From study sessions and shared careers to quiet campus strolls and nearly 50 years of marriage, love has a special way of blooming at The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy. This Valentine's Day, we're celebrating three alumni couples whose stories began and, in many ways, continue right here on the Forty Acres.
Hannah & Ricky, Class of 2025
Some love stories take a while to find their moment. For Hannah and Ricky, it took a mentor match, a nudge from friends and a post-exam night out. Though they began their P1 year together and were part of the same pre-pharmacy organization in undergrad, it wasn't until Hannah's brother Bryan, a P2 at the time, became Ricky's mentor and a friend encouraged them to talk that sparks flew. By the end of their first semester on the Forty Acres, they were officially dating.
One of their favorite memories was cheering on the Longhorns at the Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, a perfect mix of school spirit and quality time together. Today, both Hannah and Ricky work at University Health in San Antonio. Hannah is completing her PGY1 pharmacy residency and has committed to a PGY2 in Solid Organ Transplant, while Ricky serves on the central pharmacy team. On any given day, they might even spot each other's names in the pharmacist's notes, a small reminder that their Texas Pharmacy journey is still very much shared.
Joey & Austin, Class of 2022
Joey and Austin's connection began with a little matchmaking from their P1 classmate Katie. What started as a friendship quickly blossomed into a partnership that would endure both virtual classes and pandemic life.
One of their most memorable moments together came in December 2020, when they returned to campus with a few friends for professional headshots. With much of pharmacy school held online, it was their first visit back to the Forty Acres in months. The campus was nearly empty, but the quiet made the moment even more meaningful, a small but memorable milestone in their story. Today, Joey and Austin live together in Houston with their cat, Chico, continuing to build their life beyond the classroom.
Wayne & Annette, Class of 1976
Wayne and Annette's story began in Jester West, where they met as a part of a group of friends on their floor. Their first date was a double date to a Chicago concert, orchestrated by a friend who had her eye on Wayne's roommate. From there, their connection deepened as study partners, with Wayne helping Annette tackle a tough Physics class while Annette shared her savvy pharmacy study techniques.
One of their fondest memories was taking a summer study break near Waller Creek under trellises draped with wisteria in bloom. Annette admits learning she earned an "A" in Organic Chemistry was a close second. Both went on to have long, successful careers in pharmacy. Annette worked at several independent pharmacies in Ellis County, including the Prescription Shop, Reeve's Pharmacy, Red Oak Drug, US Drug Mart and Target Pharmacy before retiring in 2019. Wayne spent 38 years with Eckerd Drugs/CVS, earning the Paragon Award twice, and wrapped up his career with H-E-B in 2022. The couple is looking forward to celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this October—the photo at the top of this article shows Wayne and Annette celebrating their engagement in 1976, the year they graduated from the college! Wayne's father was also a UT Pharmacy graduate, Class of 1952, making pharmacy truly a family affair.
From first sparks in study groups and mentorship programs to decades-long careers side by side, these alumni couples remind us that the College of Pharmacy isn't just a place to learn, it's a place where friendships, partnerships and lifelong love stories begin.