Husker Love Story: Jake Strange and Amanda Walla

Monday, February 22, 2021 - 2:30pm

Jake and Amanda first met in 2012 in Mass Media 101. Amanda remembers having assigned seats and that Jake’s seat was always in her line of vision.

Eventually Jake asked Amanda on a coffee date which turned into more coffee dates where they would talk for hours. Now, they’ve been together for almost eight years and have been living together for five years.

“We pride ourselves on being very open with our communication. Our friends often joke that we’re essentially married,” Jake said.

After graduating in 2016, Amanda was hired as a graphic designer at Omaha advertising agency Ervin and Smith. She has been there ever since.

Jake was hired full time at Agent as a project manager after his senior year internship as an account service intern there came to a close. His role eventually transitioned into a brand manager position.

The couple’s advice for CoJMC students is to start slow and get to know each other in person.

“Something unique about our love story is that we didn’t meet through online dating, which is kind of rare these days,” Amanda said. “It was special getting to know Jake slowly and I think that helped build the strong connection we have today.”

Jake and Amanda at a Husker tailgate, September 2013.
Jake and Amanda at their home in Omaha.