Finding love at CSUB

Trae and Kristy Gilmartin

By California State University, Bakersfield

February 12^th, 2018

As Valentine's Day approaches, we're sharing the stories of CSUB alumni who met and fell in love on campus.

Our love has grown across state lines and over the years and it all began at CSUB back in 2009.

Trae's account of how we met:

Kristy and I have a bit of an unorthodox "how we met" story.

Way back in my first year at CSUB, I was convinced by one of my friends to join Greek life. After a few months of doing that, I kept seeing this really pretty woman all over campus, I figured it was coincidence as she was also in Greek life.

Little did I know she had locked onto me as her object of affection. So I continued being clueless to the advances of this beautiful junior who was way out of my league, because why would she ever be interested in a freshman like me?

After we crossed paths a few times at parties and campus events, we got together and started this long road to the wedding bells.

Kristy and Trae Gilmartin at a Relay for Life fundraising event in 2010.

Kristy's account of how we met:

We met at California State University, Bakersfield in 2009. I was a junior at the time and Trae was a freshman.

During spring quarter our paths crossed since we are both members of Greek organizations and Greek Week was just around the corner. Knowing that Trae had graphic design skills, I thought this was a great opportunity to ask him to help me with a homework assignment.

He thought he was crafting a poster for my marketing assignment, while I was trying to captivate his attention and get to know him better -- silly Trae didn't catch on for quite some time. He told me I needed to be bold and catch his attention.

Needless to say, I think I found a way to catch his attention.

Trae Gilmartin proposed to his now-wife, Kristy, at Disneyland.

The proposal and wedding bells:

Leading up to a trip back home in 2015, it was no surprise that Kristy was a bit antsy to see when and how Trae was going to pop the question. He had mentioned that she would know when the day was here.

Hmm, she wondered. What in the world does that mean?

Well while they were home, Trae said he bought tickets to Disneyland. Ding ding ding! This must be it, right?

Not wanting to get her hopes up, Kristy played it cool and eagerly waited for their trip to the happiest place on earth. She was completely surprised that during their first photo op of the day, Trae got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.

She must admit she doesn’t really remember what he said or what she said -- she was too taken back and surprised (and the tourist circling around them didn't help). They then spent the rest of the day floating on a cloud and Disneyland got a little bit more magical in their eyes.

In July 2016, Kristy and Trae became Mr. and Mrs. Gilmartin in a beautiful outdoor ceremony in Arroyo Grande, Calif. The bridal party was filled with friends who have been beside Kristy and Trae as their romance grew from a simple crush to husband and wife.

Kristy's maid of honor was her best friend and sorority sister in Gamma Phi Beta. Trae's best man was his big brother in his fraternity, Kappa Sigma.

Kristy and Trae currently live in Kennewick, Wash., with their black cat Ranger (named after their favorite baseball team).

Finding love at CSUB

Trae and Kristy Gilmartin

Gift from Chevron will help establish program that will support STEM majors

Potential participants are encouraged to RSVP and begin gathering records

February 11^th, 2026

KCSOS Superintendent John Mendiburu to be inducted into Alumni Hall of Fame

Several events being held throughout February

Jennifer Barrera to be inducted into Alumni Hall of Fame