A United College Love Story: 57 Years Later

by Davandra Earle, Communications Officer

In 1968, two first-year students arrived at St. Paul’s College, now United College, without knowing they were about to meet the person who would shape the rest of their lives.

Catherine Carmichael Eagles (BMath ’72) and Paul Eagles (BSc ’72, PhD ‘79) were just 18 years old when they first crossed paths in residence.

“We met at St. Paul’s because we were both in first year. Paul was in Science and I was in Math” Catherine recalled.  

What followed was a story that has now spanned more than five decades.

Their first meeting came during a St. Paul’s tradition at the time known as Susie Q Week, similar to a Sadie Hawkins event where women invited men on dates.

“I had a roommate who said, ‘let’s invite some guys out and double date. We planned dates through the week, and when Friday came, I didn’t know who else to ask.”

Catherine’s roommate offered a suggestion: a science student.

“So, I asked Paul out. The date went well, but the real surprise came the next day. I received a red rose on my desk at the residence. It was signed ‘PFJ’. He had left out the ‘E’ for Eagles so it took me a while to figure out who it was,” Catherine recalled with a hearty chuckle.

Soon after, Paul asked Catherine what she was doing the following week. The rest as they often say, was history. Their connection was immediate.

So immediate, in fact, that Paul proposed after only two weeks.

“It just clicked from the beginning, I did have reservations because we were very young,” Catherine admitted.

But the decision proved to be the right one. By April of the following year at just 19 years old Catherine and Paul were married.

Now, 57 years later, they are still going strong.

And while their love story began at St. Paul’s, their connection to the University of Waterloo continued for decades.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Paul went on to do graduate studies at another university before returning to Waterloo, where he would spend the majority of his career.

From 1968 through to his retirement in 2014, Waterloo remained a constant presence in their lives.

“It holds a very special place in his heart,” Catherine, who spoke on the couple’s behalf said.

That connection became a family legacy. Two of their three sons, Russell and Ryan, both earned degrees from Waterloo. Russell even returned to St. Paul’s as a Don, while Paul later served as a Fellow, supporting students and engaging with the college community.

“We’ve had a long relationship with St. Paul’s and Waterloo,” Catherine said. “It’s been a big part of our lives.”

Recently, Catherine and Paul returned to United College once again, this time with their twin grandsons, Sebastian and Oliver for a residence tour.

Sebastian has already been accepted to Waterloo. Oliver, who had initially applied elsewhere, is now submitting a late application.

“That’s the influence United College had on him,” Catherine noted.

If all goes as planned, the Eagles family will soon welcome a third generation of United College residents.

When asked what makes United College so special, Catherine points to something that has remained unchanged over the years: community.

Those friendships, she explained, often become lifelong connections. “The best man at our wedding was Paul’s roommate from St. Paul’s.” 

Beyond social bonds, Catherine also highlights the academic support that came from living among highly motivated students.

“You had top students from every faculty. If you had difficulties, you could always find someone to help you,” she said.

When asked what advice she would give to students considering living in residence at United College, Catherine simply said, “I don’t think they could find a better environment.”

From location and convenience to friendships and personal growth, her experience reflects what many students continue to discover at United College today.

And for Catherine and Paul, it all traces back to one Friday evening, one Susie Q Week, and one red rose signed “PFJ.”

Happy Valentine’s Day from United College where community, connection, and sometimes even lifelong love stories begin.