Abby DeMarkey ’22G and Sam Lim ’22G first met virtually in Salem State’s higher education in student affairs (HESA) program in 2020. It wasn’t until fall of 2021, when classes met in person, that their connection truly began to take shape.
“HESA is what really brought us together,” Abby recalls. “Alan Acosta’s History of Higher Education class was the first time we were able to meet face to face.”
In the classroom, Abby and Sam were often friendly rivals. “We bickered as competitors,” Abby says. “But once we took a step back, we realized we actually shared the same viewpoints and could really hear each other out.”
Outside of class, their friendship deepened as they spent more time together. From those early hangouts, they both recognized something special in one another.
Some of their favorite memories from their time at Salem State include celebrating graduation together, where they were both honored with the Dr. Leila V. Moore Award for exemplifying the highest standards of excellence in academics and leadership in diversity, equity and inclusion. They also attended the Lavender Graduation, a moment where they could be their authentic selves.
After graduation, their relationship grew “by leaps and bounds.” They moved to New Jersey together, and in October 2024, Abby and Sam officially got engaged.
This past summer, they returned to campus to take their engagement photos, revisiting the place where it all began. “It was so special to be back in Salem and relive those memories,” Abby shares. Their college love story means everything to them as they are now preparing to be married in April 2026 and start the next chapter of their lives.
Today, Sam Lim, MEd is pursuing a doctorate in higher education at the University of Southern Mississippi and serves as deputy chief diversity officer and deputy Title IX coordinator at SUNY Westchester Community College. Abby DeMarkey, MEd is the student employment coordinator at Manhattanville University.
When asked for advice to current students, Abby offered, “Take everything that comes at you and explore it. You never know what’s around the next corner, so enjoy the people you are with when you are with them. Life will constantly take twists and turns, and finding the right person is more important than this grand love story you may have for yourself in your head.”