Uma Scharf of Baltimore was visiting Stanford University last month when she approached Memorial Church, a campus landmark.

Suddenly, a horn blast pierced the air and six young men emerged from behind the church's pillars. Four of them unfurled a huge banner that popped "the question." Another raised a giant photo of Kell Coney, the guy who had enlisted their help from 2,500 miles away. Still another accomplice captured the proceedings on video.

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