In today’s world, many of us stay connected digitally. For alumni Michael '19 and Sarah '18 Ruxton, their passion for technology led them to one another. Both transferred from different schools, but RMU’s community, particularly its cybersecurity program, brought the Colonial Couple together in ways neither could have imagined.

“We got together through the Robert Morris Top Secret Colonials,” Sarah explained. “We were both studying cyber forensics and information security, and that club, which is a cybersecurity student group led by Dr. Karen Paullet, really got us motivated. It was fun. We were friends for a long time through college, and then we ended up dating after graduation.”

Michael added with a smile, “She doesn’t remember seeing me, but I remember the first time I saw her at the transfer orientation.”

As transfer students, Michael and Sarah were drawn to RMU’s supportive community and its well-regarded cybersecurity program. Since graduation, both Michael and Sarah have flourished in their professional careers, all while holding on to the lessons they learned at Robert Morris.

“I work for Microsoft, and Mike works at UPMC, both in the cybersecurity departments. Every job Mike, I, or our friends have gotten was from someone we met at RMU” Sarah shared. “We’re using our degrees. Also, I have an interview soon with the Robert Morris Doctoral Committee to start my Ph.D. at RMU.”

In a full-circle moment, Michael and Sarah’s friends from RMU and Dr. Paullet attended their wedding last August. Of course there were “Top Secret Colonial” branded sugar cookies at the cookie table. 

Michael and Sarah Ruxton’s story is a testament to the power of RMU’s close-knit community, the opportunities it provides, and the lifelong connections that can be made along the way. From career success in cybersecurity, to finding love, their time at Robert Morris was the foundation for a fulfilling personal and professional life.