Benjamin (Ben) and Madeline (Maddy) met at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2021. While they had both run in similar social circles since their freshman year, they always just missed each other. Despite their active involvement in Greek Life, Ben as a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon (SigEp) and Maddy as a sister of Sigma Sigma Sigma (Tri Sigma), their paths never quite crossed at campus events. Ironically, Ben had even lived next to two of Maddy’s sorority sisters during freshman year. Timing wasn’t on their side just yet.

It wasn’t until their senior year, when Ben and Alex’s shared apartment became a frequent hangout spot for Maddy and her friend Jess, that they finally connected. During the first of these visits, Maddy spotted Ben’s Magic the Gathering play mat and asked if he played. Ben’s face immediately lit up, surprised and delighted to find someone who recognized the game. Their shared passion for gaming (e.g. board games, card games, etc.) quickly became a part of the foundation of their relationship.

A mutual love of lively debate and in-depth conversations also became clear on their first date at Fitzwilly’s in Northampton. A couple weeks later, while watching the Boston Red Sox in the playoffs at one of their college bars, they made their relationship official on October 5th.