Amanda and Brian Beverly

This love story began in 2005 in Westerville, Ohio. That's when Amanda Lowe (C'12, MDiv'14) first met Brian Beverly (C'13, MDiv'15) while visiting her good friend, Amanda McKissack, who is Brian's twin sister. Being such good friends with Amanda McKissack, Amanda Lowe was around Brian a lot, so the two got to know each other and also became close. Soon they began a friendship and started dating.

The two enjoyed watching movies, going to festivals, walking on nature trails, and visiting local parks together. By summer 2006, Brian knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Amanda. Brian proposed to Amanda following one of their weekly Bible Studies. Of course, Amanda said yes!

Wedding planning began and on May 26, 2007, the couple joined their lives together. The ceremony took place under the gazebo of their small town in Fredericktown, Ohio, with close family in attendance. Following the ceremony, the wedding party and family members in attendance celebrated together and enjoyed dinner at a local restaurant. The newlyweds honeymooned at Virginia Beach, Virginia. They enjoyed checking out local shops, eating at restaurants, and walking on the beach.

Following their marriage, Brian and Amanda were serving as youth directors and ministers at Fredericktown First Presbyterian Church when their pastor encouraged them to attend the University of Dubuque for the 3/3 Seminary program (a crossover program between undergrad and seminary, providing a framework for graduates to earn both degrees in six years). Although they loved their church and community, the newlyweds knew that this was God's calling for them, so they packed up their belongings and headed to Iowa.

While at UD, Brian received his undergraduate degree in religious studies in 2013 and then went on to the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary to receive his master of divinity in 2015. Amanda earned two undergraduate degrees in religious studies and communication in 2012 and attended UDTS to earn her master of divinity in 2014. Outside of their studies, the pair were heavily involved on campus together. They were both a part of Campus Ministry and the Wendt Character Initiative. They also were involved in international ministry, where they acted as liaisons for international students. Brian and Amanda were passionate about helping fellow students with practical needs and providing an opportunity for them to learn more about Christian faith. Amanda was also a member of Alpha Chi honor society and Lambda Pi Eta, the student honor society of the National Communication Association.

"We had only been married for two years before attending UD. So, we came to UD still feeling like newlyweds. And we would spend the next six years at UD developing as a couple. Simply put, UD was a significant part of our early married life. We learned how to be a husband and wife while living in student housing, we learned to be students together, and we had two children while at UD. We enjoyed campus life and going to the live shows at Heritage Center, having many coffee dates at Sylvia's, and, sometimes, using the student discount at Hardee's," Amanda said.

Brian added, "Campus Ministry was a huge part of our growth. I remember sitting in Rev. Jim Gunn's office many times for counseling."

In May 2015, the Beverly family moved to Hammond, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Together, they have planted and pastor Well of Life Church in Hammond, which has been around for six years. They pride themselves on having a vibrant church full of younger and older adults. Additionally, Brian and Amanda own a book publishing company called Outpour Press. Brian has written four books and is a conference speaker. Amanda hosts a yearly women's conference, Remain, and homeschools their four children, Kamden (11), Ada (9), Bailey (7), and Micaiah (4). They are expecting their fifth child in September 2023.

Brian and Amanda stay busy keeping up with their active children. Currently, their daughters are loving dance classes. All four of the children are also a part of a local running club and love being a part of church life with their parents.

In their free time, the couple enjoys frequent visits to the gym and have a passion for fitness. In 2022, Amanda ran her first marathon. Brian enjoys writing as much as possible. In the near future, they plan to extend their ministry into Kenya. Their goal is to provide ministerial training with spiritual and practical needs. Brian and Amanda are currently fundraising for Outpour Community Center in their city.

Besides building their relationship, some of their fondest memories of their college years are centered around UD's racial diversity. They cherish their relationships and friendships with so many people from different countries and races.

"Some of our truest friendships that were made were with faculty and staff," Amanda said.

While at the University of Dubuque, the couple saw many renovations and programs established. They are thankful that UD always adapts to meet new challenges.

"We love Dubuque. And even though we both grew up in Ohio, we experienced so much growth there that we often say that Dubuque feels like our hometown. We often joke that one day we will buy a vacation house on one of the bluffs in Dubuque," Brian said.

Brian and Amanda recently returned to their campus home in September 2021 for UD's Opening Convocation. Both Brian and Amanda participated in the service, with Brian providing the convocation address.