Four graduates win five Addy Awards; places will be announced Feb. 15.
By Ian Coleman
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Four communication design graduates of this college have won American Advertising awards, informally known as the “Addys,” from the San Antonio Advertising Federation.
Jeremy Hoders, chair of the 2014 Breaking Ads awards, notified Brook Rosser, professor of communication design, that December graduates of this college, will receive awards.
The winning graduates, Erin Yurk, Beth Sturzbecher, Rachel McCalpin and Orlando Canto, will learn if they won gold, silver or bronze at a gala, hosted by the federation at 6 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at the McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave.
Canto’s and McCalpin’s submissions are from works completed in Rosser’s ARTC 2447, Design Communication 2, in the fall. “I think the reason they are able to compete is not only because the final product is comprised of good conceptual thinking, but also a beneficial understanding of industry standard software, hand skills, attention to craft and excellent presentation skills,” Rosser said.
According to aaf.org, the AAF is “one of the nation’s oldest national advertising trade associations” representing all facets of the industry.
The competition was established to honor individuals and agencies who have showed expertise in advertising.
According to the San Antonio America Advertising Federation website, the award recognizes “work that is outstanding when judged against the standards of the local market.”
San Antonio is one of the largest districts in the country for the organization, with the most advertising competition in the country. There are about 40,000 entries and around 200 clubs nationwide.
The contest is divided into a three-tier competition starting at the local level. Local finalists proceed to the district and then to the national level.
“We had 50 student entries this year,” Hoders, first vice president of the local chapter, said in a phone interview Jan. 29, “which may not sound like a lot, but it’s the most participation we’ve ever had.”
Rosser requested a grant of $1,000, $500 for entry fees and $500 for gala tickets, in December from the Student Activity Fee Committee. Before winter break, she received approval. The students are now able to attend at no cost.
Student tickets are $50 and member and nonmember tickets range from $75 to $95. The event is open to the public.
Tickets may be purchased at http://www.aafsanantonio.org/addys/tickets through Sunday.
