Whether you are walking to class or lining up to get into the game, you are sure to see a welcoming smile from Stephanie Hesse. You aren’t going to find a bigger fan of “Impractical Jokers” or a more genuinely kind person on campus than Stephanie. I have had the pleasure of getting to know her through our favorite organization, Alpha Phi Omega. I can honestly say that Stephanie is one of the best representatives of The University of Iowa and one of my absolute favorite people. I am so honored to introduce her to you!
Name: Stephanie Hesse
Graduation year: 2019
Major: Industrial Engineering
Why did you choose U of I?
Well, it’s kind of a funny story because I was actually dead set on going to Iowa State until halfway through my junior year. That spring I came to a high school conference hosted by the Society of Women Engineers. Before this conference, Iowa wasn’t even an option for me, and I knew nothing about their engineering program. However, I absolutely loved it! I thought the campus was absolutely fantastic, and all the people I met were extremely welcoming. I applied that summer and got accepted before my senior year even started. It was the only school I applied to and the only one I really wanted to go to after the experiences I had at the SWE Conference. Looking back at it, I honestly couldn’t see myself going anywhere else! I definitely bleed black and gold.
Plans after college?
I hope to jump into a full time position as an Industrial Engineer somewhere. With only being a sophomore though I’m not entirely sure where but I’ll figure that out eventually. Other than that, I’m not really sure what I’m going to do. Maybe travel around the world a bit, get married, start a family? I honestly don’t really know!
Favorite thing to do near campus?
I would probably have to say spending my Saturdays at Kinnick during the fall semester. I LOVE HAWKEYE FOOTBALL GAMES! I normally get to the stadium like four hours before kickoff so I can try and get in the front row. The games are so much fun, and I love how much school spirit everyone has! However, outside of the football season I would probably have to say the CAB events. They have a lot of really cool events, and the $3 movies are always fun to go to with friends!
Favorite student organizations?
Anyone who knows me should know the answer to this one right away! My favorite org is definitely Alpha Phi Omega! It’s a service fraternity founded on the three principles of leadership, friendship and service. We do a lot of really cool service events around campus and the community, including things such as Petco Adoption Days, Habitat for Humanity and cooking meals at the Ronald McDonald House. I feel like this org has helped me grow as a leader, and I’ve been able to figure out who I really am. It has made college a lot easier to get through and makes me feel like I truly belong on Iowa’s huge campus. The friendships and memories I have made throughout the past couple semesters in APO are something that I will always be grateful for. This group is made up of so many amazing people, and I’m so proud to call them my brothers!
What is your go-to movie or TV show? Why?
Definitely “Impractical Jokers.” I can watch every episode like 20 times and still think it’s as funny as the first time! Plus, I got to meet them, so that was pretty sweet! They were really cool guys, so watching their show now is like 100x better!
Biggest advice to U of I students?
Don’t skip class, try not to procrastinate, and study even if you think you don’t need to!
Anything you want to do or recommend people do before graduation?
I would recommend that people find a student organization and make it their own. I already found mine, and it has been the best part of my college experience by far!
What is on your current Spotify/iTunes/Pandora playlist? Favorite song/artist and why?
Meghan Trainor Radio on Pandora is my life! I love the combination of artists, and it normally plays a lot of my favorite songs! However, Adele is probably my favorite artist right now. I got her new album for Christmas, and I am absolutely in love with it!