From ARC Classmates to Lifelong Partners
Sometimes, the most meaningful journeys begin with a detour. For Liza Lipscomb, that meant commuting from Yuba City to American River College (ARC) to pursue a legal assisting certificate not offered at her local college. Encouraged by her uncle, an attorney, she made the trek to ARC—unaware it would be the place she’d meet her future husband.
Shane Lipscomb, on the other hand, started his ARC story right out of high school. After struggling to find an academic pathway that fit, he left college and joined the military. Years later, with support from the GI Bill, he returned to the school he knew—ARC. That first semester back, scheduling issues led him to stand at the front of the class waiting for the professor, setting the stage for something unexpected. That first day Shane realized being by the classroom door was a great icebreaker, giving him the opportunity to connect with classmates.
In one of his early classes, Shane was chatting with a classmate about Hawaii and his time stationed there when he tried to bring Liza, who was sitting behind them, into the conversation. She wasn’t interested in talking and Shane thought that was it, but a few weeks later, Liza walked to the front where he continued to spend his pre-class time and casually asked if his name was Irish, sparking their first conversation—one that never really ended.
Their connection grew over shared classes, mutual friends, and casual meet ups. Eventually, Shane invited Liza to dinner—uncertain if it was a date—only to find her arriving with a single rose. That night, they cooked spinach pinwheels that didn’t quite impress in flavor but set the tone for them to continue creating together. They talked so long that evening that Liza was late to her evening class. Liza checked in on him afterward, and Shane took note. She cared.
After that first date, they would regularly meet up on the little hill between Arts and the Welcome Center as they came from different directions on campus—making time for each other among their busy schedules and Liza’s commute. It would be surprising if you haven’t seen Shane and Liza together on campus, as they still make time to meet up every day around their work schedules.
It was about a year after that first date that they were married. When asked when they “knew” the other was the one, they said there wasn’t a perfect, planned moment. They built a foundation for a relationship on communication, shared values, and mutual respect.
Today, Liza and Shane have been married for over 20 years—celebrating life milestones and daily joys, including many with their child, on the ARC campus and in the local community. Although their child spent time enjoying the ARC campus growing up, they decided to branch out and carve their own path at another college when the time came.
ARC is deeply woven into their lives and over the years has become more like a second home.
Shane’s career started in ARC’s Reading Center thanks to an assessment test that connected him with a coordinator. After returning from military service, he picked up tutoring again, eventually securing a full-time role and even teaching courses. Liza’s ARC story took off when Shane shared information about an opportunity in the Business Services Office. She has worked across departments and roles, and now serves as a full-time specialist in counseling.
Their story doesn’t hinge on one grand romantic moment, but rather on years of walking side-by-side—literally and figuratively. They work together, lunch together, and unwind with sitcoms and sci-fi shows–together. They joke about who’s picking up dinner, and they swear by a good rewatch of The Office, Supernatural, and anything with Nathan Fillion.
When asked what keeps them strong, Liza and Shane credit good communication, complementary strengths—Liza’s practicality, Shane’s big-picture thinking—and their willingness to grow together. Liza even shares her go-to advice for those who ask is: “Focus on the issue, not the person. Take time before reacting emotionally.”
Reflecting on their decades at ARC, they say the college is special, not just for its mission or students, but for its people. Their story is a beautiful reminder that love, friendship, and community can be built and flourish in the very places we come to learn, grow, and find purpose.