The Mesenbrink and Klassen families have teamed up to create a legacy of philanthropy in Aggieland by establishing the Mesenbrink ’84 ’16 & Klassen ’16 Family ISEN Endowed Scholarship. With a passion for enhancing engineering education, these families are giving back to the university they all love.
The Purpose
Driven by a curious spirit, Craig Mesenbrink ’84 enrolled in engineering at Texas A&M to make a difference. Craig was a natural fit for the high-impact experiences he gained in the department. Craig now works as a solution architect at Schneider Electric. Craig married Samantha, who works as sales director at CareDx. After marrying into a house full of maroon, she enjoys being part of the Texas A&M family. Samantha has embraced the spirit and values that define the Texas A&M community.
Enthusiastic to follow in his father's footsteps, Mitchell Mesenbrink ’16 became an Aggie with the goal of becoming an engineer. Eager to learn from others, Mitchell found inspiration in academic advisor Jeana Goodson and then professor Dr. César Malavé, both key in supporting the overall success of the department.
“Texas A&M always felt like a great fit to continue my education,” Mitchell said. “I was offered numerous opportunities for connections, development and leadership in preparation for my career.”
Beyond his time in lecture halls, Mitchell participated in Energy Club, Gents and study abroad in both Puerto Rico and Qatar. Based on his experiences, he advocates for undergraduate students to keep an open mind and take the time to learn about themselves and what they are passionate about. Mitchell is currently working as a sales engineer at Direct Expansion Solutions.
Moriah Mesenbrink ’16 not only discovered her passion for mechanical engineering at Texas A&M but also met her husband, Mitchell. After first attending Purdue University, Moriah found the right fit at Texas A&M, and she cherishes the time she spent there. She is now an industrial engineer at Applied Materials, where she is sponsoring Texas A&M industrial engineering capstone projects.
“The ISEN department has made the biggest impact on the Mesenbrink and Klassen families through engagement with key personnel in the department, and that inspired us to give back,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell and Moriah recently sponsored the ISEN awards gala. With their scholarship, they can impact students on a grand scale.
From Alabama to Aggieland
The Mesenbrinks are not alone in contributing to this scholarship. Alongside them is Katherine “Katie” Klassen ’16, Mitchell’s best friend since middle school.
While attending Faulkner University in Alabama, Katie felt the school was not for her. Katie would express her concerns to Samantha, who would frequent the area for sales trips. Samantha helped Katie realize that Texas A&M was calling her home.
“I just knew engineering is where Katie belonged and industrial systems engineering was the perfect fit for her mind and personality,” Samantha said.
While attending a football game in Kyle Field, Katie was introduced to Jeana Goodson, whose guidance and support solidified Katie’s decision to transition to A&M and study engineering.
For those who know Katie, it’s clear that she embodies the Aggie Spirit with her love and admiration for Texas A&M.
In addition to her experiences in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Katie was active in student organizations on campus, such as Alpha Pi Mu, the industrial engineering honor society, and as chair for Pi Beta Phi. She was also in Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society, where she served in an executive role supporting fellow engineering students. Katie graduated with a degree in industrial engineering and is currently a heating and air conditioning specialist at HTS Engineering in Austin.
Connecting Families and Supporting Aggies
Motivated by a desire to support future engineers and cultivate memorable experiences with faculty and staff, these families established a scholarship that would contribute to the educational and personal development of industrial and systems engineers. Their love for Aggieland doesn’t stop at embracing the Aggie Spirit; it extends to helping students who need financial support. Now, each member of their respective families is leaving their mark on the Texas A&M campus.
“This felt like a productive way to keep our family connected, while also helping future Aggie Engineers,” Craig said.
These families are excited to start their legacy of giving back and cannot wait to impact the lives of industrial engineers.
Katie quickly felt at home once she transferred, and she looked for ways to immerse herself in the Aggie culture. She also embarked on study abroad trips to Puerto Rico and Qatar, just like Mitchell.
How to Give
Endowments supporting students in the college have an immeasurable impact on their education. If you are interested in supporting the College of Engineering and its departments or would like more information on how you can give, please contact one of our development officers.