The Crimson Promenade has been a cherished part of The University of Alabama’s campus for years, offering a space to create lasting memories. For some, however, it holds an even deeper significance.
In 2000, Crystal Nichols had just moved to Tuscaloosa, still getting to know the city and settling in. Thankfully, she had two great friends who made her feel right at home. One evening, they invited her out to dinner at DePalma’s, a local spot that quickly became one of her favorites. After dinner they headed to a friend’s place for a movie night – a decision that would forever change her life.
When Crystal walked into the movie night, her gaze immediately landed on a guy sitting across the room. His name was Jeff, and before long, they were deep in conversation. The movie quickly faded into the background as they shared stories and played pool and card games, enjoying each other’s company the entire evening. As the night came to a close, Jeff offered to give Crystal a ride home and asked if she’d be interested in going on a date sometime. Without hesitation, she said yes.
It turns out Jeff was a student-athlete on the UA baseball team, which meant his schedule was packed with practices, games and classes. It took a while before they could finally plan that date, but Crystal says it was well worth the wait. Of course, when the day came, they ended up going to DePalma’s.
Crystal and Jeff stayed together throughout the rest of their college years, making lasting memories along the way. Jeff graduated with a bachelor’s degree in marketing in December 2002, and Crystal earned her master’s in marketing the following May. Even after graduation, UA still felt like a magical place for the couple. Though they were about to begin a new chapter, the campus remained a symbol of their growth and shared experiences, further strengthening their bond.
During her time at UA, Crystal worked as a graduate assistant for the Avanti team, which kept her around the UA Student Center and the heart of campus, making her very familiar with the Crimson Promenade. She and Jeff had often joked about all the different things they could put on a brick. But it wasn’t just talk – Jeff had been planning something special. In December 2003, after dinner at their favorite spot (of course, DePalma’s), he took Crystal for a walk around campus. When they reached the Promenade, he dropped to one knee next to a very specific paver and read her a poem he had written. She saw the paver near his knee that read, “Crystal, will you marry me?” It was the perfect way to ensure their story was engraved forever in this place so significant to their journey.
The couple married in July 2004 (and engraved a second paver right next to the proposal brick) and now live in suburban Atlanta. Jeff has spent over 20 years as a teacher and coach, working with both elementary and middle school students while coaching football and baseball. Crystal is currently a senior digital marketing manager at a cybersecurity company. They have two children, Claudia and Willson, who have been raised as passionate Alabama fans. The family frequently returns to campus to cheer on the Crimson Tide at sporting events and reminisce about the life they built in Tuscaloosa.
“The University of Alabama will always hold a special place in our hearts – it’s where our story began. It feels like coming home every time we visit. Whether it’s to visit family or for football, baseball, or basketball games, the campus brings back so many wonderful memories and reminds us of the foundation of our life together,” said Crystal.
Do you have a special event, memory or achievement you want to celebrate in a meaningful way? The Crimson Promenade offers a unique opportunity to leave a lasting mark on campus with your very own commemorative brick. Whether it’s honoring a milestone, recognizing a loved one, or marking a personal achievement, your brick will become part of the vibrant legacy of The University of Alabama. Celebrate your connection to the Capstone in a way that will stand the test of time.
