BGSU couple returning to Bowling Green to celebrate their 54th wedding anniversary at Homecoming

Clarence Daniels Jr. ‘71, ‘73, and his wife, Dr. Monet Daniels ‘72, ‘74, plan to attend the Falcon Flames vow renewal ceremony, among other events

Over the years, Bowling Green State University alumni Clarence Daniels Jr. ‘71, ‘73, and his wife, Dr. Monet Daniels ‘72, ‘74, have spent their wedding anniversary in places like Hawaii, Europe and Napa Valley.

This year, the Daniels are traveling from their home in Los Angeles to Bowling Green to celebrate in the place where their love story began.

The Falcon Flames will celebrate 54 years of marriage on Sept. 11, the first day of BGSU Homecoming 2025. Their visit will mark Dr. Monet Daniels’ first time at a BGSU Homecoming. 

“When I saw that Homecoming began on our anniversary, I suggested to Clarence that we go back to where it all began,” Dr. Monet Daniels said. “Then, as we started sharing our plans with our family in Ohio, everyone got so excited and thought it was such a great idea. There’s just something about going home for Homecoming.”

They’ll be joined by their grandson, who is enrolled in the BGSU MBA program.

Clarence Daniels, who was last on campus in 2022 when he was inducted into the Academy of Distinguished Alumni, agreed that Bowling Green would be a wonderful place to spend their anniversary.

“You get to this age and look around and see where your blessings are and how it all came together, and you ask yourself, ‘What are the makings of this?’” he said. “BGSU is one of those really important parts of our story, both personally and professionally. My opportunities came from a public university. I strongly believe in the power of public universities and the University’s mission as a public university for the public good.”

The Daniels plan to fully immerse themselves in Homecoming throughout their several-day stay in Bowling Green, including renewing their vows. 

The Falcon Flames vow renewal ceremony, which will be officiated by BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers, will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday in front of Prout Chapel. Falcon Flames – married couples who both graduated from the University – can be found in all 50 states and Washington. The group is formally recognized through the BGSU Alumni Association, which sends Valentine’s Day cards to couples annually.

The couple met early in college and were married in 1971, the summer before Dr. Monet Daniels’ senior year and Clarence Daniels’ first year of graduate school. They both attribute the timing of their marriage and their adventurous spirit to the longevity of their relationship.

“Because we were so young when we committed to each other and got married, we were building our own rules,” Dr. Monet Daniels said. “We were forging our path together.”

Clarence Daniels earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from BGSU and a juris doctor from the Howard University College of Law. He is the founder and retired CEO of CMS Hospitality, an airport food and beverage concessions company among the fastest-growing in its industry.

Dr. Monet Daniels earned her bachelor’s degree in education and master’s in education administration from BGSU and a doctorate in education from George Washington University. She retired as president of Daniels and Associates, an educational consulting firm specializing in urban school reform.