Mark and Jeffrey first met at the end of the summer in 2013. Mark was returning to Cornell for his third year, while Jeffrey was transferring after two years at community college. By then, Mark had already built a wonderful circle of friends and had become active in Cornell’s LGBT organizations. Jeffrey, looking to learn more about Cornell, stumbled upon a blog post written by Mark. Their shared story begins with a message Jeffrey sent to ask about the college they would soon be attending together.

Mark was happy to receive Jeffrey’s inquiry about life at Cornell. He answered Jeffrey’s questions and even offered to show him around campus. Jeffrey accepted, and what started as a campus tour soon became a stroll around North Campus’ Beebe Lake. From the very beginning, the two had amazing chemistry and shared many interests. Both were a little shy about revealing their geekier hobbies—Mark was into Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon, while Jeffrey loved World of Warcraft and League of Legends—but they quickly realized they were equally nerdy at heart. After that first walk, they began spending more and more time together, and within a couple of weeks, they confessed their feelings to each other. Their first kiss happened in Mark’s dorm room in Risley Hall, and on August 31, 2013, they officially became boyfriends. Who could have guessed that they’d still be together a decade later?!

Jeffrey was quickly assimilated into Cornell’s nerdiest group of friends, the Elementals. Together, Mark and Jeffrey made countless memories—late nights at Risley Hall, dressing up every year for Masquerave and Filthy Gorgeous, and plenty of parties and adventures with friends. But they also worked hard, both excelling academically. Mark earned admission to Cornell’s Veterinary School—his top choice—and Jeffrey was his biggest cheerleader. During breaks, Jeffrey often joined Mark on trips back to Long Island, where the Sibley family welcomed him warmly. Mark was able to meet Jeffrey’s amazing Mom, Nancy, when she came to visit Ithaca and she was very happy that Jeffrey had found his match.

After Jeffrey graduated in 2015, Mark and Jeffrey moved in together to their first shared apartment at Candlwyck Park. This apartment complex was close to Cornell and had a beautiful view of Cayuga Lake, but most importantly, it was pet friendly! Jeffrey’s beloved cat, Sangha, came to live with them, and soon after, they added a corgi puppy named Nami to their little family. The years spent at that apartment were full of so much love. Jeffrey worked at a Cornell research lab and became Mark’s number-one study buddy through vet school. While helping Mark learn his material and pass his exams, Jeffrey developed an interest in medicine himself! In 2018, Mark graduated from veterinary school, and together they decided to move to Long Island—where Mark had grown up and Jeffrey felt right at home. There, they reconnected with old friends and made many new ones.

The years that followed brought both highs and lows. Being a new veterinarian was stressful and weighed on Mark’s mental health, and Jeffrey tragically lost his mother to cancer in 2020. Through it all, they leaned on each other and never lost sight of the love they shared. There were just as many moments of joy—holidays and vacations with Mark’s family, the unforgettable parties hosted by Kathleen and Mike (especially the annual Halloween party!), and the weddings of many loved ones. Jeffrey decided to pursue his dream of becoming a psychiatrist, completing Stony Brook’s post-baccalaureate pre-med program. After months of intense studying, he scored an incredible 525 on the MCAT—Mark couldn’t have been more proud.

The year 2023 was a milestone for many reasons. Both Mark and Jeffrey turned 30, they bought their first home, and they got engaged! Finding the perfect house was a journey in itself: after falling in love with a listing and losing out on it, they were thrilled when the original buyer backed out and the house became theirs. They moved in that August and immediately began turning it into their dream home. On August 31st, it was the 10 year anniversary of the day they started dating. At sunset, Mark brought Jeffrey outside into their new backyard, where a trail of candles led them to a special spot. Mark confessed to Jeffrey how deeply he loved him and how special the last decade together had been. Mark got down on one knee, pulled out a ring, and asked Jeffrey to marry him. But instead of a simple “yes,” Jeffrey grinned and replied, “It depends,” before pulling out a ring of his own, dropping to one knee, and asking the same question back. Mark’s answer, of course, was an enthusiastic yes. After ten wonderful years, they were finally engaged.

Over two years have passed since that magical night, and life hasn’t slowed down. In 2024, their family grew and changed. Early in the year, it was still just the four of them—Mark, Jeffrey, Nami, and Sangha. In the spring, they adopted a rescue dog named Jinx, who quickly made herself at home. That summer, during a rainstorm, a stray kitten appeared on their porch. They welcomed her in, named her Neeko, and she became part of the family. Later that summer, they faced the heartbreaking loss of Sangha, who passed away at the age of 18. Sangha had been Jeffrey’s gentle, beloved companion for years, and saying goodbye was incredibly hard. Despite their grief, Mark and Jeffrey continued to share new adventures. They embarked on their first international trip—a breathtaking cruise through the fjords of Norway with Mark’s parents, Ellen and Cory, who have always treated Jeffrey like their own son. Later in the fall, they decided Neeko needed a feline playmate, so Jeffrey fulfilled his lifelong dream of owning a Bengal cat when they adopted a kitten named Sasha.

In 2025, Jeffrey completed his medical school applications and, in April, was accepted into his top choice: Stony Brook’s School of Medicine. He began classes that August, while Mark, as always, stood by his side. Through more than a decade together, Mark and Jeffrey’s story has been one of laughter, resilience, and endless love. From that very first walk around Beebe Lake to building a life, a home, and a family, their journey has only just begun.