Milwaukee native Lorna Nagler (BS 1978 Retailing) vividly recalls when a local retailer visited her UW classroom. “That was a lightbulb moment for me, hearing what she did and what retailing is all about.” In a similar way, Lorna has been a frequent guest speaker, sharing her own real-life experiences and inspiring the next generation of retailing professionals.
Her esteemed career spans three decades, from buyer to divisional VP at both Kids R Us/Toys R US to senior vice president of apparel at Kmart to president of Lane Bryant and Catherine’s Stores, Christopher & Banks and Beall’s Department Stores. Lorna also was one of the first women to serve on the Board of Directors for ULTA Beauty.
A third-generation alumna, Lorna says, “Madison has never left me. I’m blessed to have a family that instilled in me the value of education and an appreciation of UW-Madison.” By participating in the collaborative 100 Women Chair in Human Ecology, Lorna hopes future generations will share her passion for the transformative impact of the University, showing their Badger pride wherever they go.