Radford University students and alumni bring home regional ADDYs

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Radford University alumni, professors and students at the 2017 American Advertising Awards. From left to right: alumna Peggy Underwood, instructor Jim Woods, senior Dakota Stanford, alumna Wendy Viana, alumna Shawna Hession, Professor John O'Connor, Senior Mayana Williams and Professor Ken Smith.

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Professor John O'Connor with junior De’Quan Green-Gause and Professor Ken Smith

The writing was on the wall in the literal sense. This past December at the Radford University Student Graphic Design Show and Alumni Meet & Greet, a one night only pop-up show, graphic design student projects lined the walls at Sharkey’s On Top. During this exhibition, alumni voted for the best design work in a variety of categories. The winners received free entry into the Western Virginia Advertising Awards.

The culmination of this effort, along with other student and alumni entries, happened March 4, 2017, at the Roanoke Chapter of the American Advertising Awards Gala. Held at Roanoke’s Historic Market Square, Radford professors Ken Smith and John O’Connor, along with instructor Jim Woods, were on-hand along with several students and alumni.

“It’s always a great experience for our students to get out of the classroom and hob nob with the working professionals in our area, many of whom are Radford alumni,” Smith said.

Three of the winners from the Student Graphic Design Show won Gold student awards: senior Dakota Stanford’s “Mug Hard Root Beer: Holiday Collection” in Product or Service Sales Promotion; senior Mayana Williams’ “Rainier Brewing Company” in the Integrated Brand Identity Campaign category; and junior De’Quan Green-Gause’s “Dubble Bubble Truth in Advertising” in the Magazine Advertising section. These pieces will automatically compete in the District Three AAF Awards.

Recent 2016 graduates won awards for student work. Shawna Hession and Alexa Stevens received gold Addys. Jennifer Hare and Wendy Viana both won silver ADDYs.

The Radford University graphic design program also congratulates graphic design alumni who won in the professional division. These include Andrew Beaver, David Hodge, Peggy Underwood, Rachel DeBusk and James Harman.

“Radford University’s Graphic Design alumni are always well represented at the Advertising Federation Awards, both as professors in other schools as well as those in the corporate world,” O’Connor said. “With their successful careers after graduation, they continue to set a strong example for our current students.”

To continue the tradition of quality entries and potential future winners, Smith said the December Graphic Design Show and Alumni Meet & Greet will continue. The top three winning entries of each category move forward to compete in the AAF Awards thanks to generous donations by alumni and donors.


To sponsor an ADDY entry (and become a member of the Radford University Arts Society), please contact Smith at ksmith507@raford.edu for more information.

* Just before publishing this news, the District 3 American Advertising Awards Competition announced Hession won a Gold Student ADDY. Her entry will automatically advance to the national competition. In addition, Stanford won a Silver Student ADDY. Congratulations to both.
 

Apr 6, 2017
Leslie King
540-831-6237
cvpa411@radford.edu