In honor of Valentine’s Day, Dickinson State University is highlighting a love story featuring Bob ’70 and Alice ’69 Karn. The couple met as students at DSU and have since built a lifetime of memories together, adding their own chapter to the university’s history.
How did you meet while attending Dickinson State University?
Bob says he was in a band, The Lost Souls, and one of his bandmates brought Alice
to a practice session. He thought she was the prettiest girl he had ever seen. A few
weeks later, he had the chance to give her a ride home from DSU, and they started
dating. The rest, he says, is history.
What memories from your time at DSU stand out most in your relationship?
Alice has fond memories of being a cheerleader and loving being a student. She has
said many times she would go to college forever if she could. Bob says he especially
has fond memories of his roles in various theater productions. He also served as the
public address announcer for Blue Hawk basketball games for 20 years and was a member
of the Booster Club. Getting married in December 1968 remains their highlight.
How did your relationship grow during your college years?
They spent a great deal of time together. They loved to dance and were featured dancers
in a theater production. Socializing at college parties was always high on their list.
They studied together, and Bob says she made sure of that. They fell in love, and
Valentine’s Day has a special meaning in their relationship.
What has your journey looked like as a couple since graduating?
Alice graduated earlier in 1969 and began teaching. Bob says he was drafted in 1970
and spent two years as an MP stationed in Germany. Alice joined him in 1971, and that
is when they started their family. Their oldest son, Jason, was born in 1972. Bob
graduated in 1973. Kurtis came along in 1979.
They now have four grandchildren. Alice worked in the Dickinson school system for 40 years and retired in 2012. Bob became involved in real estate and manufacturing sales during that time. In 2015, they moved to Fargo to be closer to their children and grandchildren. They now spend as much time as they can attending their grandchildren’s activities and enjoy traveling whenever possible.
What advice do you have for college students navigating relationships today?
They encourage students to get involved and stay connected to friends, enjoy each
other, study hard, have fun and build a strong educational foundation.
What does being a Blue Hawk mean to you today?
They cherish the educational experiences they received from DSU and take pride in
being supporters.