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| Distinguished Alumni |
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Sharrann Simmons
Sharrann Simmons first heard the words "Purdue University" at Merrillville High School's Career Day. Extolling the benefits of a Purdue education, the Food Science department representative also highlighted opportunities in his field—specifically, the potential promised by merging science, chemistry, and biology with food application.
His words stuck.
Simmons chose Purdue University for both her Bachelor of Science and Master's degrees in Food Science. After graduation, she joined Bunge Edible Oil Corporation as a Technical Service Manager. While at Bunge, she earned her MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management.
Sensing her true passion was people, rather than laboratories, Simmons joined FMC in 1988 as a Technical Sales Representative. And the rest—as they say—is history.
Simmons was named Product Manager of Specialty Excipients for FMC in 1990 and soon advanced to European Food Marketing Director for FMC's Belgium headquarters. She lived in Brussels for five years and is credited with increasing FMC's overall European sales by more than 22%. In 1999, she became the company's Director of Food Sales for North America.
Simmons left FMC in 2001 to join International Specialty Products as Vice President for Marketing and Product Development.
Last year, opportunity again knocked—and the international bug bit. Simmons accepted the position of Vice President and General Manager of Colloides Naturels International, a privately owned French company headquartered near Paris.
CNI is the world's top producer, manufacturer, and marketer of acacia gum, used as a stabilizer and emulsifier in beverages and confections. As a key player in CNI's mission to increase product awareness, Simmons:
• Oversees United States operations,
• Leads the marketing and promotion of acacia gum; and will
• Spearhead construction of a new, state-of-the-art laboratory.
For her outstanding contribution to the food, agriculture, and natural
resources system, the Purdue College of Agriculture is proud to present
the Distinguished Agricultural Alumnus Award to Sharrann Simmons.
| A Friend Indeed
An only child, Sharrann Simmons appreciated the value of personal connections at a young age. The Merrillville native lost her mother as a child, and her father died when she was a senior at Purdue. Comfort, Simmons says, came through reaching out to others. “I have a 90-year-old aunt who lives in Atlanta, and I’ve visited her at Christmas every year since I graduated from Purdue,” says Simmons, who maintains many friendships from her college days. “I also spend a lot of time with friends, wherever they live.” Distance is an enticement, rather than a deterrent, Simmons insists. “Travel is a passion of mine,” she says, “and if I have the chance to fly to London or Paris for a weekend, I’ll take it every time. I’ve always been open to new opportunities, and I love the exposure to people of other cultures. I’m not skilled in foreign language at all, but I’ve found if you make the effort to extend yourself, it’s an easy barrier to overcome.” Simmons lived in Brussels for five years, and, next to Indiana, considers the eclectic and charming city a “second home.” She also ranks China, Japan, and Brazil among her top destinations. Relatively closer to home, Simmons extends herself to underprivileged women through “Dress For Success” and—true to form—fosters friendships along the way. “The program focuses on helping women get appropriate business wear and the coaching they need for interviews,” Simmons says. “Some women don’t even know what the word ‘résumé’ means, and, without our help, they’d never find a full time job. “It’s very rewarding to put some of my training to work for women who are less fortunate. And it’s wonderful to stay in touch and to hear about their successes.” |
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