University of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumna Rebekah Peppler’s recipe for success includes an excellent UWO education in journalism, a passion for food and a heaping spoonful of creativity.
Peppler works as the food editor of “Tasting Table,” a daily emailed publication that blends the tradition of high-quality food writing with the fast-paced style of online journalism. She manages and produces the publication’s Chef’s Recipes edition.
The 2008 graduate will be one of four top alumni to receive the University’s Outstanding Young Alumni Award—given for professional and civic accomplishments and future promise. She will receive the award during a dinner and awards program on Friday, Oct. 12, in conjunction with Homecoming 2012.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism from UWO, Peppler continued her education in New York City, where she completed the classic pastry arts program at the French Culinary Institute.
In 2009, she got her career start at “Saveur,” where she was the dessert contributor and web/editorial assistant. In 2010, she was hired by CBS News to serve as a culinary adviser and researcher for its Cooking Channel programs, “Drink Up” and “Food(ography).”
“Ms. Peppler’s work may lead to the way for specialized journalism to thrive in a post-print future,” said UWO professor of photography Timothy Gleason. “She is working her way up in a highly competitive field and has obtained a wide range of skills (pastry-making, writing, photography and styling) that have made her an in-demand, up-and-coming talent.”
Peppler is “equally proud and mystified by” the fact that her career affords her the opportunity to be creative in a different way every day.
“It’s a pretty incredible experience to have at 25,” she said.
She credits her introduction to journalism in high school and her quality UWO education as the “jumping off point” for her career.
“The opportunity allotted by the university to travel and live abroad also played a significant role in leading me to become the person I am today,” she said.
She advises today’s students to find their passion.
“Don’t be a slave to it, but find out what gets you out of bed in the morning and lets you lay your head down in satisfaction at night. Then figure out a way to live it,” she said.
For more information about the alumni awards dinner or Homecoming 2012, please contact the Alumni Relations office at (920) 424-3449 or email alumni@uwosh.edu for information.
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