Alumni often credit Kenyon with their romantic meet-cutes, writing in to share how they met their future spouse in college — and sometimes later at Reunion. But Stewart Peck ’74 and Renee Brandt Peck ’75, of New Orleans, count themselves among a select group of these alumni: “Stewart and I are among the original Kenyon couples,” said Brandt Peck, who was a member of Kenyon’s third class of women. “It has given us shared memories, crossover friendships and a conjoined history that has deepened our relationship, as the many Kenyon couples since know.”

Renee Brandt Peck ’75

Major at Kenyon: English literature

Born in: Houston, which gave me my twang. But I grew up in DeRidder, Louisiana.

Occupation: Journalist

My life post-Kenyon: I spent 30-plus years as a feature writer and editor, telling other people’s stories for The Times-Picayune, the New Orleans daily newspaper. Post-retirement I started a hyperlocal cultural website (nolavie.com), and am immensely enjoying our five grandchildren.

Proudest accomplishment: Covering the rebuilding of the city post-Katrina. As the paper’s This Mold House columnist (I did not invent the name), I could identify a black stachybotrys spore from afar, navigate a 20-page Road Home application, and I wept with my audience as we figured out how to salvage soggy family photos or dry out Southern pine studs steeped in stagnant water for six weeks.

Favorite Kenyon memento: Our purple wool “Magic Kenyon” blanket, awarded to Stewart for soccer prowess. It has followed us around for 50 years now. We convinced our three daughters that it had magical healing properties.

Anything else? Kenyon relationships remain a lodestar on my horizon. Cherish them, as we have.

Stewart Peck ’74

Major at Kenyon: Political science

Born in: Cleveland

Occupation: Lawyer

My life post-Kenyon: I married Renee, graduated from Tulane Law School and founded a law firm in 1986, where I was managing partner and grew it to more than 50 lawyers. I was part owner of a professional soccer team — the New Orleans Storm — and I’m a father of three daughters and grandfather of five.

Proudest accomplishments: Receiving academic honors at Kenyon and Tulane Law. Serving as co-captain of the Kenyon men’s soccer team my junior and senior years, and winning the Midwest Liberal Arts School Soccer Championship my senior year. And my reputation as a lawyer in the Gulf Coast region and among my peers.

Favorite Kenyon memory: Meeting this Louisiana girl at a Beta party where we danced all night. Been with her ever since.

Anything else? At Kenyon, I learned how to learn and I have continued to be a student throughout my life. In my later years, I have grown to love art and have become a serious art collector.