Some love stories begin with a chance meeting. Others start with a dance—and grow stronger with every mile run side by side.
For Danielle (Fennelly) ’06 and Kaylon Spengler ‘06, Mount Mercy University wasn’t just where they earned their degrees. It was where their lives quietly and unexpectedly intertwined, shaping a relationship grounded in faith, community, and shared purpose.
Their story began thanks to mutual friends who set them up to attend a dance together. Their roommates were dating, so Danielle and Kaylon tagged along, never expecting the evening would mark the beginning of something lasting.
First impressions?
Danielle remembers thinking, “Wow, he’s a good dancer.”
Kaylon recalls his own surprise: “Older woman?!”
“I’m only six months older,” Danielle clarifies. “Not a lot, but it’s always been a joke between us.”
What started as a lighthearted introduction soon deepened through time spent together on campus—and especially through cross country and track. Danielle often traveled to meets to watch Kaylon compete, until he eventually convinced her to join the team herself. Running became a shared rhythm, weaving their days together with practices, competitions, and quiet moments in between.
Much of their Mount Mercy life unfolded at the Hennessey Recreation Center, where they would run together, attend volleyball and basketball games, and play intramural sports. Sundays, however, were reserved for Mass in the Chapel of Mercy, a steady grounding point amid busy schedules.
“We had so much routine with class, practice, meals, competitions, and church,” Danielle shared. “It helped keep us out of trouble.”
Danielle chose Mount Mercy for its close-to-home feel, small campus, and Catholic identity—all the elements she was looking for in a college. She graduated with a degree in healthcare administration, appreciating the program’s blend of business foundations and hands-on practicums supported by dedicated faculty.
Kaylon followed his older sister to Mount Mercy, recruited to run by Ryan Scheckel, head coach for men’s and women’s track and field and assistant coach for men’s and women’s cross country. He earned a business degree with a minor in history, learning from professors who left a lasting impression.
“Dale [Harrison] is inseparable from my memories at Mount Mercy,” Kaylon said of his business professor.
Together, the Spenglers credit Mount Mercy faculty and staff for modeling genuine care, mentorship, and community. Coach Scheckel and his wife, Jill, stood out as examples of a faith-centered marriage, treating their teams like family. Others—Harrison, Rhonda Martin from athletics, Provost Tom Castle, and Victor Rocha in the cafeteria—helped create an environment where students felt truly known and supported.
“They truly cared about all of us,” Danielle said. “And you could feel it.”
Both Danielle and Kaylon graduated in 2006 and built careers that eventually led them back to higher education—this time as professionals.
Danielle spent more than a decade in healthcare before transitioning into advancement and alumni work at St. Ambrose University, where she has now served for nearly 10 years. Kaylon’s career path took him through facilities and operations roles, ultimately leading him to his current role as director of Physical Plant at St. Ambrose.
Working at the same institution has its perks.
“It allows us to give each other grace when it’s needed most,” Danielle shared.
“We also enjoy sharing lunch and Mass when we can,” Kaylon added.
They appreciate understanding each other’s day-to-day responsibilities and having occasional uninterrupted conversations without kids.
Still, Mount Mercy remains the place where everything began.
“We lived less than five miles apart for years and never met,” Danielle reflected. “Without Mount Mercy, we might never have.”
When asked what advice they’d give today’s Mustangs, Kaylon didn’t hesitate:
“Take every opportunity that comes your way. Say yes. Step outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself. Don’t be afraid to fall—in love or otherwise—but be ready to get back up. Get involved and take the time to build relationships with your professors beyond the classroom.”
The Spenglers were married in 2008 and are now a family of six (soon to be seven). Kaylon, Danielle, Savannah, Scarlett, Jameson, and Julian are eagerly awaiting baby number five, arriving in March 2026.
As they continue building a life rooted in faith, family, and service, they carry with them the values first nurtured on the Hill—proof that sometimes, the most meaningful journeys begin exactly where you’re meant to be.
