Maggie Istas

Major: Business Administration
Hometown: Burnsville, Minnesota

Looking back on your time at Stout, what was your favorite part of being a freshman?
Meeting all the new people and being able to be more independent away from the parental unit.

Do you have a job on campus or in Menomonie that keeps you busy outside of class time?
Yes, I work in the Admissions Office at the university as a tour guide.

What is your favorite month of the year?
August. It’s still summer, my birthday is that month and I can look forward to school coming up.

The best book you’ve ever read?
The Lovely Bones, amazing book, soon to be movie — can’t wait!

Why did you choose to go to Stout?
I liked the small campus feel and how it wasn’t too close but not too far from the Twin Cities.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
Graduated from grad school with a degree in Public Policy, on a successful career path and just starting to settle down in the Twin Cities area.

What is one fun thing to do outside in Menomonie?
Outside: Love, love, love the Red Cedar trail along the river. It’s fun to walk and talk with friends there.

Your first "college kiss". How did you meet the lucky one? On campus? Off?
Oh yes, freshman year outside the dorms after a romantic stroll around campus. I met him in orientation during the first three days at school.

If you have friends coming over, what would you cook?
I have a chicken dish with croutons that I cook on a regular basis with sweet potato fries I love to cook and like experimenting as well.

Who has been the biggest influence on you in your life?  What lesson did they teach you?
My mother. She has taught me the importance of effective communication and that self-doubt should never be an option. I give my parents full credit for most of my accomplishments.

Has college been anything like you imagined it to be when you first started as a freshman?
Yes, it has been an amazing time! From all of the people I’ve met to the things I’ve learned, college here at Stout has surpassed all expectations.

Are you looking forward to graduating college? What is your dream job?
Yes, I am ready, finally! My dream job is to be the executive director of a major non-profit organization.