November 2007

Question:

Dear Abbot Pennings,

Is it really true that a Miss America attended St. Norbert College?  

Alison Schmidt ’05

Answer:

Thank you for your question. This is indeed a fact! Terry Anne Meeuwsen ’71, who attended St. Norbert in the early 1970s, was crowned Miss America. She was the 45th woman to receive this honor. Terry first became Miss Appleton in 1972 and, shortly after, went on to win the Miss Wisconsin pageant. She then competed on the national level and was crowned Miss America 1973. After her year-long reign, Terry went on to study acting and singing.

You may have heard of Terry in other contexts as well. Since 1993, she has been a co-host on the Christian Broadcasting Network’s “700 Club.” She has also written various books, including “Near to the Heart of God,” a devotional book for women, and “Just Between Friends,” celebrating special friendships in our lives.

Responses to “Ask the Abbot” questions are penned by St. Norbert College staff in the name of Abbot Bernard Pennings, O.Praem., who founded St. Norbert College in 1898.