by: Alicia Erickson, Director of Alumni Relations
A lot of people have found love while attending college at Dickinson State. For two alumni, their love story started a little differently. Tami Hilton and Aric Mines went to college at Dickinson State University at around the same time in the late 1990’s. They knew each other and partied together, but they never actually dated. Aric was on the football team and a few years older than Tami. Tami was a social butterfly and a big supporter of the Blue Hawk athletic teams. They were even neighbors in the legendary “Blues” apartment complex adjacent to the football field.
Fast forward to June of 2015. Aric was at his closing for his home. His closer from North Dakota Guaranty & Title in Dickinson was his old friend, Tami. For anyone who knows Tami, they know she can talk up a storm to anyone including an old college friend. She ended the closing by mentioning that they should meet for drinks sometime to catch up. Well, Aric does what any good guy does and calls her to meet him for drinks.
Everyone knows that in order for a love story to work, the friends must approve. In this case, this couple shared a lot of the same friends. According to Tami, “When people found out that we were dating, everyone was excited and thought it was great!” Aric summed it up pretty well, “Everybody loves Tami!”
Aric also had to impress a few other people. Tami was recently divorced and had three children that needed to approve. Good thing Aric was used to being a big brother type figure from his years of serving as an assistant football coach because he won the hearts of the kids.
Over time the love of this couple grew. Aric knew he wanted to propose in Deadwood. Anyone familiar with the Black Hills also knows that they are known for their jewelry. “I knew I wanted to do it in Deadwood but wasn’t exactly sure how I was going to do it. On the way down we stopped at a gas station in Newell and she pointed to a jewelry case with Montana Silver in it and cracked a joke about an engagement ring. Little did she know that I had the ring in my pocket! I made a joke about her deserving the best and that only a Black Hills Gold (Tami’s not a fan) ring would do. I promised her that I would make that happen. Saturday evening I walked into Goldberg’s Jewelry on Main Street in Deadwood and asked for a Landstrom’s box. I proposed to her on a bench on Main Street with that Black Hills Gold box. She was laughing until she realized that there was an actual ring inside the Black Hills Gold box,” Aric explained.
Aric, Tami, Aidan, Addison, and Henlie became a family on February 17, 2018, in front of family and many friends from their college days. Their colors were none other than the colors of their alma mater – navy blue and gray.
As they come upon their first year wedding anniversary, they both state that their marriage is strong today because of the way they approach their marriage. “Communication and most of all lots of laughs and having fun,” stated Tami.
As far as giving advice, “I’m probably the last person that should be giving any relationship advice, but I haven’t screwed this up and it’s been a year, so I guess here it goes. Marry your best friend. Find your “ride or die.” Find someone that you can see yourself growing old with. Find someone that loves you no matter what and doesn’t want to change you or your beliefs. It also doesn’t hurt to find someone that can cook,” exclaimed Aric.
Today, they are both just as active in the Blue Hawk family as they were during their college days. Aric is a proud member of the Blue Hawk Touchdown Club and Tami is active with the Blue Chicks. They can be found at many of the fundraising and athletic events. Just like their love for each other, their love for their alma mater has grown over time. Aric stated, “DSU means family to me. Dickinson State has been a huge part of my life and I am glad that I made the decision to come to school here over 20 years ago.”
