RIT Love Connections | February 2026
RIT Love Connections- Cupid Shows Up on Campus
Read the Valentine’s Day stories of four RIT grads who took part in programming offered through the Division of Access, Engagement, and Success. They gained invaluable leadership skills and experience through long-time programs like Men of Character, Honor and Ambition (MOCHA) Women of Character, Honor, and Ambition (WOCHA) and Destler/Johnson Rochester City Scholars. They also gained something else.
The Love Story of Natalie and Jared Rodriguez
Natalie Robinson Rodriguez, BFA '22, MS '25, is assistant director for Leadership Development, Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement. She’s also a member of Women of Character, Honor and Ambition Cohort 6. Jared Rodriguez, BS '21, MS '24 is senior financial assistant in the Center for Campus Life and is currently pursuing his MBA. He is a proud member of Men of Character, Honor and Ambition, Cohort 7 and was a Destler/Johnson Rochester City Scholar (2017). They married in July 2025.
When and how did you meet?
Natalie: We met at the Tiger Activities Fair in 2018 during my Orientation week. Jared was tabling at the Unity House table in the Gordon Field House.
What was it about the other that sparked your interest, that “clicked?”
Jared: I’ve always admired her passion and willingness to undertake new projects. Her intellect is what captivated me in the beginning.
Natalie: Jared is one of the smartest people I know. He has an ability to look at problems from a variety of angles and always encourages me to step back when needed. I appreciate our conversations but also loved seeing his compassion for others through his interactions with his family and close friends.
Do you remember your first date?
Jared: Our first date was at the movies. We watched The Photograph at Tinseltown. I believe it was Valentine’s Day.
Natalie: Jared showed up with a rose from an on-campus fundraiser.
Both of you were actively involved in AES programs like WOCHA and MOCHA and/or the Destler/Johnson Rochester City Scholars. What did you personally enjoy most as a participant in MOCHA/WOCHA?
Natalie: I enjoyed the outings to places like the First American Equipment Finance where we got a tour of their workspaces, met members of the team, and listened to presentations from industry professionals. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the bubble that is RIT, but there is such intentionality and strategy put into programs like MOCHA/WOCHA that ensure we feel seen and there is no shortage of opportunities for us. I also love my WOCHA jacket which is still a staple in my closet.
Why do you think programs like these are important?
Jared: These programs are important because they fill in the gaps that your classes do not cover by building up soft skills that boost the impact of your hard skills. It also encourages you to look introspectively and analyze the reality versus your idea of yourself.
Natalie and Jared began dating in 2020 and recently married in July 2025.
How would you describe your family life now?
Natalie: Jared and I are still adjusting to life as a married couple. My in-laws and I are close and we recently started doing bi-weekly dinners which always give us something to look forward to at the end of the week.
Jared: It’s a fresh experience, and I am learning new things as well as getting used to shopping for two.
The Love Story of Parris Bryant and Karbara Maxey.
Now meet RIT grads Parris Bryant II, BS ’14, and Karbara Maxey, BS ’14. He is assistant director of Advancement at the University of Rochester and check this out: he was a member of the very first cohort of RIT’s Men of Character Honor and Ambition back in 2013. She is a quality analyst II and the team lead of the stability group at QuidelOrtho. She was a Destler/Johnson Rochester City Scholar in 2010. They have been a couple for 11 years and married in August 2025.
When and how did you meet?
Parris: We met in late winter/ early spring of 2014. We have a mutual friend Jasmine Wilson who was conducting her final project in the SAU and we ended up meeting there.
What was it about the other that sparked your interest, that “clicked?”
Karbara: This was my senior year so my first thought was who is this? I've been here for four years and never seen him. lol I started to see him more and more, mostly with friends at the library. I thought he was funny and had a fun personality.
Parris: I liked her laugh and her smile. When I met her, we just cracked a few jokes but then had more interactions on social media and it just felt so effortless to chat with her and eventually I found myself longing for her next message.
Do you remember your first date?
Parris: Yes! After we graduated, Karbara had two free tickets to the movies. I invited myself to be her +1 in a cheesy way and we ended up going to see “Neighbors” and this is also when we learned that we lived right around the corner from each other.
As students, you were both very active with AES programs. Looking back, how did they help shape your college journey?
Karbara: Rochester City Scholars gave me help, financially, socially and academically. Of course, there was the scholarship that paid tuition but there were also other resources provided as well. I was able to borrow textbooks instead of buying them myself. I gained advice and encouragement through the advisors as well as other events and meetings. I gained friends and met new people through just being a part of this group. I really enjoyed the people the most. I met a lot of cool people through RCS and MCAS. As an introvert and sometimes shy person I think being a part of this group helped me to connect with people.
Parris: I honestly don’t think I’d be who I am or where I am today without MOCHA. I met a great group of guys that helped push me to be who I am today both directly and indirectly. I didn’t want to be the only brother to not receive my suit, so I made sure that my academics were in good standing and in fact it was the first time I made the Dean’s list at RIT. MOCHA helped me understand the concept of time value and proper planning. MOCHA even helped me find my first job after graduating thanks to the Dale Carnegie program because Herb Escher had a connection to my first employer and put in a good word for me.
Any advice for current students who are navigating college in 2026?
Karbara: My advice is to use your resources and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Parris: Be adventurous and courageous. Take that class that you might be scared about. Study abroad on that RIT global campus that caught your eye. Get to know your professors as they can be great resources post-graduation. Join that club even if you don’t have a strong background in the area. Talk to that person on your dorm floor or your classroom, they can end up being your greatest friend, your best man, your maid of honor or even your life partner. Step out of your comfort zone and most importantly if you’re ever struggling, don’t be afraid to seek help in any way that you might need.
You mention you dated for 11 years and married last August. How would you describe your family life now?
Karbara: Communicative, loving and funny/humorous.
Parris: We’re DINKs and enjoy being an aunt and uncle. We hang out with our families as much as we can and we enjoy doing fun things such as cruising.