Love at John Jay: Santos Garcia Avelar ’20 & Stephanie Garcia Avelar ’18
Stephanie Garcia Avelar ’18
Degree: B.A. Law & Society
Graduate Degree: Doctor of Law, Notre Dame Law School (2023)
Current Role: Associate Attorney, Rivkin Radler
Santos Garcia Avelar ’20
Degree: B.A. Latinx & Latin American Studies and Political Science
Graduate Degree: Doctor of Law, University of Washington School of Law (2023)
Current Role: Assistant Corporation Counsel, New York City Law Department
How did you meet?
Stephanie: Santos and I were taking the same international law course, and I accidentally bought the wrong book for the class. I was not doing well in the class at all. I had no understanding of what the professor was talking about and I practically failed the first quiz because I had the wrong book. So, I asked Santos if I could borrow his book. He told me, “Well, I only have this book, and I need to use it. If you have to use it, you’ll have to come with me to study.” After a few days, I asked him to buy me a coffee and I told him I would pay him back. Basically, I was trying to strike up a friendship with him.
What were your first impressions of each other?
Santos: When I first met Stephanie, what struck me immediately was her work ethic, her empathy, and of course, her beauty.
Stephanie: From the moment I asked Santos to borrow his book, I noticed his kindness. On our way back from the coffee shop and walking to class, we talked about our lives, our dreams of becoming attorneys, and how both our fathers passed away at a really young age. We had so much in common. I remember looking at him out of the corner of my eye and wondering, Am I going insane, or is this my forever person?
When did you know you wanted to marry Stephanie?
Santos: All of my favorite memories at John Jay were with Stephanie. I loved how we both showed up for each other’s accomplishments and cheered each other on. I’ll never forget studying for the LSAT together. I knew I wanted to marry Stephanie about eight months after we started dating. However, between our studies and building our futures, it took three years for me to propose and another four years before we had our wedding.
How did Santos propose?
Stephanie: Before I went to Notre Dame, Santos proposed to me in front of our friends and family at a going-away party that he threw for me. I remember him leading me to the party, and when I walked into the space, I was floored to see all of our friends and family there with a “Will You Marry Me?” sign. It was such a shock and one of the best surprises of my life.
What was the wedding like?
Santos: The wedding was unforgettable and it will always hold a special place in my heart. Celebrating in my home country of El Salvador, surrounded by the people who supported us, prayed for us, and believed in us, meant that it was a celebration of our love and journey.
Stephanie: It really was a dream come true.
