It was a fire drill at TJ Residence Hall in September 1999 that first brought Amanda (Kay Hansen) and Chris Byrd together. The two connected again a couple of weeks later at the hall’s dance and have been together ever since.

The pair graduated with bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering in May 2003.
“We got married in Rolla one week after we graduated, and then moved to Wichita, Kan., to start our new life together,” she says. “Rolla has always held a special place in our hearts. We enjoy the opportunity to drive through every few years and make our four kids listen to us reminisce about our college days.”
Share This Story
Spark a Memory?
Share your story! Fill out the form below to share your fondest memory or anecdote of S&T. If you'd prefer not typing, you can also share by phone at 833-646-3715 (833-Miner150).
Janet Kavandi on faculty support
Janet Kavandi, who earned a master’s degree in chemistry in 1982, discusses the importance of...
Martin Jischke on increasing diversity
Martin C. Jischke, who served as chancellor at UMR between 1986 and 1991, describes the importance...
Katie (Fritts) and Mitchell Niehoff
Katie (Fritts) and Mitchell Niehoff met in fall 2006 during that semester’s first meeting of the Perfect 10 Improv group….
Brandon Moore and Mackenzy Vedder
Brandon Moore met Mackenzy Vedder while working as a bartender at Hoppers Pub in September 2019 at Hoppers Pub. “I…
Jennifer (Hoffman) and Terrence Sison
Jennifer (Hoffman) and Terrence Sison attended the same high school but didn’t know each other until they met at S&T…
Ron Epps: getting the job at NASA
After earning a bachelor’s degree in physics in 1967, Ron Epps began a long and illustrious career at NASA...