Journalism student places second in '30 Seconds of Fame' contest
Released on 11/10/2006, at 2:00 AM
Office of University Communications
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
University of Nebraska-Lincoln sophomore advertising major Dan Sheppard of San Juan, Puerto Rico, placed second nationally in the 30 Seconds of Fame viral video ad contest sponsored by Chipotle Mexican Grill.
He won a $5,000 prize and matching $5,000 will be awarded to the UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications later this month.
Sheppard was one of two entries from UNL to submit two 30-second commercials. UNL was among 51 universities that were invited to compete in the competition.
Amy Struthers, assistant professor of advertising, said Sheppard's spot titled "Dady" shows, in a humorous way, that Chipotle customers don't settle for poor quality.
Struthers, an adviser for the college's student advertising club, presented the competition as an out-of-class opportunity for students who wanted to challenge themselves. Sheppard said, "I wanted to give it a shot. I had high hopes and when I heard I won I called everyone I knew and then took off to come to the college. I couldn't believe I won."
In a second phase of the competition, Chipotle has announced that there will be an additional $10,000 prize for the team with the most-viewed commercial spot. Views will be measured through Nov. 17. Sheppard's spot can be viewed through his Web site, www.myspace.com/fillmybelly. Views through this site will add to Sheppard's count. All 70 spots are posted online at Chipotle.com and YouTube.com. More information is available online at www.chipotle.com/30SecondsOfFame/default.asp.
Chipotle Mexican Grill is based in Denver. Founded in 1993, Chipotle has more than 500 restaurants nationwide. It went public in January 2006. This is the burrito chain's first-ever advertising contest.
CONTACT: Marilyn Hahn, Communication Specialist, Journalism and Mass Communications, (402) 472-0876