Lifelong friendship blooms into a second chance love story 54 years in the making
Posted on Thursday, May 30th, 2024
Two Algonquin College Business Administration alumni celebrate their love by marrying at the College.
Algonquin College alumni Diane and Mark pictured on their wedding day, May 11, 2024.
College life often breeds community and friendship through classwork and extracurricular activities. Many alumni look back at their time at Algonquin College with fondness, remembering the moments from their early career days, and for some, a network of friends and colleagues. A lifelong friendship that started at Algonquin College has blossomed into a second chance at love for Diane Switzer (formerly Doxtater) and Mark Taber.
The two initially met at the Ottawa Campus in 1970, when they were both studying Business Administration. Before specializing in their upper levels – Diane in accounting, and Mark in marketing – they shared camaraderie between classes, assignments and social lunch breaks playing bridge with friends in the B building.
At the time, Mark was best friends with Diane’s first husband, Norm, and they were even each other’s best men at their weddings. After their careers began, Diane and Mark remained family friends, keeping in touch and traveling together in their friend group. Both couples remained in Ottawa. Diane and Mark even became colleagues when she helped him get a job at the same company where she was working.
Life was busy with kids and careers, so over time the friends did not see each other as often as they once had. Nevertheless, the two remained in contact, with both of their respective spouses joining in social visits.
The pair reconnected in 2022 at the funeral of a co-worker. They found themselves in parallel scenarios, widowed and grieving their former lives and spouses, with Mark’s first marriage lasting over 30 years, and Diane’s over 40 years.
From there, Diane invited Mark for a cottage visit, something they had previously done with their families. Both now single, the weekend together reminded them of their friendly connection. With a strong foundation of memories and humor, their love story progressed swiftly.
The pair enjoyed a scenic and romantic trip to Italy, along with 40 new friends. At 70 years old, Mark surprised Diane with a proposal on bended knee under the Juliet balcony in the city of Verona. The group was excited for the couple, embracing them as they shared their story.
Wedding plans quickly began to take shape. When seeking a venue, Algonquin College felt like a natural choice, as the place where they first met all those years ago. The pair tied the knot in the Nawapon on May 11, 2024, with the support of Laura Dimic and her Food & Conference Services team.
The newlyweds were joined by 12 of their Italy travel companions on their wedding day, travelling from as far as California, Illinois, New York, and Vancouver for the event.
“We are so happy that we were able to get married in the place we met 54 years ago. Thanks to the staff at Algonquin College for making it possible,” Diane said of the experience.
The couple even returned to B building to have their photos taken on their wedding day, reliving their early days of friendship. Though the
Diane and Mark pose for a photo in B building at Algonquin College’s Ottawa Campus on their wedding day.
campus has expanded and changed since the 1970’s, their memories remain vivid. Now happily married, Diane and Mark have the photos to commemorate and cherish their special day and love together.
In addition to their own experiences, their connection for the College continues with Diane’s son, Peter Switzer, who graduated from the culinary management program in 1999, and daughter-in-law, Yi Jia Wang, who graduated from nursing in 2015.
Diane and Mark’s story is a reminder of the lasting impact learners’ College experiences and memories have beyond graduation, and the important connections fostered through the Alumni and Friends Network.
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