Debbie Cassell, Class of 1999
Combines Love of Writing with Love of Baking
After graduating from Wittenberg in 1999 with an English major and a political science minor, Deborah Cassell headed to Northwestern University for graduate school. After earning her master’s from the Medill School of Journalism, she worked as managing editor of Furniture Style magazine. Five years later she became managing editor of Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery.
Working at Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery allows Cassell to combine her love of writing with her longtime love of baking. Upon first seeing an issue of the magazine, she says, “I was intrigued by its use of humor, sarcasm and even satire – all rare for an industry publication. Plus, it covers a topic everyone can relate to … food.”
After only seven years as a journalist, Cassell was one of five editors nationwide to receive the 2007 Young Leaders Scholarship from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE). For Cassell, attending the ASBPE’s national conference in New York City was “a memorable experience. I absorbed countless ideas I can use as both a writer and editor of print and digital media.”
In addition to her work as an editor, Cassell writes a monthly column for her magazine titled “My 15 Minutes” where she looks at industry issues and shares personal anecdotes about her own relationship with food.
“I’ve written about everything from my brother’s love of bread to the importance of birthday cakes to how baking runs in the family,” Cassell says. In addition, she has discussed her experience as a judge at the National Pie Championships, the seasonings behind today’s snacks and how The Food Network has become the new HGTV.
Writing always has been important to Cassell; while at Wittenberg, she served as news editor of The Torch. She attended college with a desire to study English and play tennis, and she made lifelong friends doing both.
“My experiences inside and outside the classroom prepared me for the career I have today,” Cassell says. “Even though the campus has changed, Wittenberg always will feel like home.”