Chris and Kim Pfaff celebrate their wedding day, March 17, 1979, in Springfield, Oregon. They have been married for 44 years and both work at Xavier College Preparatory. (Photo courtesy of Kim Pfaff)

Xavier Gators live for a love story, especially when it involves the faculty and staff. Xavier is home to 12 staff couples. While not all couples have the same job descriptions, all share appreciation for the Xavier community. 

Couples on campus are Gavin and Valerie Ahern, Julianne and Ken Averbuck, Anthony and Stacy DiStefano, Richard and Kelly Hubbard, Eric Lambert and Danielle Burr, Dan and Olivia Long, Brian and Wendy Mostoller, Chris and Kim Pfaff, Suleyka Salas and Julio Quintero, Roy and Terry Ramirez, Dave and Deirdre Van Sickle and Dr. Clay and Lisa Zuba.

Both the Zubas and the Longs met while at previous jobs. The couples recalled that their previous sites taught them to balance work and home life. “We try not to bring too many work-related items home with us. Having separation between work and home gives us more time to spend with each other, and with our family,” Dan Long said. 

Deirdre Van Sickle joked that she and Dave Van Sickle “stay away from each other.” This helps them to achieve work-life balance, and “keep school at school.” 

Although balance is key to these couples, many enjoy seeing one another for small moments during the day. “I like to go down to her classroom during passing periods so we can talk and I can steal candy,” shared Brian Mostoller. 

Because campus couples know the same colleagues and students, they share common experiences throughout the day. “What’s important is eating lunch together, not having to explain parts of our day or the people in our lives to one another,” said Lisa Zuba. Gavin Ahern added, “She [Valerie] will know what I am talking about when I talk about my day; she knows the events and the students.” 

In addition to being compatible in their personal lives, the campus couples complement one another in jobs. “She [Kim] works in the nearby bookstore; there are some things I help her with and some things she helps me with,” said Chris Pfaff. Similarly, the Aherns will assist one another, especially during the mornings in the library. 

Deirdre Van Sickle recalls that Dave Van Sickle is very helpful when she forgets an item for her food class, and will often substitute if needed. She describes Dave as her “best friend.”

Both of the Mostollers teach in upstairs Founders Hall, “There’s a lot of yin and yang, Math and English,” said Brian Mostoller.

The Longs, who both teach social studies, said one of the best memories they share is being together during their department meetings and enjoying Ileen Welty’s “wit and sense of humor.”

Stacy DiStefano says working with her husband at Xavier is, “Nice because we are always on the same page.” She and Anthony will spend Mass or “Community of Faith” with each other. She said her favorite Xavier memory was enjoying the Lourdes trip with her husband and their daughter. 

Xavier traditions are also an enjoyable time for couples. “I like watching him in the rally dances,” said Lisa Zuba. 

The campus couples shared that the best part of working with one another is the community. “We love that Xavier loves the families that work for them,” said Julianne Averbuck. Clay Zuba stated that the Xavier community allows his wife and him “to accomplish our shared goal of helping women of faith pursue excellence.”

The Xavier community brought together Danielle Burr and Eric Lambert, who have been in a relationship for a year and are now engaged. Burr recalls many of her Xavier faculty members rooting for her and Lambert very early on. “It was because of Xavier that we met,” said Burr. 

The wedding of Lambert and Burr will take place on April 27, 2024 at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish.