| | |
 |
|
| 10-31-2003 | Previous edition: 10-30-2003 |
        
     |
Printer-friendly version Fortune magazine ranks Purdue Old MasterEditor’s note: This profile is the sixth in a series on the 2003 Old Masters, successful and outstanding individuals, mostly Purdue alumni, who will return to share their experiences with students Nov. 3-4.By Katie Wall Staff Writer The chairman and chief executive officer of JCPenney, a Purdue alumna, has recently been named to Fortune Magazine’s top 50 women in business, and she’ll be returning to campus next week to interact with students. Vanessa Castagna, a 1971 graduate in speech communications and psychology, is coming back to Purdue as an Old Master. "I am anxious to talk with students," Castagna said. "I am not exposed to students as much as I would like to be and look forward to being at Purdue again." This is the third year she has been ranked in the Fortune Magazine poll, and Castagna said it is still an honor. "What a force of women I am honored to be (ranked) with," said Castagna. "I am humbled and proud to be a part of (their company)." Those who work with Castagna also notice her ambition and work ethic. Peggy Pope, executive assistant to Castagna, said, "She is very devoted to her profession and to JCPenney." Castagna was a very active student on campus with a demanding academic schedule and extracurricular activities. Castagna spoke highly about her days as a majorette and member of the Purdue band. "By far my greatest experience at Purdue was participating in the Purdue band," said Castagna. "The blending with the band and the whole four-year experience at Purdue was a major basis of my maturity." Castagna said her two degrees from Purdue have helped her to excel in the business world as a good communicator and have an insightful understanding of human nature. "Every leader has got to be a good communicator," said Castagna. "And my psychology degree has helped me to understand consumers, such as why they shop and what they like to shop for." After joining JCPenney in 1999, it was less than three years until she was appointed the executive vice president and chief operating officer in 2001. Castagna is also involved in community work, such as the JCPenney Afterschool Program, in which she is a leading advocate. The program is a partnership among JCPenney, Boys & Girls Club of America, YMCA and other coalitions that are committed to increasing the quality and number of after-school programs for America’s children. "I’ve always wanted to accomplish more and continue to give back more," Castagna said. "I was very lucky to have strong role models in my life and parents who instilled a valuable work ethic." The advice that Castagna wishes to give to students is to "follow your passion, which is by far No. 1 in importance." She said that doing what you love in life is far more beneficial to people than they may ever know. Printer-friendly version |
|
Front Page | Campus | City | Features | Opinions | Sports | Classifieds Advertising | Archive | Links | About us | Letter Submission Form To report any errors with or to give ideas on how we can improve the online edition of The Exponent contact Online Production |
