Article by: James D. Coppinger
Appeared in Spark Magazine (January 2025)
Carol Friesen, PhD, RDN, has only been in the Vicksburg area for a short time, but as soon as she arrived, she began looking for ways to help improve the quality of life for people who live here.
Originally from Minnesota, Carol spent most of her life in Indiana, working as a community nutritionist and university professor in dietetics and nutrition. She taught at Ball State University, where she served as Graduate Program Director for the Nutrition and Dietetics at Ball State for twenty-six years before retiring in 2022.
Carol was inspired to pursue this field by her high school home economics teacher, Judy Mohr, whom she considers one of her greatest mentors. It was Mohr who told her, “Carol, you should become a dietitian.” And so she did—without ever regretting it. Carol says her mentor’s influence left a lasting impact on her, shaping her own career-long goal of mentoring her students, which she found the most rewarding part of her teaching career.
Carol and her husband, Aubrey, raised two children, a son and daughter, both of whom hold PhDs in scientific fields. Aubrey, who holds a PhD in animal science, works for Zoetis, a global animal health company. When Zoetis transferred him to its Kalamazoo headquarters in and Carol relocated here area after her retirement in 2022.
When Carol moved here, she knew no one. Being a people person who thrives on social interaction, she felt lonely. To solve that and fulfill her passion for helping others, she contacted Milestone to see what volunteer positions were available.
Meals on Wheels turned out to be a perfect fit for Carol. Not only does it align with her background in nutrition, but she enjoys both the driving and the social interaction that comes with her delivery route in the Vicksburg area. She says she loves it, especially the people she delivers meals to. According to Carol, these bonds form quickly, and she believes that Meals on Wheels nourishes more than just the body—it delivers nutrition for the human spirit as well.
Carol also enjoys gardening, and she and her husband tend a large vegetable garden at home. They raise a bounty of fruits and vegetables through the season, sharing much of it with family and friends. On summer and fall weekends, they visit u-pick orchards and farms, and Aubrey loves to can and preserve their harvests—ensuring that their pantry and freezer are always stocked with healthy fare.
Carol says that the true abundance in her life comes from her desire to improve the lives of others. “What greater purpose could anyone have,” she asks, “than to contribute to the betterment of life for all people in our community?” We couldn’t agree more!
Milestone Senior Services is an AmeriCorps Seniors grantee. AmeriCorps Seniors empowers people age 55 and older to serve their communities. RSVP helps people find a volunteer opportunity that fits their passion. There are currently opportunities in Kalamazoo County and a few in Calhoun County. Volunteers are needed with Meals on Wheels, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, Companionship for Seniors, Milestone Home Repair, and more. Regular and flexible schedules available. Contact RSVP at 269-382-0515 or apply on the Volunteer page of our website.
