Loepker family photo

Mark and Sandy Loepker’s story began in the old student lounge in Elliott Hall of Music, where the two would spend time between classes and rehearsals getting to know the other students in PMO. Sandy (Communications, ‘77) was a freshman in the Purduettes and Mark (Electrical Engineering Technology ‘77) was a sophomore in the Glee Club.

Mark and Sandy started out as friends, but on a PMO trip to Maui, a shared walk on the beach at sunset turned into their first date. To this day, Hawaii holds a special place in Mark and Sandy’s heart, and the two have been back many times, including their honeymoon and when Mark was stationed there while working for the National Security Agency.

From there, the pair grew closer through their shared love of music and experiences in PMO. Mark reflects on the importance of music in their relationship.

“Music is the bond between us,” he said. “We have different intellectual pursuits, and in those differences, music was the common denominator…it’s the part we always shared deeply.”

Throughout their undergraduate years, they shared everything from the stage (playing Martha and Thomas Jefferson in Purdue’s bicentennial production of 1776) to navigating the busy schedules of being full-time students in classes and choirs, both serving as managers of their respective ensembles their senior year.

Sandy laughed recalling nights waiting for the Glee Club bus to return from road shows well past midnight just to make time for each other, and went on to note how other couples found love themselves during their time here, remarking how “if you find your soulmate in PMO it's likely you’ll keep them.” To this day, the couple keep in touch with many of the friends made throughout their time in the organization.

Mark and Sandy got married in the fall of 1978, following Mark’s Air Force intensive training. Sandy worked at local radio stations before finding her career in real estate. Throughout their life together, the couple have made a point to stay involved in music, from local choirs and theater productions to picking up various instruments over the years.

Music has been woven into the fabric of this love story, and Mark and Sandy have passed this love down to their children. Their daughters, Andrea and Amanda, grew up in a song-filled house, and Amanda was in the Purduettes during her time as a Boilermaker. Now, they spend their days sharing their love of music with their grandchildren and enjoying each other’s company in their retirement.

Writer: Molly Walker, walke598@purdue.edu