Academy of Food Marketing Hall of Honor

The Food Marketing Hall of Honor recognizes extraordinary alumni for their demonstrated achievements and contributions to the food industry and their continued commitment to the food marketing program at Saint Joseph's University.

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Dr. John L. Stanton Jr. Honored In Memoriam
Professor of Food Marketing, Saint Joseph’s University

Dr. John L. Stanton Jr. was a world-renowned scholar, researcher, author, and mentor, who spent over five decades working in the food industry. He was a pioneering voice in global food marketing whose impact continues to shape both the industry and generations of students.

Dr. Stanton joined Saint Joseph’s University in 1985, where he served as the University’s first endowed chair in food marketing research and twice as chair of the Department of Food Marketing. During his 40-year tenure, he established the Food Marketing and Health Research Center, introduced a master’s program in food marketing, and launched international study tours and an exchange program with University College Cork in Ireland—initiatives that expanded the program’s global reach and influence.

Before joining Saint Joseph’s, Dr. Stanton chaired the Marketing Department at Temple University and founded its Institute of Research in Food Consumption and Nutrition. He also served as a visiting professor in Brazil and a senior Fulbright lecturer in Tanzania, reflecting his lifelong commitment to cross-cultural learning and global engagement.

The author or coauthor of nearly two dozen books and more than 150 articles and papers, Dr. Stanton was the founding editor of the Journal of Food Products Marketing and a longtime columnist for Food Processing magazine. His 1991 book Making Niche Marketing Work was featured in the BusinessWeek Book Club, and one of his most cherished achievements was publishing a research paper in Science in 1984.

Beyond academia, Dr. Stanton held marketing leadership roles at Melitta North America and Weightman Advertising and advised executives at leading companies including Campbell’s, Procter & Gamble, Frito-Lay, and Kellogg’s. He was also highly sought after as an expert witness for major food, beverage, and grocery companies, reflecting his expertise and credibility in the field. His contributions earned him international recognition, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Promotion Optimization Institute and induction into the Halls of Fame of both the European Retail Institute and the Private Label Manufacturers Association.

Dr. Stanton was known for his boundless energy, quick wit, and deep dedication to his students. His colleagues described him as a “true legend” and an “industry icon.”

Dr. Stanton passed away on August 4, 2025—his 80th birthday—but his influence endures in the success of his students, the strength of the Saint Joseph’s Food Marketing program, and the continued evolution of the food industry he helped to define.

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Joseph O'Connor '06 is the Vice President, Retail – Emerging Brands at Hormel Foods and serves as President of Applegate since 2022. In his role, he leads Applegate’s mission-based portfolio that continues to be the leading natural and organic meat brand. Applegate was founded in 1987 and was acquired by Hormel Foods in 2015 and today, it is one of the company’s most successful brands. Joe began his career with Hormel Foods in 2006 and after roles in sales leadership and strategy for the company, he joined the Applegate team in 2020. In 2025, O’Connor assumed additional leadership responsibilities for Columbus Craft Meats brand. 

Prior to joining Hormel, O’Connor held various positions in the industry that included DSD sales at Snyder’s of Hanover, retail store management at Clemens Markets and direct sales at Albert Organics. 

O’Connor graduated from Saint Joseph’s University with a degree in Food Marketing and currently resides in New Jersey with his wife and daughter.

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Taylor Grissinger ’17 B.S. leads brand and shopper marketing efforts at Dietz & Watson, a family-owned company based in Philadelphia. In her role, she drives strategy and execution across all branded channels, elevating the fresh perimeter and deli category experience. 

Since joining Dietz & Watson in 2017, Taylor has progressed through a series of marketing roles that provided her with a comprehensive understanding of retail operations, consumer behavior, and brand engagement. Her hands-on experience in both regional and national markets shaped her ability to translate insights into actionable strategies that strengthen customer relationships and elevate the brand experience. 

Promoted to Director in 2024, Taylor now leads initiatives that focus on creating impactful shopper experiences, drive innovation in merchandising and fosters collaborative, creative problem-solving within her department. Passionate about building high-performance teams, she champions a culture of continuous improvement that encourages thoughtful execution. Known for her solution-oriented mindset, she combines strategic vision with practical implementation, helping to deliver measurable results and a premium brand experience across all channels. 

Outside of work, Taylor enjoys traveling, exploring new foods and cultures, live music, and time with loved ones and her dogs.

Please join us for the Food Marketing 2026 Hall of Honor Celebration on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

Tickets are $55 per person, which includes ceremony, networking reception, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. 

This event is being held on the Saint Joseph's University campus at the Cardinal John P. Foley Campus Center (5600 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA). 

For those who are unable to attend, please consider making a donation to the food marketing program in the name of one of the honorees.

Register Now