Tuning into love: Sydney and Roland’s a cappella journey
Tuning into love: Sydney and Roland’s a cappella journey
This Valentine’s Day, we celebrate the story of Sydney Cruz (Sisson) ’21 and Roland Cruz ’20, whose love story took shape at the University of Rochester. With music, shared laughter, and late-night study sessions, Roland’s playful and not-so-subtle efforts to be around Sydney helped turn their connection into a lifelong partnership.
Sydney and Roland in Hong Kong on a trip to visit Roland’s family
Singing from the heart
The University of Rochester will always hold a special place in Sydney and Roland’s hearts. The chances of their paths crossing were slim, with Sydney growing up just an hour and a half from campus and Roland coming from high school in Singapore.
Sydney and Roland’s love story began with After Hours, the University of Rochester’s co-ed a cappella group. Roland first saw Sydney after a performance when the group was all dressed up, and she immediately caught his attention. Motivated to get to know her, Roland auditioned for and joined After Hours.
As they sang together, bonding in rehearsals and performances, their friendship grew.
Roland fondly remembers how, early in their relationship, he was most nervous about impressing Sydney during performances. While the audience was important, he always concentrated on how Sydney would view him. Over time, as they performed more together, he became more comfortable stepping out of his comfort zone, knowing it strengthened their bond. “It’s almost like showing vulnerability for someone,” Roland said, “and that just made our relationship grow.” Roland’s persistence and Sydney’s warmth created a dynamic that quickly became something special. As weeks of rehearsals brought the members of After Hours closer, Sydney and Roland began seeing each other every day, both during and outside of a cappella.
Sydney and Roland in Hong Kong on a trip to visit Roland’s family
Singing from the heart
The University of Rochester will always hold a special place in Sydney and Roland’s hearts. The chances of their paths crossing were slim, with Sydney growing up just an hour and a half from campus and Roland coming from high school in Singapore.
Sydney and Roland’s love story began with After Hours, the University of Rochester’s co-ed a cappella group. Roland first saw Sydney after a performance when the group was all dressed up, and she immediately caught his attention. Motivated to get to know her, Roland auditioned for and joined After Hours.
As they sang together, bonding in rehearsals and performances, their friendship grew.
Roland fondly remembers how, early in their relationship, he was most nervous about impressing Sydney during performances. While the audience was important, he always concentrated on how Sydney would view him. Over time, as they performed more together, he became more comfortable stepping out of his comfort zone, knowing it strengthened their bond. “It’s almost like showing vulnerability for someone,” Roland said, “and that just made our relationship grow.” Roland’s persistence and Sydney’s warmth created a dynamic that quickly became something special. As weeks of rehearsals brought the members of After Hours closer, Sydney and Roland began seeing each other every day, both during and outside of a cappella.
Sydney and Roland performing in an After Hours semester show
Love after hours
Joining the a cappella group was just one of Roland’s many schemes to meet Sydney. Roland went as far as to register for an audiology class—part of Sydney’s coursework as an American Sign Language major—despite having no reason to be in those classes as a finance student himself. But to Roland, it was the perfect opportunity to share coursework and have the ultimate excuse to study and do homework together.
As members of Greek life, Roland and Sydney also attended formal events, hosted philanthropic events, and cheered each other on during competitions with their fraternities and sororities. One memorable event was a basketball tournament hosted by Sydney’s sorority, which Roland’s fraternity team was determined to win.
Sydney coached Roland’s team, making signs and keeping them on schedule, while Roland rallied his teammates to victory. These moments of collaboration and fun solidified their bond as they continued to find more and more ways to connect.
Wedding bells
After graduation, music continued to play a central role in Sydney and Roland’s lives. They have sung together at weddings, including performances for close friends and family, and they still enjoy harmonizing at home. At their wedding in 2023, they had a special table designated for members of After Hours. The day-after brunch of their wedding at Sydney’s parents’ house turned into a nostalgic mini-performance. Surrounded by friends and family, the couple and some group members sang “Stand by Me,” a song with deep sentimental value as it was used to welcome new members into After Hours. It was a heartfelt reminder of their shared musical journey and the community that brought them together.
While music remains important, their professional journeys have expanded in new directions. Sydney is working toward a doctorate in audiology, while Roland is a data operations analyst. Despite busy schedules, they prioritize making time for each other and their shared interests, even if it’s as simple as singing together in the kitchen while making dinner.
Continuing their Yellowjacket journey
Now back in Rochester after moving to Arizona after graduation, Sydney and Roland are excited to reconnect with the University and engage with the alumni community. They look forward to attending campus events, connecting with other young alumni in the area, and participating in more alumni experiences.
Looking back, they credit After Hours for giving them a love for performing and a foundation of teamwork, communication, and mutual respect that has enriched their relationship. Their story is a reminder that sometimes, the most harmonious partnerships start with a shared melody.
Roland and Sydney from their basketball tournament in 2019
Roland and Sydney at their wedding in 2023
Roland and Sydney from their basketball tournament in 2019
Roland and Sydney at their wedding in 2023
Love after hours
Joining the a cappella group was just one of Roland’s many schemes to meet Sydney. Roland went as far as to register for an audiology class—part of Sydney’s coursework as an American Sign Language major—despite having no reason to be in those classes as a finance student himself. But to Roland, it was the perfect opportunity to share coursework and have the ultimate excuse to study and do homework together.
As members of Greek life, Roland and Sydney also attended formal events, hosted philanthropic events, and cheered each other on during competitions with their fraternities and sororities. One memorable event was a basketball tournament hosted by Sydney’s sorority, which Roland’s fraternity team was determined to win.
Sydney coached Roland’s team, making signs and keeping them on schedule, while Roland rallied his teammates to victory. These moments of collaboration and fun solidified their bond as they continued to find more and more ways to connect.
Wedding bells
After graduation, music continued to play a central role in Sydney and Roland’s lives. They have sung together at weddings, including performances for close friends and family, and they still enjoy harmonizing at home. At their wedding in 2023, they had a special table designated for members of After Hours. The day-after brunch of their wedding at Sydney’s parents’ house turned into a nostalgic mini-performance. Surrounded by friends and family, the couple and some group members sang “Stand by Me,” a song with deep sentimental value as it was used to welcome new members into After Hours. It was a heartfelt reminder of their shared musical journey and the community that brought them together.
While music remains important, their professional journeys have expanded in new directions. Sydney is working toward a doctorate in audiology, while Roland is a data operations analyst. Despite busy schedules, they prioritize making time for each other and their shared interests, even if it’s as simple as singing together in the kitchen while making dinner.
Continuing their Yellowjacket journey
Now back in Rochester after moving to Arizona after graduation, Sydney and Roland are excited to reconnect with the University and engage with the alumni community. They look forward to attending campus events, connecting with other young alumni in the area, and participating in more alumni experiences.
Looking back, they credit After Hours for giving them a love for performing and a foundation of teamwork, communication, and mutual respect that has enriched their relationship. Their story is a reminder that sometimes, the most harmonious partnerships start with a shared melody.
Share your story:
Sydney and Roland’s journey is a beautiful reminder of how the University of Rochester brings people together in unexpected ways. Whether you found love, lifelong friendships, or a passion that shaped your path, we’d love to hear your story! Submit a class note and let us know where life has taken you since graduation.
— Amelia Sykes, Winter 2025