UAH Chargers build more than rockets; epic love stories launch from this campus, too

Snapshots of GaTerrilyn “Gigi” Heard and Wesley Evans, who became an unforgettable couple on The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) campus after teaming up to win a music trivia contest: left, showing off their “afro twin” styles during their “Go With the Fro” campus campaign; right, on their wedding day.

Courtesy Gigi Heard-Evans

It can happen anywhere on campus – standing in line for food, sitting together in class, having fun with the Association for Campus Entertainment (ACE). Students meet, sparks fly and romance blooms at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), a part of The University of Alabama System.

As Valentine’s Day nears, some Charger alums shared their UAH-born love stories, proving that hearts can flourish, too, at a rigorous academic institution dedicated to brain power.

One fateful night, a shared passion for music ignited the attraction between Wesley Evans, president of the UAH Pep Band, and GaTerrilyn “Gigi” Heard, vice president of UAH’s Black Student Association.

“It all began at a song-trivia night, Kahoot style – graciously hosted by ACE,” Gigi recalls. “Unaware of what fate had in store, I sat down next to my future husband, connected by a mutual friend. Several rounds in – and one particularly unruly frat boy later – we found ourselves united by a common mission: win the grand prize and knock the guy who was ruining our night down a peg.”

The Gigi-Wesley team was unstoppable.

“He knew the ins and outs of jazz, rock ’n’ roll, and country. I brought the rhythm and blues, pop, and rap. Together, we won the grand prize: a guitar.”

This “match made in (UAH) heaven” quickly turned into one of those great campus couples no one forgets.

“While he energized crowds at hockey games, I worked to help students who felt out of place feel welcomed. He went on to become the 2018 Homecoming King. Our ‘Go With the Fro’ campaign was flawless, so much so that we still get photos of our stickers stuck to old binders and water bottles.

“From Halloween events and Charger Stomp to ChargerCon, hockey games, basketball games, and everything in between, we made it our mission to enjoy ourselves and remind others to save room for fun, even while working hard.”

After Wesley received his B.S. in physics in 2021 and Gigi earned her B.S. in engineering technology in 2023, they got married, honeymooned in Puerto Rico, and have been “living happily ever after ever since.”

“And yes,” Gigi says, “we still have the guitar.”

Just lining up

Snapshots of Hayley Andrews and Chris Johnsey, who began their love story after meeting in line at The University of Alabama in Huntsville: left, enjoying a beautiful day in the woods; right, on their wedding day.

Courtesy Hayley Johnsey

Seeking connection? Don’t overlook the possibilities of a long, slow line. That’s where Hayley Andrews (College of Science, 2019) and Chris Johnsey found each other early in their UAH journey.

“My husband Chris and I met at UAH on Honors College move-in day at Frank Franz Hall in August of 2015,” Hayley says. “Dr. William Wilkerson (then the dean) was taking a bit of time serving the spaghetti at Dinner With The Dean. I got in line behind this tall, handsome guy. While we were waiting, he turned around and said, ‘Isn’t it awkward when strangers try to make conversation?’”

For Hayley, it wasn’t awkward at all.

“I laughed and thought he was the cutest thing I’d ever seen and funny, too! We talked all evening and exchanged numbers. We started dating that December and were married June 2, 2018. More than 10 years after meeting at UAH, we are still very happily married with two children, Jack, age 4, and Callum, 14 months.

“And it all started on move-in day!”

Classroom companions

Snapshots of Pam McGinn and David Swinford: left, on their wedding day, July 3, 1982; right, the couple with their two dogs 43 years after they first met as students at The University of Alabama in Huntsville and began their love story.

Courtesy Pam Swinford

A Psychology 101 class in 1981 began the love story of Pam McGinn (College of Business, 1986) and David Swinford (College of Engineering, 1982).

I was a freshman and David was a senior taking psychology as an elective,” Pam says. “I knew he was interested in me when he started sitting at my round table in class.”

Campus Greek life fueled the relationship.

“I was a Chi Omega, and he was a Delta Chi, so we started dating with a mixer in November 1981. We became engaged on Valentine’s Day in February 1982 and were married July 3, 1982!”

The whirlwind romance still swirls.

“Fast forward 43 years later: We are happily married, retired and grateful UAH not only gave us our education but also our soulmate for life!”

Happy Valentine’s Day – and Go Chargers!