Students Win Big
Seven students receive awards at the 2016 AAF-ND ceremony
Brittany Kelley, Freelance Writer
Seven students received Addy awards at the Feb. 26 American Advertising Federation of North Dakota (AAF-ND) Awards Ceremony. AAF-ND not only provides members with professional development and networking opportunities, but has recognizes creativity and excellence among the advertising and marketing fields.
MSUM student Addy Award Winners:
- Jonathon Calix – Silver Addy for his Fargo Stickers design and a Silver Addy for his Observing the Heavens photography piece
- Emily Zaharia – The Larry Gauper Advertising Creativity Scholarship and the Bell State Bank & Trust Achievement Scholarship
- Jacinta Thieschafer – Silver Addy Award for her Dakota Prairie menu design
- Tomi Thompson – Silver Addy for her Drekker Ad campaign
- Liz Hayden – Both a Gold and Silver Addy for her Camp Olson Print Advertisement
- David Hanson – Gold Addy for his Glendalough Commercial for Explore Minnesota
- Samantha Laderer – Silver Addy for her And the Lightning Strikes photography piece
Hayden won a Gold and Silver Addy for her print advertisement titled “Discover Camp Olson,” a summer camp she is passionate about working with. She also credits her success to Russel Link, Executive Director of Camp Olson YMCA.
“It was very rewarding to see my work displayed in the same categories as some of the large agencies in the area,” states Hayden, “I never considered myself a designer. Dan Johnson taught me a tremendous amount and is always willing to help me out in and out of class. Jody Mattern has also been an amazing teacher when it comes to creative copywrite.”
David Hanson is an MSUM senior, and this was his first year winning a Gold Addy for his commercial piece for Explore Minnesota.
“I never thought I would receive any awards for my work. So to have won something as prestigious as a Gold Addy was pretty incredible,” quotes Hanson. “It really helped get a foot in the door to the advertising and marketing world as well since it was shown alongside of the professional entries.”
MSUM professors work side by side with students to ensure that the work created is of professional level. Dan Johnson, a professor in the School of Communication and Journalism, entered 10 individuals into the competition along with about 15 projects.
“All of our entries were outstanding, but in a competition of this nature, there can only be a limited number of winners. The students I entered that did not win should also receive some recognition,” Johnson said. “They had outstanding work, but the judges had to make some tough decisions, choosing work from a variety of colleges in the upper Midwest. The students that had outstanding entries were Kaylee Hanowski, Kyle Kastello, Sarah Loosbrock, Megan McInroy, Shelby Skytland, Danielle Wesbut, and Rachel Neumiller.”
Emily Zaharia, a second year graphic design major was awarded the Larry Gauper Creative Scholarship, one of two given at the event. Representing Zaharia was four pieces; a matching set of letterhead and business cards, a cookie box 3D design, and a holiday card for the Dragon Athletic Program,
“I was really honored that they would choose me to receive the scholarship. I am so glad that my work in school pays off,” Zaharia said.
Not all entries are awarded an Addy. This was advertising major Samantha Laderer’s third year entering the contest. Each year she continued to perfect her skills, entering her pieces into the competition with confidence. This year, it paid off. Laderer never gave up, and her hard work was worth it. When asked for advice for prospective students thinking about submitting original pieces next year, she said, “With creative passions, the competition is tough. If you love what you create, submit it because you never know what the outcome will be. Don’t just hope that you will win; know that you have a chance.