College study abroad trips are usually an opportunity to engage in a different culture or experience.
But for Dana Voss ‘24, the summer 2024 London Fine Arts May term was an engaging opportunity in more than one way when the trip turned into a proposal.
According to Voss, she and Nick Walstead have been a couple since high school in Hartford, S.D. They met in marching band, both playing the alto saxophone, and shared a love for theatre that included participating in several school plays.
At UMN Morris, Voss majored in elementary education with a theatre minor, appearing in Julius Caesar, Romeo and Juliet, and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. So a trip to London was the perfect combination of things she loves.
“I couldn’t resist a two-week trip to see so many incredible shows on the West End! I’ve always loved history and art as well, and each day was packed with visiting historical monuments, buildings, museums, and exhibits.”
Walstead had just finished his degree at Mitchell Technical College.
“Nick and I have been together for almost nine years, and we knew we wanted to get engaged once both of us graduated from college. Well, the 2024 London trip was about a week after we both got our degrees. Kind of perfect timing!”
Voss describes herself as a “huge plant lady with a love for flowers.” So on their free day in the city, the couple took a ferry to the Kew Royal Botanical gardens. Nick proposed in Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens.
“It was absolutely magical and the most perfect day of my life! We celebrated the next day with champagne at the top of the London Eye. I can’t imagine a better partner or proposal!”
The wedding is planned for this June.
Associate Professor of Theatre Lucas Granholm led the trip along with studio art Professor Jess Larson.
Voss describes Granholm as an amazing professor and friend, and the couple has asked him to officiate at their wedding. This will be the second wedding that Granholm will officiate for UMN Morris alumni.