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Stella Scata ’19 and Briana Scata ’16, ’23G began their love story with a shared commitment to campus life, a busy afternoon and a simple ticket purchase that changed everything.
The two first crossed paths in spring of 2015 while serving as student leaders at Salem State University. Briana was a junior and Stella a freshman, and their days often revolved around the Ellison Campus Center, a central hub for student life and community engagement. Stella was preparing for the Raspberry Swirl event, Salem State’s annual drag show fundraiser supporting LGBTQ+ community organizations, while Briana waited nearby to begin a meeting with her Community Service Initiatives group.
Briana noticed Stella immediately. Curious to learn more, she asked a friend who she was and decided to make her move. Together, Briana and her friend purchased tickets to the Raspberry Swirl show from Stella, and the rest was history. “Without our shared passion for leadership, service and community at Salem State, this Viking love story might never have begun,” they reflect.
Although they met toward the end of the spring semester, it did not take long for them to realize their connection was special. When summer arrived, Stella packed up her dorm room and headed home, while Briana continued commuting. Despite the distance, they made every effort to see each other, no matter how many cars, buses, trains, or even ferries it took.
After that summer, they knew nothing was going to keep them apart. Their favorite memories from campus are woven into the everyday moments of college life from late nights studying and completing assignments in the library to planning campus events together and spending time with friends in Stella’s apartment. One of their most cherished routines was grabbing lunch at Bagel World and heading to Forest River to eat by the water, soaking in the calm between busy days.
After Briana graduated, she frequently returned to Salem State to visit Stella and continued supporting campus activities. When Stella later graduated, both began building their professional careers. Briana, a proud double Viking, and Stella supported each other through meaningful milestones, including completing their master’s degrees, purchasing their first home, getting engaged, and getting married.
Today, their Viking love story continues to grow. “Our most exciting adventure is on its way, and we recently began preparing to welcome our first child into the world. Looks like we are going to need to add a Viking onesie to our collection of SSU gear,” they share.
Briana is now a physical education teacher at Chelsea High School, and Stella serves as the director of admissions at Salem State University. For Stella, their college love story carries even deeper meaning in her current role.
“College is about so much more than classes and career paths,” Stella shares. “It is about growth, connection and becoming who you are.” As director of admissions, she views every application as the beginning of a new story. “Students are not just choosing a school. They are choosing a place where their lives can truly blossom, and maybe even where their own Viking love story begins.”
When asked what advice they would give students today, Stella and Briana agreed that communication is everything. “Real, open honest communication builds trust,” they explain. “Sharing your goals, fears, boundaries, and expectations, and listening just as deeply in return, creates a strong foundation that can carry you through every stage of life.”
From a chance meeting at Salem State to building a family together, Stella and Briana’s story is a reminder that some of the most meaningful moments stay with you long after graduation.