Love Blooms at Barrett

Barrett is renowned for its academic rigor, supportive community, and transformative experiences, and for some students, it’s also where they met their lifelong partners. From spontaneous dorm hangouts to late-night study sessions, Barrett has played host to countless love stories. If you’re navigating both books and romance, who better to turn to for advice than Barrett alumni who have mastered the art of balancing love and academics?

When Academics and Affection Collide

Barrett’s environment, buzzing with inspiration and curiosity, set the stage for these former Barrett students to meet their life partners.

Angelica Gulinson and her husband, Jacob, met on the fifth floor of Cereus residence hall at Barrett during their first year. “After lunch in the dining hall, we knew it was something special, became great friends and started dating one year later,” Angelica said. Their special spot? The Secret Garden balcony, a picturesque place where they spent hours talking and dreaming about their future.

Ellarie Anderson and Eric DeJarnett’s love story began in 2016 before they even set foot on campus. The summer before their freshman year, they connected on Devil2Devil, an app designed to help admitted Barrett students find roommates and new friends. “Little did we know at the time, we’d both find an eventual roommate for life,” Ellarie said. Eric’s former roommates were groomsmen in their 2022 wedding.

Ellarie even found a way to incorporate romance into her education, recalling, “I went on the Finding Frankenstein study abroad trip, where we learned about romantic literature while immersed in German and Swiss culture.”

Juggling Classes, Careers and Connection

A common challenge couples face in college is balancing academics with a budding relationship. Here’s advice from our alumni:

– Prioritize togetherness: “We always respected each other’s academic goals while still carving out time to be together,” Angelica said. Whether it was a quiet study session or a quick coffee break, making time for each other was key.

– Support is everything: “Be patient and understanding,” Ellarie said. “Supporting each other through stressful times, like finals or thesis deadlines, strengthens the relationship.”

– Be intentional: If you’re both juggling busy schedules, carve out moments that matter, whether it’s a walk around campus or a quiet evening in.

Find Your Special Place on Campus

For many Barrett couples, specific locations became sacred to their relationship.

– “We met for the first time just outside the Barrett Dining Hall on the patio,” Ellarie said. “Six years later, after getting married, we came back to Tempe and made sure to walk by the spot.”

– Angelica’s memories are tied to the Secret Garden balcony, where they spent countless hours talking.

While the Secret Garden balcony no longer exists, it’s not hard to find a special place on any of ASU’s four campuses to make memories.

Love on a Budget

Celebrating love doesn’t require grand gestures or elaborate plans. Here are some budget-friendly date ideas from our alumni:

– Keep it simple: Angelica’s recommendation? “The dining hall gelato (obviously) for the best dates.”

– Engage in friendly competition: Grab a board game or card game to bring out your playful sides and strengthen your bond.

– Make a time capsule: Collect items that represent your current lives, like concert tickets and photos, and create a time capsule together.

Feeling Pressure to Find 'The One'?

Our alumni have advice for you too.

– Be daring: “If I hadn't been courageous enough to strike up a conversation with Eric, we certainly wouldn't be where we are today,” Ellarie said. “But don’t put pressure on yourself to find ‘the one.’”

– Focus on friendships: “Go to social events, join clubs and talk to your floormates and classmates,” Ellarie said. “It might be one of the only times in your life where you are immersed in a thriving, interconnected community—take advantage of this!”

Life and Love After Graduation

Barrett set the stage for these love stories and for life after graduation.

“Barrett equipped me with critical thinking, research and communication skills that I use in my career,” Ellarie said. After graduating, she went on to earn two master’s degrees—one from the University of Colorado Denver and another from Harvard—something she credits in part to her time at Barrett.

For Angelica and Jacob, Barrett helped them build a foundation that continues to shape their lives and work. Their connection remains a testament to the friendships, experiences and moments that make college unforgettable.

For these couples, Barrett was more than just a place to learn—it was where they built connections that shaped their lives in ways they never expected. Their stories show that the best chapters of life can begin at Barrett.