by Barbara J. Stewart
Photo by Scott Giglio
Bonnie and Stewart Krentzman joined many other couples recently as they celebrated their love which had its beginnings at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU). The annual event, held at Hennessey Hall at the FDU College of Florham in Madison, drew nearly one hundred FDU alumni who met and fell in love while students at the University.
“We can identify at least 1,000 couples who fell in love while attending FDU,” said Okang McBride, the University’s Director of Alumni Relations. “They came here to get an excellent education and they obtained an additional benefit – someone to love and cherish for the rest of their lives.”
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The Krentzmans met during their freshman year at FDU’s Teaneck campus, now known as the Metropolitan Campus. “I was a sorority girl dating fraternity boys,” said Bonnie. “Although I knew who Stew was, I never gave him a second thought.” Their paths continued to cross until their senior year, when a mutual friend played a joke on the couple.
“He told me Stew was upset about his girlfriend…which wasn’t true,” explained Bonnie. And Stew was told that Bonnie was upset about her boyfriend … which also wasn’t true. “He convinced both of us that the other needed to talk to someone and be cheered up,” Bonnie explained. “I honestly don’t remember who approached who first, but Stew and I did manage to talk to each other for quite a while.”
It was then that Bonnie realized that there was more to Stew than she originally thought. He was somebody she wanted to get to know better and Stew felt the same way about her. However, the biggest surprise was on the prankster who tried to set them up when Bonnie and Stew were married three years later. “We have two great sons and a wonderful daughter-in law,” Bonnie said.
The local couple has continued their involvement with the University; Stew serves on the FDU Board of Trustees and Bonnie is a member of the FDU Alumni Association Board of Governors.
After Bonnie experienced a breast cancer scare several years ago, Stew recalled that he was very grateful it was only a scare. “During that time I made a promise to God and myself that I would help others fighting this disease,” he said.
“So we purchased a vintage 1955 Cadillac, its body wrecked by the disease of time and neglect, and we brought it back to life,” Stew explained. “We restored the Cadillac into the twin sister of the famous pink Cadillac that Elvis Presley gave his mother as a symbol of his love for her.” In partnership with Oki Data Americas, where Stewart has served as President and Chief Executive Officer, the Krentzmans have made this car available to breast cancer organizations nationwide to aid in fundraising for breast cancer.
The Krentzmans are also active supporters of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health of New York Hospital in New York City. Through Oki Data Americas, the Krentzmans have also made a neoclassic Corvair called the “Spirit of America” available for colon cancer fundraisers.
Some people say things are meant to be and you’ll fall in love with that special person at the right time of your life. Fairleigh Dickinson University continues to be the catalyst for great learning and also everlasting love relationships. Next year, FDU will celebrate another couples event to honor all those whose love was nurtured at the University.
For more information about Fairleigh Dickinson University, visit www.fdu.edu and who knows, maybe if you decide to attend classes there, you’ll also fall in love with that special someone.
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