Peggy Ruff, Department of Mathematics alumna and guest speaker for the 2025 mathematics convocation, first entered the mathematics program with the intent to become a math teacher. She quickly discovered, however, that the classroom was not the right fit for her career goals and aspirations. Her passions lied more with problem solving than education. While there were many career paths available, choosing one proved to be difficult. Upon graduating in 1975, Ruff recalls, “I didn’t know what I wanted to do.”
Ruff pushed through this uncertainty and began her search for the right career. After a quick stint working in retail, she soon found a part-time position as a clerk and began her steady rise up the corporate ladder. Ruff was initially labeled as a “temporary employee” and would mostly fill in for other colleagues during their vacation or maternity leave. This allowed her to gain experience in several roles within the company and work on a variety of assignments. Eventually she worked her way into the Refined Oil Division and secured a full-time clerical position.
During her time in this clerical position, the company went through a number of changes, selling their soybean business and shifting their focus entirely towards corn products. From there, Ruff steadily became more involved in high-level logistics. She went from being the clerk, to a merchandiser in oil, to a marketing assistant, to a director, and then ultimately to being the Vice President of Logistics for Tate & Lyle Ingredients America, a role where she was able to utilize the skills she learned at Illinois.
Ruff credits much of her success to the mathematics and liberal arts education she received while pursuing her bachelor’s. “I don’t have a master’s. I don’t have a PhD, but Illinois taught me how to think.” Coming from a working-class family in Decatur, Ruff never thought she’d have a career as a corporate executive, but her math education gave her the confidence to dive headfirst into challenges stating, “I absolutely felt like I could do any assignment or job they would ask me to do.”
Growing up in the 60’s and 70’s, Ruff fully expected that being a woman would limit her professional career, but she never let that stop her from pursuing her goals. In Ruff’s words “To become the vice president of the Tate & Lyle company, as the first female vice president of that company, I never thought I would be able to have that. I always aspired to that, but I never thought that opportunity would be given to me.” Once the opportunity was in front of her, however, she took full advantage and ultimately thrived in the logistics-based environment.
After a successful career in logistics, Ruff has had the opportunity to serve on several advisory boards for both commercial businesses and non-profits including our Mathematics Development Advisory Board, and received the LAS Constituent Leadership Award in 2013. Still, when asked to speak at the 2025 mathematics commencement, Ruff was unsure if she was the right person for the job.
Ruff was delighted to be asked, but didn’t know if she would be a good choice since she didn’t have a higher degree. After consulting with other alumni and our department, she realized that she did have an important message. Having been in the same position as the graduating class, she knew she wanted to offer some words of guidance stating, “Many of you receiving advanced degrees today know exactly what you want to do and what your next step will be after graduation. For me, that was not the case. I found my way towards my future career by trial and error.” Ruff had reflected on the career she had built and developed five key concepts to navigate the “real world” which she then shared with the graduating class: communicate with peers, focus on continuous improvement, don’t be afraid to take risks, solve problems, and give thanks and give back.
Communicate with Peers
Communications and interactions with peers are key to being successful. With the rise of technology and social media, Ruff has witnessed the younger generations attempt to use these advancements to replace the value of human interaction, an issue that was only exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. Ruff, however, holds firm that trustworthy “in-person” relationships with your colleaguesare vital for success. “At some point in your career, you will need help,” she states, “Being able to tap into personal relationships and ask for help, advice, and suggestions is irreplaceable.” Your community and network are there to help you when you need it. Sometimes, a fresh set of eyes is the missing piece to solving your problem or bringing a project to fruition.
Focus on Continuous Improvement
Your personal development does not end at graduation. Each new position is an opportunity to learn and to continue to improve. This focus on continuous improvement, however, extends beyond the self. Ruff states, “All organizations can become stagnant from being burdened with attitudes and traditions that may inhibit growth. At times, it is just easier to keep on doing what you have always done rather than suggest a change. But allowing these things to fester and prevail only makes life more difficult for employees to achieve the desired results.” She further emphasizes the need to ask the difficult questions. Does this add value? Why is this information of value? Who is the audience for this information? Is there a better way to get this information? These questions will ultimately lead to building a more sustainable culture.
Don’t be Afraid to Take Risks
Throughout your professional career, you will often be asked to do something outside of your comfort zone. Ruff repeatedly encountered this during her ascent up the corporate ladder, but she never let the fear of the unknown keep her from tackling these challenges head on. She states, “You will not always know where the job or task you are asked to do will take you. When this occurs, although it may be easier to say no, I encourage you to look at these challenges as opportunities. Take advantage of the opportunity to expand your horizons and your experience. Delve into the assignment, study the conditions, and look for successful outcomes.”
Solve Problems
Graduates of mathematics are in a unique position with their degree, having gained a thorough foundation of logical reasoning and a full set of problem-solving skills. Ruff states, “There are so many problems in the world that need a viable solution. You have been educated to know how to approach a problem and find a solution. You define the problem, analyze the root cause, identify known and unknown variables and apply logical reasoning to develop solutions.” Our math alumni are problem solvers. Part of being a mathematician is taking joy in finding solutions to difficult problems, and this is a strength that can be used in any career you choose to pursue.
Give Thanks and Give Back
Ruff closes out her key concepts with a reminder to be humble and show appreciation, “Always be grateful for the opportunities that you will have and utilize those opportunities for your benefit and the benefit of others. As you achieve success in your chosen field, you need to give back by taking time to share your knowledge and talents with other people and non-profit organizations in your community.” She also encourages alumni to continue to engage with Illinois and the Department of Mathematics, “You may not realize it now, but this University has had a profound impact on you, and keeping in touch as an alumni will help you, the University, and future generations of mathematicians.”
-Written by Jaden Meadows 2025