2024 Distinguished Alumnus Award- Dr. Robert Vander Zanden
Ph.D. in Food Science, Department of
Grain Science & Industry, Kansas State University
M.S. in Inorganic Chemistry, Kansas State University
B.S. in Chemistry, University of Wisconsin - Platteville
This year’s 2024 Distinguished Alumnus Award winner is Dr. Robert Vander Zanden. Dr. Vander Zanden first set foot on the Kansas State University’s campus in the fall of 1968.
Through his relationship with the Grain Science and Industry Department Chair, Dr. Bill Hoover, Dr. Vander Zanden began to understand how important it is to have a positive relationship with others and the potential impact that mentorship can have on people’s lives. Under Dr. Hoover’s guidance, Dr. Vander Zanden began to dedicate his life to fulfilling his professional career and sharing his knowledge and skills with others to mentor them to their success.
Over his lifetime, Dr. Vander Zanden has made many incredible contributions to advance the world’s food industry. Still, his most important has been his ability to impact other people’s lives by continuing the K-State legacy of mentorship. The impact of his mentorship has touched countless students, professionals, friends and random acquaintances. His dedication to mentoring and helping others find success when they did not know how distinguishes Dr. Vander Zanden from his peers and makes him worthy of being a Distinguished K-State Ag Alumnus Award recipient.
He has built a highly accomplished career in the food industry and has contributed to the growth and success of several significant food companies. His contributions have intense significance to the diverse population with whom he has interacted over the past quarter century. In his 30-year career, Bob has worked for ITT Continental Baking Company as a Product Development Scientist; with Ralston Purina's Protein Technology Division as Manager of Dietary Foods Research and Development; with Keebler as Group Director, Product and Process Development; with Grupo Gamesa, a Frito-Lay Company, as Vice President, Technology; and with Nabisco as Vice President of Research and Development for their International Division. With the acquisition of Nabisco by Kraft Foods, he became the Vice President of Research and Development for Kraft's Latin American Division.
Dr. Vander Zanden retired from Kraft Foods in 2004. He currently holds the title of Adjunct Professor and Lecturer in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Clemson University, where he is also a member of their Industry Advisory Board.
Congratulations, Dr. Robert Vander Zanden, on an accomplished career and continuing to make us proud of your connection with the Kansas State University College of Agriculture.