If you’ve sensed magic in the air at the UNMC Ice Rink lately, it just might be because the rink held a surprise sunset marriage proposal. Kaitlyn Stava, who on Dec. 17 earned her master of physician assistant studies degree from the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions, brushed the ice with a curling broom to reveal the words: WILL YOU MARRY ME?
As the ice sparkled and the realization of the marriage proposal sank in, she said yes. Stava embraced her beaming beau, Haydar Hasan, a product of Creighton’s Physician Assistant (PA) program, who had planned what might be the first proposal at the rink since its 2009 debut.
For the two of them, UNMC’s ice rink always has been a special place.
It began a few years ago, when both were research assistants at the med center, before entering PA school. "My co-workers and I were talking about Haydar and how I thought he was kind of cute." They devised a plan to start an intramural curling team at UNMC and asked Hasan to join.
The scheme worked, and the two eventually went on their first date, skating at the UNMC Ice Rink.
Fast forward three years. Although not a big-gesture guy, Hasan knew the perfect proposal would have to involve the UNMC Ice Rink, and scheming.
So while in Phoenix and finishing his clinical rotations, he Googled and found Alec Carstens, recreation program coordinator who handled the UNMC intramural curling league from three years ago.
"He was behind it right away," Hasan said. "This wouldn’t happen without Alec."
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| The marriage proposal etched in ice. (Photo courtesy Allison Klein) |
They came up with a plan (scheme): A curling date night and a sweep to reveal the magic MARRY ME.
Rink manager Mick Ridgway shaved the ice. Carstens made the stencil: "We sprayed it down with the help of (Hasan’s) friends and cohorts." They applied the pebble (ahem, curling lingo) and then ice shavings to cover the words.
But this takes time, and Stava was spending all day at the Sorrell Center, next door to the rink. "Then her class got out early," Hasan said. So to stall, one of her friends fake-sprained her ankle.
"It makes sense now," Stava said. "When I was sweeping off the ice, it really just hit me."
Was this really for her? She knew it was.
And she said yes.
This is sooo delightful! Kaitlyn & Haydar are two of the most sincere, caring, hard-working, & FUN folks I have known. Together, they will touch many lives and make a difference!
Very cool! (Pun intended.) Congratulations and best wishes!
Congratulations! Best wishes for a future filled with love.
How wonderful and romantic!
Congrats to the happy couple! This story made my day and it's just pure joy.
Nice Story. Congratulations!
Congratulations! What an uplifting and heartwarming story!
Nice story Kalani. 🙂
Congratulations! Best wishes!
What a wonderful beginning! Congratulations and best wishes!
Kalani, this article was really well done… thank you so much for sharing it with the campus!
What a great story! I love the creativity and connection to their story. Congratulations Haydar and Kaitlyn!
Heart touching! Congo to both!
Thank you for such a great story, Kalani! And thank you everyone for sharing their congratulations!
Awesome story, Special K! Cheers to Kaitlyn and Haydar.
Congratulations!