Classmates become mates for life

This February, couples who met at UNC Charlotte and other members of the campus community are sharing what they love about each other and the University. Share your story on social media using #iLOVEUNCC. Alums are encouraged to make a gift to support programs, scholarships or departments at LOVE.UNCC.EDU.

Marshall Boheler ‘85 was the extrovert, so cool that he walked into marketing class during the fall semester of 1984 wearing sunglasses. Barbara Hadley ‘86 was the introvert who thought, “Why is this guy talking to me?” when Marshall slid into the only available seat next to her.

“Marshall came strolling next to me, and he had no choice, lucky man that he was,” Barbara recalled recently.

“Lucky as I was,” Marshall said.

“And you still are,” Barbara reminds him.

The Bohelers have been married nearly 33 years, and Marshall said she’s still his best friend.

And friends are how they started, because Barbara wasn’t overly impressed with Marshall that first day they met. He, on the other hand, was smitten.

“Why is nobody sitting next to the hot chick?” he recalls thinking, adding that she looked “mean.”

Barbara recalls they started chatting while working together on a class project. They went out a couple of times, but just as friends—even though Marshall insists he paid for the date. That next semester, they had another class together, although that was unplanned.

Marshall, a Gastonia native, stayed in the area after graduation, and Barbara said that’s when their dating relationship truly started.

Marshall proposed in August 1986 at the SkyCity Restaurant at the Space Needle in Seattle. He was in the city on business, and Barbara flew there to visit him.

He had bought a ring from Service Merchandise and had the waiter “serve” it on a large platter during dessert. A small box was on the platter.

“That’s an awfully little dessert,” Barbara thought.

The couple was married in March 1987; years later, they took their son and daughter to the restaurant where they decided to spend their lives together.

Marshall, who earned a degree in business administration, works in sales. Barbara earned an accounting degree and is a self-employed accountant. When they aren’t working, they are at UNC Charlotte football games. Barbara, who earned a teaching degree from Appalachian State before enrolling at UNC Charlotte, said she faithfully sat with UNC Charlotte fans during the football game against Appalachian State last fall.

While the campus has changed a lot, they love that UNC Charlotte maintains the feel of a small community.

But one thing has changed—about their relationship, that is. Marshall says Barbara is no longer the quiet introvert she was when they met in marketing class.

“Now, it’s the exact opposite,” he joked recently. “I can’t get a word in edgewise; she does all the talking.”