LIFE & ARTS

FROM FRONT VALENTINE'S DAY

Logan and Jeena Domino

Jeena Domino, a former Texas State Strutter, met her husband in a bowling class. After suffering an injury that prevented her from taking her usual dance classes, she decided to sign up for bowling in the spring of 2018 to complete her hours. During class at Sunset Bowling Lanes she met Logan Domino. Jeena sat alone during class until Logan invited her to his group where they became best friends.

Later in the year, Jeena and Logan helped each other through their long-term relationship breakups by introducing each other to friends. Eventually, in the fall of 2018, Jeena noticed that Logan only wanted to talk and hang out with her.

"He was helping me get back into the world after my breakup," Jeena said. "Then one day he didn't want me to talk to his friends and wanted me to talk to him instead."

Logan was determined and asked Jeena out twice. She said she fought it for a while, telling him that they were just friends. When Logan asked a third time, she began to realize there was a connection and agreed to be his girlfriend.

Jeena loved how he was always down to have a good time and helped her become more outgoing, which she said made her have a great senior year at Texas State.

"I was the calmness to his storm," Jeena said. "He really helped me break out of my shell and enjoy my

The couple graduated in 2019 with each other by their sides. Jeena graduated with a bachelor's in dance education and Logan with a bachelor's in agriculture. In May 2021, Logan proposed to Jeena. They officially tied the knot last August.

Aaron and Victoria Black

Victoria Black, associate dean for student services at Texas State, was in her first year of her master's program in 2007 when her husband, Aaron Black, arrived at Texas State to complete his undergrad after serving in the military for four years.

The two had previously met in San Marcos in 2007 but really felt sparks fly when they reconnected on the Alkek Library stairs later that year. They chatted and exchanged phone numbers, and a day later Aaron messaged Victoria asking if she would like to go to dinner with him at Kobe Japanese Steakhouse.

"Here was this really, in my opinion, handsome man that was taking me out to a fancy dinner at Kobe," Victoria said. "It was really nice."

In 2009, Victoria graduated with a master's in counseling and guidance, and Aaron with a bachelor's in psychology. The couple got married in 2010 and live an active lifestyle, cycling and running together. Since they are both the only child in their immediate families, Victoria and Aaron knew they wanted to have kids. They have three young boys named Sebastian, Oliver and Caleb who love to learn, play games and attend Texas State athletic games with their parents.

David and Rosina Ruiz Valle

Rosina Ruiz Valle, the program specialist for the University College at Texas State, was a freshman in 1975 at then Southwest Texas State when she met David Valle. David transferred to Texas State from Laredo Junior College in Laredo, Texas, and only had two years left to complete his degree. He told his mother he would head back to Laredo after graduation but decided to stay in San Marcos.

"I tell people 'He fell in love with Southwest Texas State' but actually he fell in love with me," Rosina said. Rosina and David met through mutual friends at Texas State. They both had the same interests in music and concerts. From Elton John to Paul McCartney, Rosina said they attended concerts together and traveled around Texas to see artists that they loved.

Their first date was at a Grand Funk Railroad concert in San Antonio.

From the start, Rosina admired David's maturity, focus on education and regard for family.

"David and his mom were very close," Rosina "They say you can tell a lot about treats their mom. He was just the kindest."

In 1977, David graduated with a bachelor's in business, two years before Rosina completed her bachelor's in education in 1979. The couple got married in the fall of 1980. They welcomed a son, David Rene, into their lives in 1987. Their son graduated from Texas State with a bachelor's in geography in 2013.

In a time when students are focused on their future careers and maintaining a work-life balance, love can still be found throughout campus. These four couples said that having courage, connecting on shared interests and staying with people that bring good into your life can lead to strong relationships, both platonic and romantic.

"I definitely was a lonely person and didn't have any friends," Jeena said. "The right group of people will come along eventually, even if it feels like they won't."