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Can-Do Spirit
The vast majority of us — nearly 73 percent, according to a 2010 U.S. Census survey — work in fields unrelated to our undergraduate majors. That has been the story for nutrition science alumna Janice Strauss (NUTR '69), whose career began as a food scientist at General Foods, but then took several twists that ended with her passion for both the technical and the aesthetic — antique furniture.
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Great Outdoorsman
After graduating from Purdue 62 years ago, Thomas Smith (HK '53), shown above in Yosemite National Park, ventured west and spent as much time as possible in the great outdoors. And whether he was coaching collegiate athletes from the interior of an oval track or training aspiring park rangers from atop a horse, Smith has shared his love of physical education and nature with hundreds of students.
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Marching Forward
Whether serving customers in the retail industry, serving youth in nonprofit roles or serving her alma mater as a trustee, alumna Vanessa Castagna (PSY '71) is a leader. She's also an example of the value and career versatility offered by a Purdue diploma and a role model to those who want to take service to a new level.
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Community Builder
Alumnus Ralph Taylor (HK '69) played on one of the greatest teams in Purdue basketball history. In his senior year, the Boilermakers beat their Indiana University Hoosier rivals 120-76 in the season finale and made it all the way to the NCAA Tournament championship game, losing to a UCLA team led by Lew Alcindor (the future Kareem Abdul-Jabbar).
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Adoption Specialist
From Howe High School through two Purdue degrees, Melitta Payne (SLHS '69, MS '70) has never strayed too far from her Indianapolis roots. As the coordinator of international services for Bethany Christian Services, however, Payne has helped bring adoptive families together with children from across the globe for nearly 30 years.
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Asked, Answered
How will I get an ice cream cone? That simple question is one of the key starting points for Melissa Acher (CSR '99) in dealing with clients. She uses that question to help clients understand that a point will come during retirement when they may not be able to get around on their own.
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Growing Business
Entrepreneurs are a special breed, blending native curiosity with intensive research — and a drive to make the world a better place to live. It's no surprise that Purdue's College of Health and Human Sciences generates more than its share of individuals with this inventive attitude.
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Latitudinal Adjustments
Derek Delp (HTM '95) will see his 75th Jimmy Buffett show this fall. Fitting since Delp, a longtime Parrot Head, had a Buffett classic in mind — "Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude" — when he moved to Las Vegas in 1998. With one connection, a cousin, he landed a job in the booming hotel business. With a few more assists from Purdue connections, he successfully transitioned from hospitality to real estate sales.
