In 2005, Michelle and Dave Gildersleeve, both MAT ’06, knew they were beginning a life-changing experience. It was the first week of Union Graduate College’s Master’s in Teaching program, held at Camp Chingachgook.

What they didn’t realize was that same week they would also meet their future spouse.

This past summer, Michelle, who teaches in 7^th and 9^th grade English at Warrensburg Jr./Sr. High School and Dave, who teaches 8^th grade Social Studies at Scotia-Glenville Middle School, got married right on the Union College campus, at Memorial Chapel. It was the same place they received their MAT diplomas. And just like at graduation, they were surrounded by fellow MAT students (see photo).

 In celebration of Valentine’s Day, we asked Michelle and Dave to share the story of how they found more than a master’s degree at UGC!

How did you meet? We first met at Camp Chingachgook, during the first week of the MAT program.  We were assigned to the same group--the Dogs!  We became great friends on that trip, and it was such a memorable experience.  We had so much fun with our classmates, many of whom are still our close friends.  We had several MAT grads at our wedding, and one in our wedding party.

We would often get together to "practice" our lessons for the teaching lab, as well as spend time getting to know each other.  We were so inseparable that many of our friends thought we had known each other before the program, or that we were dating before we actually were!  When we FINALLY started dating, no one was surprised – not even our teachers! 

How long have you been together? We began dating on January 21, 2006 – so 3 years.  We were married on July 5, 2008 at the Memorial Chapel (on the Union College Campus). It was such a beautiful ceremony, and the location held so much meaning for us. Aside from the hours we had spent on campus, we also graduated in the chapel. The Memorial Chapel has been the cornerstone of two wonderful and life-changing events for us.

What was it like – being in school, full-time together? We often bonded over the work load, the internships, and conversations about what it means to be a teacher. We often talk about our time at Union Graduate College, and how much we enjoyed being there. While we do not miss all the homework, it was truly one of the best years of our lives!