Love Takes Root: PennWest Couples Who Started With Us

For this Valentine’s Day edition, we’re sharing the stories of two PennWest couples – four employees whose journeys with each other began through their journeys with us.Whether they met as students navigating late‑night study sessions, or as professionals working side‑by‑side to support our university’s mission, each couple reminds us that PennWest isn’t just a place to learn and work – it’s also a place where lives intertwine, friendships deepen and sometimes, yes — love takes root.Today's guests include:The first couple on today’s episode calls the Clarion campus home. Heath Calhoun and Sarah Zerfoss-Calhoun met as Clarion students but didn’t connect as romantic partners until 2018 – getting married in 2022 and welcoming their son, Finley in May 2023.Sarah Zerfoss-Calhoun, Assistant Dean of Students and Assistant Director of Student Development, leads conduct processes and coordinates leadership programs across PennWest. Heath Calhoun, a six-time All-American and 2014 NCAA champion diver at Clarion, is now the Golden Eagles’ diving coach. Entering his fifth season, he’s guided athletes to national titles and All-America honors. He’s built stellar coaching after succeeding longtime coach Dave Hrovat.Over to the California campus, where we meet the Dunn family. Gary and Missy's story began in their final semester of graduate school, having their first date in the Vulcan Theater in Natali Student Center. They married in California, PA in 2001 having their wedding reception in the Performance Center in Natali. The couple has a daughter, Sydney, who is 17.Gary Dunn, a former four-year starter for the Vulcans, serves as the California head football coach.Missy Dunn, Director of Student Development, leads PennWest’s New Student Orientation, Welcome Weekend, and key leadership programs while supporting student groups across campus.