Stern Sweethearts

After spending more and more time together, discretely during the first semester and less discretely after we both "coincidentally" returned from Jamaica over winter break with a nice tan, I quickly knew our lives would be intertwined; either because I was falling madly in love with her or because she was going to drive me insane and to the point of murder! Fortunately (for both of us) we were and still are absolutely crazy about each either.

I surprised Tracy in late November 2010 by proposing on Saturday afternoon when we were watching an Ohio State football game with my family. It was a random moment in the game, I left the room briefly and when I came back I totally surprised Tracy (and my entire family) by proposing. It was really special to have the whole family there to welcome Tracy.

As much fun as we had during the first two years of our relationship, basking in the relaxation of business school, we've really enjoyed and relied on each other's support to get us through a hectic return to the real world. After months of wedding planning culminated with an amazing evening in late September 2011, we immediately started gut renovations on an apartment we bought in the city. We can't wait to finally move, exhale, and reflect on the fun times we had at NYU and the exciting times that lay ahead of us as we reconnect with all of our Sternie friends and one day (though not too soon) start our own family.

Sandy L. Teper (BS ‘85) and Jeffrey A. Teper

(BS ‘86)

As told by Sandy: Jeff and I met as University Scholars at BPA (now known as the Undergraduate College at Stern) in September 1982 when he was a freshman and I was a sophomore. We were both fortunate to attend NYU because of a financial scholarship. We didn't really speak until the fall of the next year, when I was taking a course in Machine Language and we had to use the school's brand new PC lab, which was off the lobby of Ticsh Hall.

I had never used a PC before and noticed Jeff in the lab working on another machine so I went over and asked him where the power switch was. Those were my first words to him! We didn't really click until the following January when the Scholars took their annual trip which somehow we talked the dean into scheduling Rio de Janeiro. Jeff roomed with a good friend of mine. I remember he got really sick from the water and when he was finally feeling better, I treated him to a burger in the restaurant of the hotel and we have been inseparable ever since.

From that point on we took as many classes together as we could since we were both in the same major. We spent many classes passing notes (this was pre-texting) in between learning about database systems or financial statements. We continued to date as we both graduated from BPA and through our New York City work years. In 1988, we both left the city to get our MBAs. Jeff went to Harvard and I went to Dartmouth. We returned to New York and were married there in 1991. In early 1992, we moved to Seattle and both went to work for Microsoft. Jeff is still there and I left in 1995 when our first child was born. Life has been great out here and we return to New York to visit family. It seems like yesterday we were studying for finals together amongst the stacks at Bobst Library and now our oldest is planning her college journey.

We have many fond memories of NYU and are proud to support the Scholars program so others can have the special educational and life experience we had!

Happy Valentine's Day from the Office of Development & Alumni Relations!

Best wishes to these and all of our alumni! If you know a Stern Sweethearts couple who would like to tell their story, please contact our office at 212-998-4040 or alumni@stern.nyu.edu.