Valentine’s Stories of the College of Engineering
February 09, 2022
The classrooms of the College of Engineering are filled with study groups, science experiments, club meetings, and sometimes, love stories. Things can really heat up when learning about thermodynamics! To celebrate the power of love multiplied by the rigors of engineering, we asked three couples to share their stories of love and engineering.
Rusty Justice received his B.S. in Mining Engineering in 1983 and a B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1985, while Linda Wagner-Justicereceived her B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1986.
They were married in Paintsville, Kentucky, in 1986, and they have one daughter, Elon.
How did you meet?
I attended the local community college with Linda's older brother and sister, and they invited a friend and me to a graduation party at their house. As I walked in through the front door, Linda was walking down the stairs, and she caught my eye, and it was love at first sight for me. I told my friend (who was later the best man at our wedding) that she was the girl I would marry. We did not meet again until the next semester when we were both in a co-ed social club at the local community college. I immediately proceeded to ask her out and she said no. Not just once but every day for the next 30 days! Finally, I wore her down and she agreed to go to a movie with me while we were both in Lexington for a UK game. The movie was the Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Kentucky Theatre and we have been together ever since.
Where was your favorite date night location or hang-out spot in Lexington?
Halls on the River, Charlie Browns, Max & Erma's and Chi Chi's
Is there anything you would like to share about your relationship?
We think engineering brains work differently, so we both own that fact and make fun of it at the same time. We joke that by marrying each other, we keep two normal people from being miserable. On a serious note, we met a lady on the night before our wedding and she gave us good advice. Never stop dating, and we never have. So when life gets too serious, we go on a date and laugh at ourselves.
Rocky and Mary Beth (Willis) Hudson
Rocky Hudson received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering in 1988, while Mary Beth Hudson received her B.S. in Chemical Engineering in 1989.
They were married on December 2, 1989, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. They have two children, Evelyn, who is 26 and Paul, who is 25.
How did you meet?
We met in a tennis class during Fall Semester 1986. I noticed that Mary Beth was carrying Chemical Engineering textbooks and started a conversation about classes. The next semester we had a ChemE Professions class together and I asked her out on a date a week or so later. She thought that I had asked her out for Friday night, but it was actually Saturday. Luckily, she was at her sorority house when I showed up for our date. Her friends scrambled to get her ready (I just thought she was running late and didn't find out the whole story until years later). We had a great time together and started dating. The rest is history.....
Where was your favorite date night location or hang-out spot in Lexington?
Our favorite date night spot was Columbia Steak House on Limestone. This is where we went on our first date and we still go back for nostalgia. Our favorite hang-out spots were The World Famous Two Keys Tavern and The Bungalow.
Is there anything you would like to share about your relationship?
Our common interests brought us together while at UK. The University provided the foundation for successful careers and a wonderful life. We enjoy spending time together, especially traveling to UK football and basketball games. Go-Cats!
Asghar "Oscar" Nosrati and Shoaleh Nosrati
Oscar Nosrati received his B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1982, while Shoaleh Nosrati received her B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1979.
They were married in August 1979 in Lexington, Kentucky. They have three children and three grandchildren.
How did you meet?
We met in Geology class in the fall of 1976. I ( Oscar ) was the one who approached her after a couple of sessions and introduced myself, and that is how the love of our 45 plus years began.
We used to study together, do homework and prepare for tests together.
Where was your favorite date night location or hang-out spot in Lexington?
Columbia Steak House, also Campbell House Inn, since I used to work there.
Is there anything you would like to share about your relationship?
We have been very blessed and lucky for the last 45 plus years, enjoying raising our children and grandchildren and enjoying many advancements in our careers. UK has been a great catalyst in our lives and we are so grateful for that. Our involvement with the Dean's Advisory Council and revisiting the UK's campus has brought many memories back, and it has been so wonderful.