The Grundfests

Eric ’08 and Sarah (Barber) ’08 Grundfest

It all started in early January 2007 when Eric returned to campus a few weeks early to work at his on-campus job in the Athletics Department. Sarah had just returned from the swimming team’s annual trip to Florida, where they train, bond as a team and enjoy some nicer weather before the tough stretch of the season.

Eric chose to work in Sarah’s lane that day — he had had his eye on her since earlier in the year, when several requests for a date had been declined. As always, Sarah competed well and won several events. After the meet Eric approached Sarah to ask her on a date once again — she accepted!

Five years later Sarah and Eric tied the knot in North  Kingstown, RI, on May 19, 2012, surrounded by family and friends from Eastern, including Brian Glamuzina (usher),  Matt Savage, Kevin St. Pierre, Matt Ramsey,  Sarah Dombrowski, Meredith Hoskins and Elizabeth Carlson (bridesmaid), Mandi Brooks (Levin), Amy Golas (swim coach), Maureen Fahey (swim coach) and Bill Hassell (swim coach). Eric and Sarah settled down in West Des Moines, IA, and have resided there for the past seven years. Eric is currently the vice president of sales for the Iowa Wild, an American Hockey league affiliate of the Minnesota Wild. Sarah works at Principal Financial Group as a production specialist