Lab partners rarely discover the synthesis of life-long bonds.
After Sunday's Easter service junior Carolyn Meyer and senior Alex Kaufman climbed the Chapel tower and emerged from the cramped stairwell to sprawling views of West Campus. Within moments, Kaufman was on one knee, holding a ring box.
Close to a year of planning culminated in a perfectly scheduled afternoon, Kaufman said.
"I was really, really surprised," Meyer said. "I knew it was coming, but I completely didn't expect it at all. It was perfect, I couldn't have planned anything better myself."
The couple met in Chemistry 21, when Meyer was a freshman and Kaufman a sophomore, and worked together in lab.
Though the class was Meyer's least favorite at Duke so far, she quickly found the silver lining.
The couple's chemistry surpassed the introductory level Nov. 5, 2005 when they officially started dating.
Their relationship remained strong throughout the past two years and over Spring Break, Kaufman asked Meyer's family permission for marriage.
The time and place were carefully decided, as Kaufman said he considers the Chapel one of the most peaceful places on campus.
"I'm not the type who would want to [propose] during the Super Bowl," he said. "I thought [now] would be a good time to [propose].... Of course I've always loved Easter, it's a great holiday."
Once atop the tower, the couple encountered a team of videographers who convinced Meyer that they were filming a documentary.
"I thought it was a little weird, because if you're going to film something about Easter, why wouldn't you do it at the bottom of the Chapel?" Meyer said.
Craig Kocher, assistant dean of the Chapel and director of religious life, was integral to the plan and said proposals were among the rare occasions that allow students or alumni to climb the Chapel.
Kaufman said his calendar was dotted with "secret rendezvous" and meetings while Meyer was in class to ensure the proposal was kept secret.
The couple plans to either marry this summer or the following in Meyer's home state of Texas.
Meyer's father was enthused about the proposal plan, but warned Kaufman in jest about the price of the wedding.
"He told me: 'You're making such a big deal for the proposal, are you going to have anything left for the wedding?'" Kaufman said.
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