Justin Stacy, ’05 mechanical engineering, ’07 M.S., ’10 Ph.D., and Autumn Ayers, ’04 education, ’10 M.A. advanced studies in teaching and learning, met their freshman year and have been together ever since.
An important part of their story centers around a particular tree on campus – the magnolia in front of Henderson Hall. The tree seems to belong to many Tech couples; it is covered in carvings of initials and years. Justin and Autumn met there often to walk to the grill and stood there during goodnight kisses.
They have returned to the tree for many of the important moments of their 15-year relationship. In 2002, they stopped at the tree for shade while walking their four-legged family member around campus. A year later, Justin asked Autumn to marry him there. In 2008, Autumn told Justin he was going to be a father under its branches. When they moved back to Cookeville in 2010, they introduced their second child to the special spot during a summer stroll.
That beautiful, tall magnolia tree with glossy leaves and fragrant blossoms has been a staple of their relationship at Tennessee Tech and their life since.
Justin and Autumn shared this story during this year’s Alumni Association Lovebirds competition and were named one of two grandprize winners. They received a date-night gift basket. V