Megan (Jekel), a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, and Jonathan Pardeck, a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity, met through the Interfraternity Council when they both served as representatives in 1998. Jonathan asked Megan out a few times but she wanted to remain as friends.

“He even offered to help me finish my Fortran programs, which were due Wednesday nights at midnight, so that I could go out with the group,” she says. “But I wanted to learn them on my own so I continued to turn him down.”

That changed just before finals in December 1998, when they went to lunch together and continued talking over the holiday break.

“We started dating the next semester and the rest is history,” she says. “We’ve been married for 18 years and have four kids.” 

Jonathan earned a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering in 2001, and Megan earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 2002. 

Today Jonathan is president and CEO of Systematic Consulting Group. Megan works as a business development manager focusing on renewable fuels and chemicals projects at Burns & McDonnell.

Their relationship advice?

“Work hard, but make time for fun,” she says. “Real life is tough, but you should enjoy it while you can and not wait for the perfect moment. With four active kids, two energetic dogs, and two full-time jobs, life is busy, but we always find ways to have fun with each other, our kids, and friends. Our time at Rolla instilled in us the meaning of hard work and taking the time to enjoy life.”