As if drawn by an invisible force, Margie and Brian’s lives converged on the vibrant campus of Mount St. Joseph University.
Two students from the west side of Cincinnati, English graduate, Brian Metz ’98, and Margie Meiners ’99, an Art Education major, found more than just an education.
“We were both the first of our immediate families to go to college,” Margie says. “It was a new experience for both of us, and our families and our parents were proud of us. My two younger sisters also attended the Mount.”
Drawn to the Mount’s impressive art and education programs, and the convenience of being close to home, Margie decided to pursue her Art Education degree there, while Brian’s aunt played a key role at the time in introducing him to the University. With the help of scholarships, both students were able to make their dreams a reality.
In 1994, Margie and Brian’s paths crossed in the familiar setting of the “Gazebo,” a mid-90’s lunch gathering place on the ground floor of the Mount’s Seton Center for students to connect and socialize. They were introduced by their mutual friend, Amy Rave ’99, and the two quickly formed a bond within their lively group of peers.
As their friendship blossomed, they discovered shared interests and a natural connection. Margie and Brian’s time together extended beyond the classroom, from exploring the Red River Gorge on Spring Break to enjoying leisurely lunches in the Theatre Gallery. Their bond deepened further when they supported each other through personal challenges, including the loss of loved ones.
“We just understood each other and got along so well,” she reminisces fondly. “We knew early that we would be together forever.”
A turning point in their relationship came during a family trip to Cape Hatteras in the summer of 1997. On a picturesque beach, Brian proposed, sealing their commitment to each other.
“We had just a few weeks earlier gone on a family trip with my family to the Smoky Mountains, so [Brian] proposing as we were sitting on a porch swing on the beach near Cape Hatteras was a surprise!” Margie says.
Their love story continued to unfold after graduation, with their wedding held on April 10, 1999, at Margie’s parish, Our Lady of Victory, where they were joined by friends and family. Surrounded by MSJ alumni in the bridal party, their wedding was a celebration of friendship and community, including Margie’s two sisters, as bridesmaids, who are MSJ graduates, as well as their mutual friend Amy who introduced them.
The two celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary last April with their two beloved children, Moira (24) and Aidan (19), and currently reside in Moores Hill, Indiana. Reflecting on their journey, Margie and Brian express gratitude for the role the Mount played in bringing them together. Their story serves as a testament to the power of connection, and the lasting impact of the Mount Community for years to come.
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