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EMU Love Story: David and Karen Kilby

by Chris Vilag, Published July 17, 2012

 

Kilby

Names: David and Karen Kilby

Relationship Status: Married

Anniversary Date: July 14, 1958

Do you have children? How many? Four children ( Kurt, the oldest is an alumnus of EMU) and 13 grandchildren

How did you meet? We first met at a social event at a friends cottage. We were with different blind dates. I was with Karen's college roommate and Karen was with one of my best friends from high school (Roosevelt High - the Eastern training school in Ypsilanti, now Roosevelt Hall). Our first dance made it pretty clear that we were meant for each other.

Where was your first date? Our first date was at an EMU basketball game which was held at Bowen Field House.

If married/engaged did they propose on campus? If so where? We were "pinned" at a Zeta Chi (now Theta Chi) fraternity party. I froze my fraternity pin in an ice cube prior to the party and slipped it in Karen's first drink that evening. The rest of the story is now history.

Years attended Eastern: David: 1955-58, 1967; Karen - 1957

Accomplishments since leaving EMU: Karen is a published author with over 30 stories published in Chicken Soup for the Soul series and other faith based books. Her first book, Becoming a Woman of Purpose: A Thirty-One Day Devotional was released in April 2011. I served as Vice President of Domino's Pizza and purchased the second Domino's Pizza franchise in Ann Arbor on Stadium Blvd. I also served as Chairman of the Ypsilanti City Planning Commission and member of the Washtenaw County Planning Commission before departing for Florida as Domino's first Area Developer in Florida, Georgia and Alabama.

Any romantic advice you would give to students: I suggested that upon our wedding day that Karen was my queen. I would put her on a pedestal and treat her like a queen but she must remember one thing - "I am the King!" We both later chose to put God as King of their lives and that sure appears to have worked out real well for 54 year.

 

To share your EMU love story, e-mail emulovestories@gmail.com. We look for couples who met at EMU - preference is given to couples where both partners are alumni.