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Al Abel ’69 and Janis Bates ’72

Al Abel ’69 and Janis Bates ’72 were married in Christ the King Chapel on July 18, 1970.  They believe they were the first couple married in the chapel, which had been dedicated in 1969.

Al says, “I was from Cleveland; Janis, from Steubenville. We fell in love on campus, and we celebrated our 51st anniversary in summer 2021. We have three children and six grandchildren. We thank the Lord we met at the College of Steubenville.”

His favorite College memory: “Winning the Greek Hum in 1969, after many not so good performances!!”

Favorite place on campus: “The cafeteria—great place to meet friends and plan future events or ask someone ‘special’ out.”

Al concludes, “I am so thankful for the lasting friendship formed with the men I prayed with, played with, studied with, and learned from in our TKE Fraternity … still doing all what I just wrote to this day. I thank God every day for the years I spent at Steubie U.”

Al ’69 and Janis (Bates ’72) Abel and their families outside the then new Christ the King Chapel.