From Frogs First to Forever

Gabriella Dover ’25 and Lance Viscioni-Wilson's ’25 story began before their first day of classes at TCU. 

They met during Frogs First, one of TCU’s first year orientation programs, after being randomly placed in the same small group in Milton Daniel Hall, the Honors residence hall. Sitting in a circle of five students and sharing life stories, they quickly realized how much they had in common: both were only children, Chancellor’s Scholars, on the pre-med track and both shared similar family values. 

“TCU didn’t just bring us together — it placed us in environments designed for meaningful connection,” Dover shares.  

Learning Together, Growing Together 

As the semester began, TCU’s collaborative academic environment continued to bring them together. Enrolled in the same chemistry course, Gabriella and Lance spent hours studying in residence hall spaces and library tables across campus. 

“What started as studying chemistry together slowly became conversations about faith, family and the future.” 

TCU’s emphasis on shared learning spaces did more than support academic success. It created consistent opportunities for students to build relationships alongside their coursework. 

That sense of connection deepened through Exodus, a Christian first-year program affiliated with TCU. Out of 14 small groups, Gabriella and Lance were once again placed together. Through faith-centered discussions and shared reflection, they discovered how closely aligned their values were. 

From the Ozarks to Italy 

Their relationship shifted from friendship to something more during a backpacking trip to the Ozark Mountains through TCU Rec. Away from labs and lectures, the two spent days hiking and talking, discovering a shared love for the outdoors. During that trip, Lance asked Gabriella to be his girlfriend. 

Throughout their time at TCU, Gabriella and Lance continued to grow side by side. Both served as directors and members of the TCU Wellness Education Organization for three years, balancing leadership responsibilities while working closely together. 

They also studied abroad together with TCU Pre-Health Institute in Italy, navigating travel logistics, cultural experiences and academic expectations. Learning to problem-solve together in a new environment strengthened their confidence as partners. 

Partnership Through the Pre-Med Journey 

Balancing rigorous coursework, research, leadership roles and jobs required intentional support. Rather than separating academics from their relationship, Gabriella and Lance leaned into collaboration. Early morning research meetings, shared study sessions and mutual encouragement became routine. 

Lance conducted research in the Aquatic Ecology Lab, studying how human activity affects mercury levels in aquatic insects and ecosystems. Gabriella worked in the Neurobiology of Aging Lab, examining how diet — specifically the Mediterranean versus American diet — influences liver health and may predict neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. 

One everyday moment that captures their relationship was their Tuesday routine. They walked together to 7 a.m. research meetings, stopped for coffee at the campus favorite Ampersand and reviewed notes before mammalian physiology class. The routine reflected how they supported one another through the demands of pre-med life. 

Supported by the Horned Frog Community 

Their growth was shaped by the people around them. Faculty mentors, collaborative peers, Greek life connections and their college ministry at Paradox Church modeled balance, communication and long-term commitment. 

One of their most challenging seasons came while preparing for the MCAT and navigating medical school applications. During that time, their TCU community provided support through recommendation letters, study help, mentorship and encouragement. 

“Our community reminded us that achievement is rarely individual — it’s supported, encouraged and sustained by others.” 

Carrying TCU’s Community Forward 

By graduation in December 2025, Gabriella and Lance completed their pre-med track coursework, earned departmental honors through research in their respective labs and were accepted to multiple medical schools. They will matriculate in summer 2026 as they begin the next chapter of their journey in medicine together. 

Gabriella is set on pursuing pediatrics, hoping to work in an outpatient setting as a general pediatrician, while Lance is interested in a surgical specialty that combines dermatology and oncology, though he remains open to exploring other fields in medical school. 

Looking back, they credit TCU’s emphasis on connection, collaboration and belonging for shaping both their academic paths and the foundation of their relationship.