeff is very patient about waiting with me outside the stage door--except in the cold weather." The two started dating at Hofstra University 18 years ago. Just last year, it was truly a family affair at MSU when their children Julia, 6, and Dylan, 4, were at the Child Care Center. "One of the nice things about both of us working at Montclair State is that we share a lot of the same friends," said Jeff. "The worst part is being Jenn's personal tech support hotline." If they had to describe what keeps their relationship fresh, they both agree, "We're always laughing." |
 Robert McCormick of Psychology and Hunter Jones of Library Services have been "married" for 20 years. |
Robert McCormick admits it's "difficult not to sound corny" when answering questions about love and working at Montclair State with Hunter Jones, to whom he's been "married" for 20 years. Robert recalls how the two got together. "We met at what in the Stone Age was a called a disco," he said with a laugh. The couple has two children, Matthew, who is six and a half, and Gregory, who's five. Having children keeps the couple on its toes. "With the kids there is never a dull moment," said Robert. Working together at MSU is a double-edged sword, according to Robert. "Not seeing each other all day is the best part and the worst part about both of us being on campus." Besides sharing the same place of business, what's special about their relationship says Robert, "is that we're two dads with two great kids. We'd say that's pretty unique." As far as a Valentine's Day wish, Robert says their perspective has changed. "We look forward to seeing our children grow and flourish," he explained. "That's probably not a typical Valentine's Day answer but all holidays take on a different--a better--meaning once you have children." |
|
|
"When we say that Montclair State and our relationship
are entwined, we're not kidding," said Mike Scala and his
wife Jamie-Lynn, both MSU graduates. They met in spring 2000,
working with the baseball team. When the season began, Jamie predicted
the team would win the national championship. Since Mike knew
how difficult a feat it would be, he figured the odds were in
his favor. So he told Jamie he would take her on a week-long cruise
if MSU won. Three months later as the Red Hawks celebrated a national
championship Jamie quickly reminded Mike he had lost. "To
this day, I'm constantly reminded that I should never doubt my
wife," said Mike with a laugh. Working together in Athletics
means they get to see each other at home and on the job. "This
university has played an important part in our lives," said
Mike. So much so, he added, "when we got married in 2001,
on the back of our wedding program were pictures of our rings--not
wedding rings--but the MSU rings we received for winning the national
championship the season we met." And the bet? Mike eventually
paid up. "That cruise was our honeymoon."
|
