Augie Sweethearts: Jeffrey Condit '80 and Natalie Nelson '81 Condit

Submitted by Jeffrey Condit of Moline, Ill.

Jeff was serving supper in Andreen. Natalie lived up campus, but because she was on the swim team, the team ate supper in Andreen. (It took too long to get up campus.) Jeff took notice of Natalie when she came to eat. She was wet-haired, snot-nosed, makeup-less, tired and grumpy after a two- to four-mile swim practice. But Jeff saw potential! He took note of what she liked to eat, but also that she was never happy, because too often by the time she got to Andreen the food was all leftovers or dried out. Jeff soon realized that Natalie loved fried chicken, mashed potatoes and cornbread—all of which was served fairly often.

One day when the menu was perfect, Jeff held back a serving just like she'd want (dark meat and all). When she came in, she was excited but soon realized it was leftover ham again, so her happiness turned to frowns. Then Jeff pulled out his saved plate from the warming counter, and said she could have it. She was ecstatic!  

After the last to be served were through the line, the servers had to clean up the tables. Naturally the swim team was last and always kept the workers waiting. Jeff asked Natalie how supper was, and she replied, "The only thing that would make it better was a shoulder rub." (Who would have imagined a Phi Rho would be so forward?) Anyhow, after a quick shoulder rub, the stage was set for the "ask"! She said yes! Jeff learned the way to a woman's heart is ALSO through her stomach, and apparently her shoulders. Who knew?