Erin Hayden and Matthew Garger

Although Erin Hayden and Matthew Garger were both students at S&T for an overlapping year, they didn’t meet until the Spring Career Fair in 2012.

Erin Hayden and Matthew Garger
Erin Hayden and Matthew Garger

“I was recruiting entry-level automation engineers for the firm I worked at,” she says. “I had no idea I was also recruiting a husband!”

Erin earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 2008 and currently works at Mars Wrigley. Matthew earned bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering and computer engineering in 2012 and currently works at EN Engineering. The couple married in July 2017.

Their relationship advice?

“Don’t focus on being so close to family right after graduation,” she says. “Be flexible in location because so many amazing opportunities are out there. Also, if you can marry an engineer, do it. Our dinner conversations together are some of my favorites. No one quite understands the daily struggles you go through like someone who does the same thing as you.”

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).

Overcoming challenges

Overcoming challenges

When Lelia Thompson Flagg, a 1960 graduate in civil engineering, arrived at Missouri S&T for the first time, there were…

From banker to ‘Bachelor’

From banker to ‘Bachelor’

Aaron Buerge, a 1997 mechanical engineering graduate and president of the First National Bank in Springfield, Missouri, was the focus…

First impressions: UM System President Mun Choi

First impressions: UM System President Mun Choi

Mun Choi, who has served as president of the University of Missouri System since 2017...

Suzanna Long: An ‘80s alumna remembers

Suzanna Long: An ‘80s alumna remembers

Engineering management Chair Suzanna Long, who holds four degrees from the university...

Hilary (Kuehn) and Christopher Zerr

Hilary (Kuehn) and Christopher Zerr

Hilary (Kuehn) was living in the Residential College in August 2006 when her roommate, Emilie, took her to a party…

Jennifer (Hoffman) and Terrence Sison

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…