Love Story: Richard and Marian Bliznik

  • Names: Richard Bliznik ('71) and Marian (Bruce) Bliznik ('71 and '90)
  • Relationship Status: Married
  • Anniversary Date: Aug, 4, 1973

How did you meet?

In September, 1969 I was walking down Normal Street to a T.G. at the TKE Fraternity House. This was all new to me. I turned around and Richard asked me to dance, and we have been dancing through life since then!

Where was your first date?

I gave Richard my phone number at the T.G at the TKE house and he wrote it down on a scrap of paper that he'd written down another girl's number on the other side. When he called her number and she didn't answer, he turned the paper over and called me...I answered the call! Now married for 45 years, and I'm always happy to hear his voice on the phone when he calls. He still has that scrap of paper with both numbers on it!

Any cute memories you have together at Eastern? Lifelong friendships were made. Richard belonged to Arm of Honor fraternity and I was a Delta Zeta. We had lots of fun times at homecomings, parties, studying at McKenny Union and Bimbo's on Monday nights! We remember campus was on lockdown one night in 1969–70 when there was a lot of protesting about the Vietnam war. It was the "age of Aquarius."

What are the two of you doing now?

After graduating in 1971, I had a 20-year teaching career in Milford, Mich. Richard opened and owned the first Century 21 real estate office in downtown Farmington, Mich., and we lived nearby in Farmington Hills. We moved to Newport Beach, Calif. in 1990.

I was a Resource Specialist in Special Education in the Santa Ana School District for 20 years having retired in 2011. Richard is the author and writer of sales scripts and prospecting scripts for real estate agents, financial services and business development.

Anything else you would like to share?

I am happy to be the contact for EMU Southern California Alumni Chapter. I help facilitate and bring together alumni in this area. It was an honor to be chosen for an "I am TRUEMU" banner which were hung from light poles around campus — especially 42 years after I graduated!

Always enjoy keeping in touch with others who have been a part of the EMU life! Visiting campus today brings back fond memories!