On Feb. 6, two students’ lives were changed forever — one question, a well-planned surprise and the support of Arkansas State University that made it all possible. 

With the help of A-State and the Dean B. Ellis Library, Chris Finney created an unforgettable marriage proposal for his girlfriend, Madisin Rouse, by incorporating special campus landmarks and a personalized scavenger hunt. 

“This idea was welcomed with open arms that created both a unique opportunity for myself, and an opportunity for the university to showcase what an amazing institution it is, and how they view their students: the core of A-State,” Chris Finney said.

Finney, a business administration graduate student from Lansing, Kansas, said he had been planning the proposal for a month, but wanted to propose to Rouse since the first day they began dating a year ago.

“I knew from the moment we met that she was the one for me,” Finney said. “It was just a matter of time.”

He began the proposal with a scavenger hunt, leading Rouse, his now-fiancée, through locations significant to their relationship. The final stop was the parking garage, where she saw the bell tower lit in a special color, followed by Centennial Bank Arena. 

”I was so eager to ask the magical question, but I was also sure to embrace every moment for what it was and how important it is to me,” Finney said.

The Dean B. Ellis Library Bell Tower played a crucial role in the proposal, as it was a favorite spot for the couple. Initially, Finney said he hoped to have a special song play from the tower, but due to maintenance, he instead requested the tower be illuminated light blue —Rouse’s favorite color—and dark blue for his.

“Experiencing the tower light color I had chosen that night and driving into the stadium and walking down to the field, my heart just pounded with excitement, ready for what comes next, but still embracing each moment,” Finney said.

Jeff Bailey, library dean, said Finney emailed the library on Jan. 21 about the special request. Bailey said Finney mentioned a previous article in The Herald regarding the inner workings of the bell tower. 

Bailey referred Finney to Todd Clark, the chief marketing and communication officer, who oversaw the campus unit responsible for lighting the bell tower.

He said both he and Clark supported the idea of special lighting to celebrate the occasion.

“I think it is great that the university was able to help this student create a special environment for his marriage proposal, and I was happy to play a small role in making it happen,” Bailey said. 

Finney said he had no idea where to begin when planning the proposal, but through guidance and correspondence with the right people, he connected with A-State’s social media team, who were “all in and eager to help.”

Rachel Anderson, A-State’s director of social media, said Finney reached out to different groups on campus to help with his proposal before she got involved. 

“I am a sucker for a sweet love story, so I was on board from day one!” Anderson said. 

She said the university’s marketing and communications department developed the plan to set the proposal on the field and had a dozen A-State employees help. 

“It was definitely a team effort and we are all so excited for Chris and Madisin,” Anderson said. 

Finney said A-State’s support and help with his proposal was indescribable. 

“Words cannot accurately explain what this means to be welcomed with open arms and have the highest level of support from not only A-State, but also much further than the NEA region,” Finney said. 

Rouse, a senior social work major from Paragould, said she had no idea the proposal was coming. 

“I thought there wasn’t any possible way it would happen that night. I was wrong. While I had literal clues in the format of a scavenger hunt, I didn’t actually know what was going to happen,” Rouse said. “I don’t think I truly knew what was happening until he got down on one knee in front of me.”

She said when she first saw the special lighting of the bell tower, she was “beyond happy and giddy” when Finney told her he had arranged it for her.

”Blue is my favorite color and he put a lot of thought into getting into contact with someone to get it to be changed,” Rouse said. “I just really couldn’t believe it was lit up blue just for me.”

She said she was shocked when Finney got down on one knee and was impressed he had not given anything away beforehand.

“I could not speak at first. I had to shake my head yes at least twice before the “yes” could come out,” Rouse said. “I have never been speechless in my life before like I was in that moment. Him asking me to marry him was the best moment in my life.”

She said she is “eternally grateful” to everyone who played a role in the proposal.

“A-State is so important to me and I think my appreciation has grown tenfold knowing that they are willing to invest in the lives of their students even outside of their studies,” Rouse said. “It is a nice feeling to know that I belong to a college that truly cares about me.”

To watch the special moment, visit A-State’s official Instagram page, @arkansasstate, to view the reel posted for Valentine’s Day. 

Categories: Life