COLORADO STUDENT FINDS A HOME AT PURDUE
Name: Nina Graziano
Hometown: Castle Rock, Colorado
Major & concentration: Agribusiness with a concentration in Food Marketing
Minors or certificates: Minor in Communications, Cornerstone Certificate from the Liberal Arts Department
Why did you come to Purdue: I always knew I wanted to go out of state for college. When I toured, I immediately fell in love with the campus but was scared that I did not know anyone from my hometown. I love how Purdue is a large school but you can create smaller communities within it!
Favorite Purdue tradition: The Purdue basketball halftime dance. It is always fun to look around at everyone in sync and having fun!
Top three influences at Purdue:
- Phi Mu Sorority
- National AgriMarketing Association
- Matt Painter
Top five memories of your time at Purdue:
- Final Four games in Arizona
- Receiving first place at the 2024 National AgriMarketing Association Competition
- Being elected to be a part of my sorority’s executive team
- Purdue Grand Prix
- Sorority dances
Places you have been as a Purdue student:
- St. Louis, MO - 2023 National AgriMarketing Association
- Orlando, FL - Phi Mu Officer Academy
- Detroit, MI - NCAA Elite Eight
- Phoenix, AZ - NCAA Final Four
- Kansas City, MO - 2024 National AgriMarketing Association
- Minneapolis, MN - WinField United at Land O’ Lakes Internship
Favorite club/organization: Phi Mu Sorority
Favorite student-led event/initiative: Phi Mu Miracle Mania
Favorite Purdue event: Purdue basketball games
Favorite social activity: Bid Day! I was in charge of planning my sorority’s Bid Day this year.
Favorite place to study: Krannert 2nd floor by the windows
Favorite place on campus: Memorial Union
Favorite thing about CoA: My academic advisor, LeeAnn Williams. She has been a tremendous help since I toured Purdue my junior year of high school. Her constant support and guidance has pushed me to be a better student. I am grateful for all of her knowledge of the College of Agriculture!
Favorite thing about your major: The real-world experience. Courses go beyond just teaching you in the classroom and provide ways to help you succeed in the real world and in future careers.
Favorite class: AGEC333, Food Distribution Retail Perspective
Favorite professor: Dr. Steven Wu
Coolest project: AGEC331 Sales Project. I was given the opportunity to work directly with a brewing company, owned by Anheuser Busch, to create a sales pitch for industry professionals.
Three biggest accomplishments:
- My summer internship at WinField United.
- Winning first place at the National AgriMarketing Association Competition in 2024.
- Representing my sorority as an executive leader at our national conference.
Things on your resume not listed above: I have traveled to over 18 countries!
Career Goal: A marketing position for a food or beverage company.
Advice for underclassmen: Don’t be afraid to try something new. Branch out and join clubs you’re interested in, sit next to someone new, and check out a new place on campus. There is always something new to do. Boiler Up!
Biggest takeaway from Purdue: Time flies when you’re having fun!
