Christina Trotta, CCAS BA ’05 & Lee Roupas, GWSB BBA ’05
An interest in politics brought both Christina and Lee to GW, and ultimately it helped bring them together.
Wanting to learn more about politics and government, Lee thought GW would offer a good learning environment both in and out of the classroom.
“I similarly was drawn to GW through my love of politics and a desire to take advantage of all of the opportunities that DC had to offer,” says Christina, who grew up in Bellport, NY.
Even though they had several mutual friends through the College Republicans, the two didn’t develop a friendship until their sophomore year. When Lee became interested in running for SA senator, it was suggested that he talk to Christina, as she was already involved in the Student Association.
“When he stopped down to my dorm room in the Dakota, I was sick with mono, and he stayed and talked to me for quite a while about student politics,” she says.
Lee stopped by often to talk about student politics while she recovered and at the same time they became good friends. They later served together in the SA Senate, in the College Republicans (both were chairman, one year apart) and as co-chairs of the 2005 senior class gift.
After graduation, both went on to law school and ended up in Chicago, where Lee grew up.
Fast forward to April 1, 2011, when the couple was in town for an annual gathering of college friends. While walking through campus, Lee proposed in front of the clock tower in Kogan Plaza. From there, he took Christina on a limo ride to the illuminated monuments and then to dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill, one of their favorite D.C. landmarks, where they were joined by her parents and their close college friends.
“We continued celebrating at the alumni dinner the following evening,” she adds.
Today, both are attorneys in Chicago. Christina is a securities lawyer at Winston & Strawn LLP and recently represented Groupon in its initial public offering; Lee is an assistant state’s attorney in Dupage County.
“GW was some of the best times in our lives, and it continues to have a lasting impact on us in our future endeavors,” says Lee.
“GW will always hold a special place in our hearts,” adds Christina.
