Magdalene Biesanz
“There’s nothing quite like a s’more,” said senior Magdalene Biesanz, who would even like to create S’more ice cream. And with her sweet blend of spunk and sincerity, sandwiched between a large smile, there is nobody quite like Biesanz.
A double Writing and Rhetoric and English major from Sleepy Eye, Minn., Biesanz confessed her love of playing with words. She has used this love as both a writer and editor for the Beacon, where she enjoys the late production nights, even when a computer breaks down at 2 a.m. Other activities that Biesanz has been involved in include the Honors Program, Pax Christi, orientation staff and two SSPs. She has also been a part of the cross-country and track teams, where she.
At one cross-country meet, Biesanz went delirious after running. She couldn’t stop talking, tried to convert her teammates, attempted to sneak away when they weren’t looking and even confessed her love for her team. “But I’m back to normal now,” Biesanz said, “whatever normal is.”
Another memorable time that Biesanz has had at Northwestern, was after the SSP chapel, the year she went to New Mexico. “We were just crying and laughing together because we had shared this amazing experience together,” Biesanz explained. “We were like family.”
Her SSP projects haven’t been the only time that Biesanz has traveled while in college. Last semester, she studied in London and recommends the experience of studying abroad to everybody. “It made me step out and live my education,” Biesanz said.
In the future Biensanz would like to write for an organization, and she is considering going to graduate school for creative writing. Though she doesn’t know what she is going to do next year, Biensanz explained.
Kelly Engelkes
Among the Homecoming Court members is senior Kelly Engelkes from Wellsburg, Iowa. Engelkes is a Psychology major who will graduate in the spring.
After college, Engelkes would like to be a Residence Director. Another possibility is to go to grad school, though she doesn’t know whether grad school or a job as an RD will come first. “The next few years of my life will be filled with either school or working. After that, I don’t know,” she said. Engelkes said she would rather not work at Northwestern. “I love NW, but there comes a point where leaving is a very beautiful thing.”
Her memories of NW include many spontaneous moments. “I don’t have a lot of specific memories, but that just means my overall experience has been really good,” she explained. Parts of her overall experience include a snowball fight with her friends against the boys from West Hall, study breaks with her wing and her junior year as a Residential Assistant. Engelkes described her RA training as enjoyable and memorable. She also enjoyed seeing the freshmen get settled and helping them out. Engelkes describes her attitude as an RA as “hyper. The freshmen were probably like, ‘OK, we’re already nervous to be here and now the RA’s a nutcase!’”
Finally, if Engelkes could create a new Blue Bunny flavor, what would she make? After much pondering, which included asking the opinions of some passers-by, Engelkes came up with “a type of cereal creation, especially vanilla ice cream with Golden Grahams.”
This bright young woman with a great smile is one unique NW student.
Anna Friese
Northwestern’s Anna Friese is know for her witty charm. The senior is a Biology Health Professions major from Minnetonkak, Minn, a city of over 50,000 citizens. She currently lives in Orange City with her husband, Steve.
Anna Friese has many fond memories of her time at NW. She looks back on throwing food in the cafeteria happily. “Night out at North has always been fun,” she added. She also explained that she had fun playing sardines in the library after close, as well as watching movies in VPH at two in the morning. Of course, she admitted, getting caught and paying the $150 dollar fine for being in the building so late was a bit of a set back.
She also enjoyed taking trips with her friends. “It was fun cramming seven people into Andrew Bensen’s little Honda,” explained Friese. She and six students were on their way to Prison Ministries in Souix Falls, S.D. on that particular trip.
Friese has plans for after graduation this spring. “[I will] continue working for Hope Haven until Steve and I can move back to the Twin Cities and pursue graduate school in counseling,” she said.
Friese joked about her reaction to being nominated for Homecoming court. “I thought, ‘Cool—all that bribing really paid off.’”
Seriously, Friese said she felt very honored. “I was surprised because I think it’s fun to be on court and it’s exciting that people thought I was active enough to be on court.”
Given the chance to create a new kind of Blue Bunny ice cream, Friese came up with a special concoction. It would have chocolate covered pretzels and brownie chunks in chocolate ice cream. She named the her creation ‘The Brain Friese.’
Jessica Mueller
For someone who seems reluctant to be put in the spotlight, Jessica Mueller is receiving a lot of attention this week. This O’Neill, Neb., native is happy to be on this year’s Homecoming court, though she admits her nomination was unexpected. “Being in this position just reminds me of the people I love. I have been affected by so many people and just feel fortunate to have such amazing relationships,” she said.
Mueller builds relationships by participating in the I-Club, MCA, working in the Writing Center, as a TA for Prof. Brogan and as an ICLA peer teacher and double-majoring in sociology and humanities.
Being active has provided Mueller with some of her best times at Northwestern. “My favorite memories are in the context of relationships. My housemates have taught me a ton. I have also enjoyed working with Brogan and Rohrer. My relationships with international students have also been a great way to learn from people different from me.”
Although Mueller has had great memories from her time at NW, she also has exciting plans for after college. “I am definitely still in the discernment phase, but I think I’d like to be a professor of sociology. I ultimately want to end up working in a college setting. I’m also thinking about seminary and would ideally like to go through a combination seminary-grad school.”
As for the ice cream, she said:“Given the chance I would not create a new Blue Bunny ice cream flavor. Bunny Tracks is already my favorite. No more options are needed!”
