For years, the Torok family has made a pilgrimage to a familiar spot at The University of Alabama.
Before heading to Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium or strolling across the Quad, they pause along the Crimson Promenade, stopping to savor their little piece of the Capstone.
After graduating from UA in the ’90s, Greg Torok and his sister Stephanie purchased pavers, engraving their names near the Student Center alongside friends and former roommates. The 8-by-8-inch bricks served as bookmarks for the Toroks, unlocking old memories and stories while holding the family’s place on its cherished campus.
This year, the Toroks cemented a new chapter in their UA legacy, as Greg’s youngest daughter, Megan, received her own paver positioned nearby her family’s bricks. For Megan, who graduated from UA in May with a major in public relations, the new marker celebrates a personal milestone as well as a tradition that dates back as long as she can remember.
“It was cool getting to see my dad and aunt’s pavers growing up,” Megan said. “I now know I’ll be able to do the same thing in the future with my future family and my kids. I’ll be able to take them to games and have them see not only my paver but also my dad’s and his sister’s. I also have two younger cousins at Bama right now who will probably also get one.
“Just being able to keep growing how many pavers our family has there and being able to come back and see them is really cool.”
Having grown up near Columbia, South Carolina, Megan jokes that her father brainwashed her and the rest of the family into Alabama fandom. However, while the “Rammer Jammer” chant was routinely rehearsed throughout the Torok household, Greg left the college decision up to each of his two daughters.
“The one rule that I’ve had with them growing up was you can go to any university you want to as long as it’s not Auburn,” Greg said. “Fortunately, that wasn’t a problem.”
Don’t get him wrong, Greg was proud when his oldest daughter, Allison, elected to stay local and attend Clemson. However, he admits there was a bit of relief when Megan chose to carry on the family’s crimson tradition at Alabama a few years later.
“I had gone to all those games growing up, so whenever college application time came around, Alabama was 100% going to be on the list,” Megan said. “I remember whenever I went on my senior tour of Alabama, it really cemented it for me. It just connected with what I remember from growing up, and my dad was so passionate about it. He had such amazing things to say about his time at Alabama and how much he loves the school. Then, just walking through the campus and seeing how beautiful it was and how happy everyone looked, I knew that that was where I wanted to go.
“To this day, I don’t think I would have been happier at any other college.”
During her four years at Alabama, Megan stockpiled her own Capstone memories.
Because of Greg’s military service, Megan was a beneficiary of the Veteran & Military Affairs community. That led to her working with the VMA during her time as a student. It also opened up doors for her to explore other campus opportunities such as Greek Life. A member of Delta Gamma sorority, Megan said some of her best memories at UA came from meeting new friends while experiencing the University’s rich traditions.
“I feel like it was always something new happening,” Megan said. “Coming in early and going through the [Greek life] recruitment process was really cool because it was one of those things that you always see on social media. Everything is just so big and extravagant and almost like unreal, seeing all the door songs and all the huge houses and going through that was so cool and so unique of an experience.
“There were so many great memories all four of my years. All the football games. I remember the Tennessee game my sophomore year, getting to be a part of the whole experience with the cigars in the student section. I’m really grateful I got to do all that.”
After graduating from UA in May, Megan is now working as a search engine optimization analyst at a marketing firm in Atlanta. While her time in Tuscaloosa has come to a close, the Torok family is still planning for a few trips back to the Capstone this fall.
“Right now, my main issue is I want to come back for every single game,” Megan said with a laugh. “I’ll have to control myself, but I’ll definitely be back for at least one game.”
Whenever the Toroks return to UA this fall, their trip to the Crimson Promenade will now have extra meaning as they celebrate an added layer to a timeless legacy on campus.
Pave your own legacy at UA
Leave your mark on the Crimson Promenade by purchasing a pavor today! Brick pavers are priced at $250, while marble pavers cost $1,250. Proceeds from the Crimson Promenade support student scholarships as well as the Division of Student Life at UA.
Reserve your paver by Sept. 30 for placement in time for December 2026 Commencement.
“It’s a minimal investment for a lifetime of memories,” Greg said. “It’s something that you know cements you in University of Alabama history. It’s special to be able to return to campus and say, ‘That’s my name, that’s my daughter’s name!’ It’s nice to know you have left your mark at the University.”