UNF hosts Osprey vow renewal ceremony for married couples who #MetInTheNest

For the first time since 2012, the University of North Florida hosted an event in celebration of couples where both partners attended UNF. About 30 couples gathered for the Blessed at the Nest event at the University Center on Saturday, June 29, to say “I do” again.    

The couples have been married from six months to decades, including one couple married fifty years to the day. Some of the people who participated in Saturday’s celebration went on to work at UNF or own a local business together. Many have stayed involved with the Jacksonville community.   

UNF President Moez Limayem led the vow renewal festivities.  

“Welcome back to the nest,” Limayem told the couples. “We are all elated that you found a partner that you love, honor and cherish at this university, UNF.”  

The event included Ozzie operating a bubble machine as well as couples swooping and kissing after the renewal of vows. The Alumni Association presented each couple with a special gift to commemorate the occasion.  

The Mobleys   

Married on June 29, 1974, Philip (’75, ’19) and Lotonia Mobley (’76) had not originally planned to renew their vows for their 50th anniversary. But when they received an invitation from the University’s Alumni Association, everything fell into place.  

Phil received his bachelor’s degree in math science from UNF. Later, he earned an MBA at Jacksonville University before soaring back to the nest to pursue a doctorate degree in educational leadership. Toni graduated a year after Phil, earning her degree in psychology from the UNF College of Arts and Sciences (COAS). They originally met at a student government meeting.    

“UNF has been an important part of our lives,” said Phil. “When people see us, they know we’re UNF alum. It’s a big part of us.”  

Helping people is incredibly important to the couple, and over the years both Phil and Toni were actively involved in the Jacksonville community. Toni has retired after a career with Duval County Public Schools, while Phil has served on various boards including the Boards of Directors of UF Health Foundation, Hope Haven Children's Advocacy Center, OneJax and the UNF Alumni Association. Phil is currently a manager at NorthStar Family Resource Center.  

Now living in Lake City, they work with various nonprofit organizations.  

While looking back on their journey, Phil stated that his children and grandchildren are what he cherishes most.   

“The key to marriage is that it takes work,” Phil advised for the newer couples. “It takes effort from both parties, respect and understanding. It’s also important to keep the romantic part of a marriage. Don’t let it get old.”  

The Fryes   

Palmer Frye (’18, ‘20) and Emily Gansert-Frye (’18) met in the nest during their second week of school in the Fall of 2013. He was in the UNF College of Computing, Engineering & Construction studying mechanical engineering while she was a COAS student majoring in biology.   

One day after class, he came up to her and asked if she was ready for their upcoming pre-calculus quiz. She was more than ready but was intrigued by his request to study together. She quickly learned about his passion for cars, bass guitar and his family, and she fell in love with his humor and quirky personality. They started dating in April of 2014 and tied the knot in December 2023.    

Since graduation, Palmer became a double Osprey after earning his master's in mechanical engineering and now works for a small government contractor based out of Orlando. Emily just graduated medical school at Florida State University College of Medicine this past spring and is pursuing an internal medicine residency back in Jacksonville at the Mayo Clinic.   

“UNF is a place we’ll look back at with fondness,” said Emily, saying she was “excited to have the opportunity to reaffirm our love and commitment to each other.”