How often do the Homecoming King and Queen actually get married? Maybe in the movies, but in real life?

Well, Jeff Fulkerson ’07 and Emily (Yee) Fulkerson ’07 were crowned Homecoming King and Queen at UC Irvine in 2007. And they weren’t even dating. That would come three years later. Eventually they married surrounded by many fellow Anteaters.

Jeff earned a bachelor’s in Information and Computer Science, and now works as a Software Developer for 3M. Emily earned a bachelor’s in Biological Sciences, and is now a Resident Physician at UC Irvine Medical Center.

Both were attracted to UC Irvine by the Campuswide Honors Program. In fact, Jeff worked as a CHP Advisor for three years after graduation. And in between her studies, Emily found time to create the UTeach program on campus, where undergraduates could develop and teach their own seminar classes. Jeff was a campus rep for three years and a resident advisor his junior and senior years for Arroyo and Loma in Mesa Court. 

Jeff and Emily’s Anteater Love Story is a lesson in patience, persistence and reaping the rewards of waiting for true love.

1. When did you meet your sweetheart?

EF: We met on move-in day freshman year in Loma in Mesa Court in 2003.

Jeff had already moved in the prior day, and when he saw me, he told his roommate, “That is the cutest girl I’ve ever seen.”  

Sadly for him, I was still with my high school boyfriend. I met Jeff and his roommate briefly as they were kind enough to help set up my computer for me (I was a computer-illiterate bio major and Jeff was an ICS major).  

A few months later, my boyfriend and I broke up. I realized that I had spent so much time with him, I didn’t really know my dormmates very well. Jeff and his group always seemed to be having a good time, so I asked if I could hang out with them.

Quickly, we became good friends, and almost started dating — but I didn’t want him to be the rebound guy. He respectfully gave me my space. We ended up dating other people, all the while staying friends.

He tried asking me out numerous times in college, but the timing was just never right. Everyone else but me, apparently, saw that we were meant for each other.

Senior year, Jeff decided to run for Homecoming King — rather unusual for an ICS major and honors student. Our Campuswide Honors Program advisor Ryan Lombardini suggested it would be cool if a girl ran too. I said, “Sure, why not?”  

We had a lot of fun running together, and it ended nicely with us being crowned Homecoming King and Queen in 2007 — the first time ever for the king AND queen to be CHP students and not part of a fraternity or sorority.  

As graduation approached, I started to really realize what a catch Jeff was, especially with him waiting patiently all throughout college, but again, the timing was bad.  

I was moving to Texas for medical school, and Jeff was staying in Irvine to work. Despite being in different states, we kept in touch.  

In my third year of medical school, I finally fully realized just how perfect Jeff was for me. After a very awkward (on my part) conversation of admitting I had feelings for him, Jeff and I started dating. Eight months later, we were engaged. He proposed by serenading me with “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars in a restaurant. We married 10 months later on June 4, 2011. It was a beautiful wedding with lots of UCI Anteaters in attendance and in the wedding party!  

2. Favorite love song?

Our wedding song: “God Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts.

3. Favorite love story/poem/book/movie?

“The Notebook.” We watched it during the first days of our courtship, and it inspired us to write and mail handwritten letters to each other while we lived in different states. We now each have a binder full of letters.

4. Best Valentine’s Day present?

EF: The best Valentine’s day present for me was our first year of dating when Jeff surprised me by flying out to Texas to visit me on Valentine’s day. He had planned it with my roommates (who he had only met on Facebook). Even some of my med school classmates were in on the secret to make sure I could get the day off of my rotation.

JF: Not exactly Valentine’s Day, but I (secretly) made Emily my birthday wish for several years. I eventually got my wish!

5. What are you planning for Valentine’s Day this year?

We both have to work actual Valentine’s Day, but we plan to continue our tradition of not joining the masses on the actual day. In the past, we’ve cooked dinner for our single friends. We plan to celebrate at a later date at Fleming’s, because we both really enjoy a good steak.

6. What’s the secret to keeping a good love story going?

Patience. Flexibility. Humility. Silliness. Same core values.

7. How did UC Irvine play a part in your love story?

UCI is where we met, where we became friends and built the foundation for our relationship.

We don’t have kids yet, but you can bet their first stuffed animal is going to be an anteater. :)  

8. Any advice for Anteaters seeking love?

EF: Don’t force love. Don’t force timing.  

Jeff can attest to the power of patience. He waited 7.5 years for me, and he says it was worth it. :) 

“My husband and I met the first day we moved into the dorms September 1999. For most of the year we were just friends but one day studying for finals that changed. We realized that our friendship was something more. UCI and Lorien will always hold a special place in our hearts. Of the 50 people that lived in the dorm that year there ended up being at least 3 couples and three of those are married with children. In 2004 we were married and now have 1.5 kids. Who could have thought that a random placement in a dorm could bring so much love!”

Share your Anteater Love Story by submitting it via the link in the right column. 

Every day, Sherwynn Umali ’03 and Mike Knox ‘03 make students their focus: Sherwynn as Director of Campus Organizations and Mike as Interim Director of New Student Programs. Spend just a few moments with either of them and their passion for helping students surfaces.

But people often don’t realize that they’ve been a couple for 12 years, married for nearly 6 and have a 4-year-old son, Miles. That’s because they’ve kept their relationship quiet in the workplace, even though their offices are literally next door.

They met as resident advisors in Mesa Court during their third year in 2000. After graduating with degrees in psychology & social behavior, they moved across the country and back to support each other during alternate turns at graduate school. Both eventually returned to UC Irvine to help new generations of Anteaters find their paths to individuality.

They’re so committed to their work that they haven’t honeymooned yet. But seeing them together and so clearly in love makes one think they probably haven’t missed it. 

1. When did you meet your sweetheart?

We first met in spring 2000 for pass down in Mesa Court where we were both going to be RA’s for the coming academic year (Sherwynn for Puente, Mike for Ciudad). We really started getting to know each other beginning in fall 2000 and spent a lot of time together.

2. What attracted you to each other?

MK: Very early on, I remember telling some of the other guys on the Mesa staff that I was interested in Sherwynn. There was just something about her. And she always had really cool hair. [She still does!]

The list of what I find attractive about her is endless. She is absolutely beautiful, inside and out. She is one of the kindest, smartest, funniest, most genuinely caring people I have ever known. From the beginning, she made me want to be a better person because she inspired me with her own goodness and because I wanted to be worthy of her.

The answer is all of her.

SU: When I first saw Mike, I thought he was cute. And he was wearing a white T-shirt and jeans, which is my favorite outfit. I said to my friend James, “I’m going to smooch that guy by the end of the year.”

What I discovered was that Mike is genuinely caring of all people and things. I always think about what he would think and do. I can’t even kill spiders or ants now because of Mike.

And how he is with Miles, there’s no better dad in the world. Mike is the best person to model positive and good behavior.

3. How long have you been together?

Twelve years since we first started dating in 2001. On July 7, we’ll have been married six years. We got married on 7/7/7. Seven is our favorite number. We both plug in numbers that will add up to seven on the microwave, which we found out after we met.

4. How have you kept your relationship under wraps?

MK: When we first started dating, we were both RA’s and dating was unofficially discouraged.

SU: A lot of my residents had a crush on Mike. One even wanted to ask him to the spring formal and I encouraged her.

MK: Now, we don’t make a conscious effort to keep it a secret at work. We just don’t advertise it and keep everything very professional. When people find out, they’re usually surprised.

SU: Throughout our whole dating lives, we’ve worked together!

MK: We work next door to each other, but we’re not interacting that often.

SU: We drop off our kid to the Early Childhood Education Center, walk into the office, and not see each other until the end of the day to pick up our kid.

We work with so many students separately and when they find out we’re married, they can’t believe it. It blows their minds! And when they see Miles, they say, “That is AWESOME!”

5. Favorite love song?

MK: Sherwynn’s favorite love song in college was “Spend My Life with You” by Eric Benet and Tamia. I sang the chorus to her when I proposed for the third time. She said yes each time, but they weren’t perfect so I kept trying. The third was the final time.

Our first wedding dance was “Stay with You” by John Legend. And “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars always makes me think of her.

But the first song that popped into my head was “Same Love” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. It’s about love beyond the borders of society, love that can’t be changed even if we want it to. In another time, Sherwynn and I wouldn’t have been allowed to marry because we’re an interracial couple [Sherwynn’s Filipina, Mike’s Causcasian]. Getting married was an act of privilege that many don’t have even today. It’s a song about love that perseveres, even in the face of hate. There is something incredibly beautiful about that.

SU: Miles just told me that “Same Love” is his favorite song. I asked him why (I play it at least once a day), and he said, “It’s about boys can marry boys, girls can marry girls, and boys can marry girls. Anyone can marry anyone they want.” I almost cried. The first wedding Miles heard us talking about was my brother’s. He was the first to wed his partner on a military base.

6. Best Valentine’s Day present?

MK: Valentine’s Day is also my birthday, so the two always kind of blend for me. Just getting to be with Sherwynn on Valentine’s Day is good for me.

7. What are you planning for Valentine’s Day this year?

MK: We are more about everyday love than big special occasions. Either that or I have really been blowing it for the past few years.

8. What’s the secret to keeping a good love story going?

Don’t try to be perfect and don’t expect perfection. Being in love means being able to be yourself and learning to love yourself along with another person. We are told through so much of our lives that we are not enough of any number of things (not smart enough, cool enough, attractive enough, etc.), so we try to fake it. We try to live up to a standard, when the real standard should be how true we are to who we are. Loving someone is allowing them to be their authentic self and sharing your authentic self with them.

9. How did UC Irvine play a part in your love story?

We wouldn’t have a love story without UCI. Getting involved was the key. It is what brought us together and helped both of us discover our passion for working with students and our love for each other. If we didn’t get involved on campus, we most likely never would have met.

10. Any advice for Anteaters seeking love?

Love isn’t something you find. It is something you build and rebuild together every day. People mistake love for a destination, but it is a journey. Don’t seek love. Seek good people and build love.

Icing ankles in the training room isn’t the typical place you’d expect love to spark. But for Rachel Flemming ‘09 and Kyle Schmid ‘08, a chance meeting at UC Irvine led to friendship (both were dating other people at the time). Sharing multiple classes for Sociology and Social Ecology, respectively, as well as the soccer field eventually evolved into romance.

Both avid soccer players, Rachel and Kyle learned lessons on the field they carry with them through their lives together. “Soccer is very similar to life,” says Kyle. “There are ups and downs. It’s a good teacher of life. Adversity on the field helps prepare you for adversity in life.”

Juggling jobs, coaching soccer teams, attending graduate school (Rachel is earning her master’s degree in kinesiology at Cal State Fullerton), and playing on coed soccer teams, they still find time to have fun together and care for their cat, Walter, and dog, Brewster.

On March 31 this year, they’ll get married at UC Irvine’s University Club. After looking at various venues, they selected U Club because it “just felt right. It felt like us.”

1. When did you meet your sweetheart?

We met during preseason (August) of 2005 in the athletic training room.  We were both icing our ankles between double days. He came over and sat by me. 

2. What attracted you to each other?

It’s strange because our styles were completely different, so our initial attraction wasn’t about looks or style. Our personalities are so compatible that it was hard to fight. We were always laughing and having a great time. Nothing could keep us apart.

RF: Kyle is the sweetest person in the whole world. He’s always looking for the good in things. He’s so genuine.

KS: Rachel is naturally the caregiver. She always tries to make sure I’m ok. And her personality: I’m very reserved and she’s very outgoing. She’s encouraged me to try new things, to go out and have fun, and try things that I’d probably never have experienced in my life.

3. How long have you been together? 

RF: We have officially been together since July 2, 2007, but he has had my heart since the spring trimester of 2006. So that is almost 7 years… Yikes. It’s about time we got married. ;)

4. How has athletics influenced your life together?

RF: I had a positive experience on the women’s soccer team. Everyone in Athletics is really nice. I made good friends there; some are even in the wedding.

KS: I also had a very positive experience in men’s soccer. I still talk to my coach, George. And I gained a lot of friends. I met my best friend Shane there, who’s also in the wedding. I can always look back on it fondly.

RF: We connected through soccer. Everything we do is athletic in some way.

We support each other. When he pursued soccer professionally, I understood. It was really hard, especially when he went overseas. But being an athlete, I could understand. I didn’t want to hold him back from his dreams. I didn’t want him to have any regrets.

KS: Soccer is very similar to life.

Things don’t always go your way. The better team doesn’t always win. There was a time when we were apart, which was rough. But you have to keep in mind what your end goal is and who you’re going on that journey with.

I was always told if you want to get somewhere, just keeping your eye on the prize and winning isn’t the only thing. It’s enjoying the journey together.

When I was younger, because my parents are divorced, I would tell people I had two goals I wanted to achieve in life: play professional soccer and have a family. I’ve achieved the first one, and now I’m on the way to achieving the second one with Rachel.

5. Favorite love song?

RF: “Best Friend” by Queen. It’ll be the song for our first dance at the wedding. It sums us up very well because we’re best friends.

KS: “Good Life” by One Republic.

6. Favorite love story/poem/book/movie?

OURS!

7. Best Valentine’s Day present?

RF: Kyle and I spent our first Valentine’s Day as “friends,” and we decided to go to Islands. So every year, we go to Islands! 

8. What are you planning for Valentine’s Day this year?

This year we will probably continue the Islands tradition, but with our wedding coming up, we are focused on that romantic day the most! It’s our last Valentine’s Day as a non-married couple!

9. What’s the secret to keeping a good love story going?

RF: Be best friends. I enjoy being with Kyle more than anyone else in this whole wide world and I couldn’t imagine my life without him.  He is the greatest thing that ever happened to me.

KS: Make each other laugh every day. And never stop courting the one you’re with. Find a way to flirt, take her out on dates. Don’t be complacent with what you have.

10. How did UC Irvine play a part in your love story?

UC Irvine allowed us to spend a lot time together and really develop our relationship. I think that’s why we enjoy hanging out so much now, because we are used to it.

RF: Also, I’d like to thank UC Irvine. This institution has given me so much more than anyone could ever ask. I started my education at the Early Childhood Education Center; my mom, Cathy Palmer, has worked in the library for over 20 years; the soccer team has given me some of my best friends in the whole world; I got an amazing education; and last, but certainly not least, I met the love of my life at UCI. I couldn’t be more grateful for such an amazing place. And now, I will be getting married on campus, so I will be spending one of the most important days of my life at the school. Thanks for continuing to give, and make lives better, especially mine!

11. Any advice for Anteaters seeking love?

RF: Get out and join clubs or groups that interest you! Finding someone that has common interests means you will most likely get along. Love is a funny thing, It can find you even if you aren’t looking for it. 

KS: Don’t count out what’s underneath your nose.

Adelí Durón and Marvin Maldonado met when they were both freshmen at UC Irvine in 2001. Marvin was studying electrical engineering while Adelí was studying Chicano-Latino Studies. Both lived in Elrond in Middle Earth dorms, and an awkward first meeting bloomed into a deep friendship, then eventually into romance.

On campus, both became passionate about helping others, specifically Latino organizations. This commitment to others later turned into careers for both. Adelí is the director of Veteran Services on campus and Marvin is the director of Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement Schools Program (a K-12 outreach program) at San Diego State University, though he previously worked at UC Irvine’s MESA Schools Program for 5 years.

They connected through similar backgrounds, Latino cultures, and family values. But they attribute UC Irvine as critical to their growth. In fact, guess where Marvin proposed? Aldrich Park!

1. When did you meet your sweetheart?

Freshman year 2001, when we both were living in Elrond in Middle Earth dorms.

2. How did you meet your sweetheart?

AD: I said hello first passing him in the hall. As a Latina, I thought Marvin was Filipino. But my friend said, “Let’s find out” and dragged me over to him. It was really awkward.

MM: When I first moved into the dorms, I noticed her as a Latina. But I got to know her because my roommate wanted to see Adelí’s friend. He asked me to be his wingman. So we went on a couple of “dates” together. The more we talked, the more I liked her.

AD: And vice versa. I went for my friend, who wanted some support (and safety). She ended up the maid of honor at our wedding.

3. What attracted you to each other?

AD: After going to an all-girls high school, I wanted a guy best friend. When I saw Marvin, he was really nice and seemed like a good friend. We also share the same family values and dynamics.

MM: We’re both the eldest in our families. And we share the feeling of needing to set examples. We could really relate to each other. Lots of late-night talks. It was honestly a solid friendship to begin with.

AD: I got really involved on campus, so there were a lot of late dinners and Marvin would always wait for me.

It was important to me for a boyfriend to not only see me dolled up, but as my normal self — without make up. It really evolved into a friendship.

MM: Most of the time she didn’t look her best. Just kidding.

We had so much in common: similar backgrounds, similar ideologies.

4. How long have you been together?

Feb. 10 this year will be 11 years! We’ve been married for three.

5. Favorite love song?

AD: Marvin used to make me CDs and the first song on the first CD was “My Girl” by The Temptations. It’s still one of our favorites.

6. Favorite love story/poem/book/movie?

AD: “The Notebook”

MM: Even though most guys will laugh, I’ll support that answer.

7. Best Valentine’s Day present?

We emphasize our dating anniversary more, which is Feb. 10 and so close to Valentine’s Day. Instead of going out, our Valentine’s tradition is to cook dinner together. Usually, it’s something out of the norm.  

8. What are you planning for Valentine’s Day this year?

This year, we’re cooking rack of lamb for the first time. 

9. What’s the secret to keeping a good love story going?

AD: Friendship and communication. Through the years, everyone has tough times. For us, talking about our long-term relationship goals helped clarify what were dealbreakers and what we wanted for the future.

MM: I’m a jokester and I like to laugh as much as I can. I enjoy making her laugh. We laugh every day. That’s one of our strengths.

10. How did UC Irvine play a part in your love story?

MM: We met here. We grew together here. And we flourished.

We both were involved in campus organizations. I got involved in the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. That was my thing. She was heavily involved in MECHA and the Cross-Cultural Center.

It wasn’t hard to find support on campus. Once we found it, we flourished.

There’s a good culture on campus that fosters diversity and engagement. That was one of the best parts of my experience as a student.

I needed a job to help pay for school. Adelí was working at the Center for Educational Partnerships and I also got a job there.

AD:  I want to clarify that it was before we started dating. I truly thought we were just going to be friends.

MM: CFEP was really rewarding and I thought about teaching. But once I graduated, the MESA Program was hiring. It was the perfect blend of what I loved: outreach and education blending with my engineering background. That really solidified my career path.

When I decided to propose, I was thinking of where to do it. What would be a significant location for both of us? It was a no-brainer. UC Irvine!

We met here, this has been our home. This is where we’ve grown individually and as a couple. It just made sense. Aldrich Park is so beautiful, so that was obvious.

11. How did the proposal go?

MM: I came up with an elaborate plan. My sister had recently had her quinceañera pictures taken in Aldrich Park and she brought home a huge grapefruit. So I told Adelí that I needed to pick up one of those for my sister’s science project before we had dinner. [Marvin and Adelií are under the grapefruit tree in the photo!]

I really wanted to do something creative. So I made a video of our top ten memories together — a countdown to number one, which was blank. When it got to one, I got down on my knee and said my spiel.

I asked her a couple of times if she was sure. She was crying and I was laughing.

AD: I had an intuition. I told my friend a week before it happened, “I feel like he’s going to propose really soon.” Not because I had suspected or seen anything. I just felt it internally. It turned out to be the same day Marvin picked up the ring.

12. Any advice for Anteaters seeking love?

MM: “Don’t do it!” (laughing)

Don’t force it. Don’t go looking for love.

For us, it came naturally. We weren’t looking for love.

We just let it happen. We let our friendship develop without strings attached. Friendship was the foundation.