Kelsey Miller and Luke Rymniak first met while working late shifts at the Mansfield Library at the University of Montana in 2020. Their initial connection grew from a student job into a lasting relationship, influenced by their mutual appreciation for Missoula and the university community.
“One night, I was helping Kelsey shelve books,” Rymniak said. “And I remember thinking, ‘This is one of the most entertaining people I have ever met.’”
Miller recalled Rymniak asking her where to shelve a book and her joking response: she told him it wasn’t her job, even though it actually was.
Both came to UM after searching for strong programs related to their interests—forestry for Rymniak and wildlife biology for Miller. Rymniak, originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, moved to Missoula after serving in the Marine Corps and researching top forestry schools. Miller grew up in Georgia and chose UM following a scholarship offer.
Their friendship developed as they spent time together on campus. Eventually, Rymniak invited Miller hiking—a proposal she initially declined—but they later went rock climbing at the campus gym. Shared experiences such as walks along the Clark Fork River and annual hikes to Baker Lake became part of their routine.
A significant tradition for the couple is attending UM’s Foresters’ Ball each year. The event features an 1890s-style logging town built inside Schreiber Gym. During the ball, attendees can participate in mock weddings conducted by members of the Forestry Club under Bertha the moose, mascot of the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation.
“I was devastated to learn that, according to the marriage certificate they give you, the marriages are annulled at midnight!” Rymniak said. “So we just have to get remarried every year.”
“I’ve still got last year’s ring!” Miller added.
Both have since graduated—Rymniak with a master’s degree in forestry in 2021 and Miller with a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology in 2024—and now live together in Missoula. Rymniak has worked as a forester with federal agencies and now works for the National Wild Turkey Federation. Miller has held positions with UM’s Bird Ecology Lab and local environmental education organizations while volunteering at UM’s Philip L. Wright Zoological Museum.
“Specimens I’ve worked on are on display at the Montana Natural History Center, in the UM Health Sciences Building and at the Fish, Wildlife and Park Museum in Helena,” Miller said. “And our home, of course.”
“They make the place look so much better,” added Rymniak.
The University of Montana serves more than 11,000 students as a public research institution offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees through various colleges via established admissions processes (https://www.umt.edu). The university provides both virtual and in-person tours for prospective students (https://www.umt.edu), supports online learning options (https://www.umt.edu), emphasizes academic excellence alongside hands-on education within an inclusive environment (https://www.umt.edu), and maintains its role within higher education as a public research university (https://www.umt.edu).
What began as a job shelving books has grown into a life shared by two alumni rooted in Missoula’s community.