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The Systems and Computer Technologies Academy kick-off was scheduled to begin on Wednesday, July 23, 1997; however, we both arrived in Malvern a day early (Tuesday, July 22). Ken had driven from South Carolina with a friend and fellow Citadel Graduate, Frank Anderson. They arrived too early to check into the hotel, so they had to spend the night in Frank’s car. I flew to Pennsylvania. While in the airport, I met Chad Lynch, who was also going to Malvern for the SCT Academy kick-off, so we shared a cab to the Summerfield Suites, which is where all new hires were staying. During the cab ride, we decided to meet for dinner. It just so happened that Frank and Chad were assigned as roommates during the kick-off, so of course Chad invited Frank to come along for dinner, and Frank invited Ken. It was at that dinner that we met for the very first time. The Academy kick-off only lasted for three days, after which about thirty of us returned to Columbia, SC for 2 ½ months of training. Ken and I became friends, but did not start dating until late November of 1997. Of the 90 people who were part of the 1997 SCT Academy class, we were the two who were destined to not only be casual business associates, but to become best friends, fall in love, get married, and be together forever. Tuesday, July 22,1997 was definitely a very important and special day for us. The picture above was taken on our last day in Malvern. The people in it, from left to right, starting with the back row are, Frank Anderson, Kimberly, Erin Sullivan (Kimberly’s roommate in Malvern), Ken, and Chad Lynch. |
