Susie and Tom met at a mixer in February 1977. They walked to her car, which would not start. He gave her a ride home and the next day took her to get a new battery. They were engaged by May and married in December 1977. She dropped out of school but continued with her job on campus. They live in Austin and have remained active with the university, including his service on the Board of Regents. Tom is a Texas State Distinguished Alumnus.