For Jeremy DeCarlo ’16, St. Thomas Aquinas College wasn’t just where he earned his degree in Communication Arts, it was where he formed lifelong friendships, created unforgettable memories, and also found the love of his life.
Jeremy and his wife, Julia (Ferranto) DeCarlo, were married on May 2, 2026, in Beach Haven, NJ at St. Thomas Aquinas Church overlooking the beach. Located in the same town where they had their first date, the century-old Church felt like a perfect connection to their story and the College. Long before Jeremy proposed, the couple already knew it was where they wanted to be married.
Jeremy and Julia’s connection to STAC remains strong, especially through the friendships made during their academic journey. Six STAC alumni stood by their side in the wedding party: Laura Duran Alvarez ’16, Emily Hazelton ’20, Jamie Vinolas ’16, Rob Hornberger ’20, Clint Walker ’18, and Manny Yungaicela ’16.
When Jeremy reflects on his time at STAC, it’s not one single moment that stands out, but the countless everyday experiences he shared with friends at their dorm, in class together, and walking on campus: “I never felt alone at STAC. Whether we were hanging out in the residence halls or grabbing meals together at the McNelis Commons Dining Hall, we did everything as a group. It honestly felt like we were living in our own TV show.”
At STAC, Jeremy and Julia crossed paths several times before either of them realized they would one day get married and spend their lives together. They officially met in the STAC Fitness Center, and what neither of them knew was that their STAC stories had already begun long before that day. Julia was a member of the Cheerleading and Dance teams, and Jeremy later discovered she had unknowingly appeared in the background of a photo he had taken at a Basketball game before they had even met. Both were very involved in campus life — Jeremy participated in Club Baseball, the Communications Club, and WSTK Radio, while Julia was active in Performing Arts, STACapella, and WSTK Radio, although at different times.
Jeremy encourages current students to immerse themselves in every opportunity campus has to offer: “Do everything you can! Go to all the events, BINGO nights, and join clubs.” During his Open House experience, Jeremy remembers an alumnus mentioning that he met his wife at STAC. Jeremy says: “I can happily say I met mine at STAC too.”