Viking Valentines: Alexander Chetsas '96G and Brandy Chetsas '96G

Think of the most romantic place you could meet your future spouse.

How about a 17th century British poetry class? That’s where Alexander “Alex” Chetsas ’96G and Brandy Chetsas ’96G, at the time both students in the Master of Arts in English program at Salem State College, met for the first time, taught by English professor Dr. Michael Prochilo.

After a first date in Concord, tracing the footsteps of the American Renaissance writers that Alex studied for his master's thesis, the couple quickly fell in love, getting engaged less than a month after their first date.

They married on May 11, 1996, graduation day, with then-English department chair Dr. Joseph Flibbert and his wife attending the ceremony and reception at The House of the Seven Gables. Since then, Salem State has continued to play a large part in their professional and personal lives.

“It’s hard to compress our experience at Salem State into something concise,” Brandy shares. “This city and university are beloved and central to our family lore.”

After graduation, both Alex and Brandy taught English at Salem State as adjuncts, their eldest daughter Phoebe came to Salem State as an English major and their second-born has a middle name in honor of their beloved Dr. Flibbert.

“On SSU’s campus, I learned to embrace a humble love of learning that encouraged both Alex and me to pursue doctoral degrees in the twilight of our careers,” Brandy explains. “It is an understatement to say that the brief two years spent here on Salem State’s campus altered our life trajectory in profound ways.”

“Our two years at Salem State were truly magical,” Alex adds. “Throughout those two years at Salem State, we received wonderful instruction from our inspiring professors and reassuring support from our classmates. We have so many memories of great discussions with friends after classes over coffee or lunch, of fall walks around the Common, leaves crunching under our feet—and our share of spooky fun. It was a time of hope and aspiration; for Brandy and me, Salem State and the city itself still are profoundly happy places. As we, along with our children, return to Salem over and over for visits to the university, to explore the museums and take in the natural beauty, our hearts and minds also return over and over. For us, Salem is a place in the heart.”