1989

Gretchen graduated with honors from Stanford University in 1990 with a self-designed degree in Organizational Behavior. She also studied at Oxford University in England. Her first love was the violin. Gretchen started playing when she was six years old. Her dream was to one day become a famous concert artist and perform at Carnegie Hall. Gretchen studied with Dorothy DeLay at the Julliard School of Music in New York City, and became the first classical violinist ever to win the title of Miss America.

Gretchen has an extensive career as a television journalist. She has joined the Fox News Channel based in New York City as a weekday anchor. Before achieving this goal, Gretchen criss-crossed the nation building her career as an Anchor/Reporter in Texas, Ohio, Virginia, and Minnesota.

Gretchen's broadcasting awards and honors include the National American Women in Radio and Television Awards for her 30-part series on Domestic Violence, and for her "Day Care Investigation" in 1997. She also received two Emmy Awards.

Although Gretchen did not choose to make music her career, she continues to be a strong advocate of the arts, especially as it relates to children. She believes music builds discipline and self-esteem in kids and gives them the confidence to be successful in whatever career they choose.

Gretchen currently resides in New York City with her husband.

Gretchen is proud of her Swedish heritage. She remains a huge fan of the Minnesota Vikings Football Team and is proud to say she grew up in Minnesota.

What She's Doing Now

She also serves as a National Celebrity Spokesperson for the March of Dimes. She and her husband, Casey, are the proud parents of a one-year-old daughter and reside in Manhattan. Gretchen is also co-hosting this year’s Miss America Preliminary Competitions!