RAM Romance: ASU Love Stories

Albany State University wishes all our alumni couples a Happy Valentine's Day. Below are a few featured RAM Romance stories. 

The Shelton–Roberts Family

James (’69, Biology) and Polly (’71, Sociology) Shelton-Roberts first met in 1968 on the campus of  Albany State College. Polly was a hardworking sophomore majoring in Sociology, balancing full-time classes with overnight shifts as a licensed practical nurse. James, a senior Science and Math major, juggled a demanding course load and a part-time job at a local grocery store. With little time to socialize, their paths crossed one afternoon in Caroline Hall Auditorium, where a mutual friend made the introduction. Polly remembers instantly noticing James, a tall, soft-spoken science major with a warm smile.

What began as a simple friendship slowly deepened. When James’ schedule pulled him away from Caroline Hall and into the science lab, Polly decided not to let the connection fade. Remembering her mother’s advice not to leave college without both an education and a future partner, Polly took matters into her own hands, bringing lunch to the lab so they could spend time together. Their friendship blossomed into courtship during James’ student teaching internship in Americus, where he affectionately called Polly his “pretty lady with the sad eyes,” promising it was his job to keep a smile on her face.

After graduation, James proposed in a way Polly never expected. “I love you, and you say you love me,” he told her. “Why don’t we get married? I promise, if you marry me, you won’t have to cry or be sad anymore.” Polly loved the sentiment,  but she had always imagined a proposal on bended knee. She told James she couldn’t say yes unless he got down on one knee. To her surprise, James began to walk away, saying she could accept or he was leaving. That was all it took. Polly ran after him, shouting “Yes! Yes! Yes!,”  and just like that, their forever began.

Now, 56 years later, James and Polly credit their enduring love to faith, patience, mutual respect, open communication, and a strong prayer life. Blessed with a beautiful family, successful careers, grandchildren, and the joy of growing old together, they give thanks for a love story written by God and nurtured at Albany State.

 

The Garner Family

Roderick (’83, Biology) and Nellie (’83, Business Administration) Garner met nearly five decades  ago. Their story began in a biology lab, where Nellie needed help using a microscope and Roderick, already assisting classmates, stopped by her station. A brief conversation followed, and soon after, Nellie and a friend made it a habit to arrive early to class and talk with him before lectures began. Day after day, those small moments before class became part of their routine.

One day, Nellie’s friend did not make it to class, and for the first time, Nellie went straight to her seat without stopping to talk. That was the day Roderick noticed. Instead of waiting, he came and sat behind her and asked for her phone number. Nervous but hopeful, she gave it to him. From there, hours-long phone conversations followed, the kind that stretched late into the night before call waiting or caller ID existed.

What started as friendly conversation soon turned into hours-long phone calls, early movie dates that fit their midnight curfews, and study sessions filled with encouragement and shared goals. As they balanced school, work, and growing affection, their bond deepened through mutual support and determination to graduate with careers in place. After seven years of dating, they married and have now shared more than 39 years of marriage, raising two daughters and welcoming a grandson. Grateful for the journey, Rod and Nellie believe lasting love is built on peace, leadership, belief in one another, and the three T’s — time, talk, and touch.

 

The Battle-Jones Family

Eddie (’92, Criminal Justice) and Kernice (’92, Social Work) Battle-Jones met on a rainy day in Simmons Hall, when Eddie asked if he could walk Kernice to Holley Hall under her umbrella so his report wouldn’t get wet. A simple act of kindness led to conversation, laughter, and the beginning of a lifelong bond. From that moment on, their story unfolded naturally, grounded in shared interests and genuine connection. Eddie and Kernice credit laughter, honest communication, and allowing space for individual growth as key ingredients to their enduring love.

 

 

 

The Rambeau Family

Marvin (’97, Marketing and Management Information Systems) and Jasholyn Rambeau (’96, Accounting) met their freshman year in 1992 when Marvin sat behind Jasholyn in college algebra. Though they remained friends for years, their relationship blossomed during senior year, with one of their first dates being the Pink Ice Ball. Married in 2000, they are now celebrating 25 years of marriage, two sons, and successful family businesses, Rambeau Realty LP and Crown Business Enterprises Inc. Marvin and Jasholyn believe the key to a lasting marriage is staying friends first, keeping laughter alive, and centering their relationship on faith.

 

 

The Clemons Family

Curtis (’00, Biology) and Kendra Dumas Clemons (’02, Psychology) first crossed paths inFall 1997 behind Andrew’s Hall. Kendra was watching the marching band rehearse with friends, while Curtis walked by after a basketball game. Introductions were exchanged, a little flirting followed, and then they went their separate ways. A few days later, fate reunited them at ASU bowling night. Curtis still laughs about that moment, he knew Kendra was cute, but jokes that she “couldn’t bowl a lick.” The turning point came when Curtis’s roommate invited Kendra’s roommate to dinner, and the two joined in. Over Mexican food and easy laughter, friendship turned into something more. Now 21 years into marriage, Curtis and Kendra say their relationship has always been rooted in friendship first, with laughter as the glue that carries them through every season of life.

 

The Hall Family

Roscell (’02, Healthcare Management) and Sarah (’04, Marketing) Hall met the old-fashioned way, in a college classroom,  thanks to a mutual classmate who was convinced they belonged together. Sarah was interested but determined not to make the first move. Roscell, on the other hand, was enjoying college life with his Delta Delta brothers and wasn’t in a rush. Still, destiny had other plans. One afternoon after class, they grabbed a quick bite at Arby’s of curly fries and apple turnovers. That simple meal sparked a connection neither expected. From there, they were inseparable. After graduation, they navigated long-distance love, cheering each other on from miles apart before building a life together that includes marriage, three children, and Sarah earning her doctoral degree with Roscell’s constant support. Nearly 19 years later, they credit faith, intentional love, laughter, and never forgetting what first drew them together as the foundation of their lasting bond.

 

The Leary Family

Jason (’06, Computer Science) and Niki (’07, Mass Communications) Leary met when Jason accepted a work-study position at ASU TV and unknowingly took Niki’s seat in the control room on his first day. That moment sparked conversation, which turned into shared lunches, learning moments, and a growing connection neither expected. Nearly 20 years later, their partnership is built on communication, trust, and teamwork. Jason and Niki believe marriage means moving through life together (no solo missions) with openness, collaboration, and a deep understanding that your partner knows every part of your story.