Lynnae (Kempf) and Joe Wilson met and became friends during their first week on campus as freshmen.

“I was on campus early for trig review, and Joe was on campus early for football,” she says. “One of his friends was helping to build lofts in our dorm room when Joe stopped by and we were introduced. We became friends but didn’t date until two years later.”

Lynnae earned a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering in 1998, and Joe earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering management in 1999. The pair married in September 1999 and has a 14-year-old son named Sebastian.

“We enjoyed having classes together, studying together and of course, socializing with friends,” she says. “We wouldn’t change a thing. We had a lot of fun as students at Rolla, met great friends, and our education has enabled our success today. We hope everyone finds someone (or several) who have their backs just like we have for the last 25 years.”

Some of their favorite memories as students included exploring local parks and outdoor recreational areas, like Lane Springs, Meramac Springs and Johnson Shut Ins.

Joe, who also has a master’s degree in business administration, is a change manager at OneMain Financial. Lynnae is a senior vice president of high voltage operations for CenterPoint Energy. 

Their relationship advice?

“Respect each other’s individuality and need for independence,” she says. “And be each other’s biggest cheerleader.”