Facebook friendship leads to forever love

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.

Love came in the form of a friend request for Courtney Palazzo ‘14 and Kenny Bailey ‘12. The two met during the spring semester of Palazzo’s freshman year in 2011. She was studying in McEniry Hall when he approached her. Palazzo asked one of her Zeta Tau Alpha sorority sisters who he was, found him on Facebook and sent him a friend request.

First came the exchange of messages online, then came an impromptu snack date during a break in the Greek Games. Finally—with a little interference from a friend—Palazzo took Bailey, a Kappa Sigma member, as her date to a sorority function.

“The conversations were seamless, and it was like we knew each other for years not hours,” Palazzo said.

During their time at UNC Charlotte, there were regular breakfast dates at Einstein Bagels inside the Popp Martin Student Union and events with their sorority and fraternity in Greek Village.

Today, their relationship status has changed. Palazzo, a global marketing manager for Facebook, and Bailey, who works for the State Department, married on March 9, 2019, and live in Washington, D.C.

The couple love UNC Charlotte, not only because is the place where they met each other and formed lasting friendships with others, but for the campus’ beauty and the University’s sense of community.

“I love how beautiful the campus is,” Courtney said. “I knew I had to study at UNC Charlotte when I visited the campus back in 2009.”

“The University community is resilient and is always there in times of tragedy and triumph,” Kenny said.

As for what they love about each other:

Courtney loves Kenny because…

1. He’s patient.

2. He’s kind-hearted.

3. His positivity radiates and truly enables me to have a great day.

Kenny loves Courtney because…

1. She has a strong personality, integrity and values and has no hesitation about speaking up about what she believes is right.

2. She values their marriage and relationship above everything else.

3. She strives to be the best person she can be every day, and in turn, makes me a better person.