UNL advertising students win NSAC district for 5th year in a row

            Students from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications took home first place in the District 9 American Advertising Federation's National Student Advertising Competition for the fifth year in row.

            UNL won the district competition April 19 in Kansas City, Mo., and will go on to compete for the national title at AAF's national conference in Phoenix from June 5-8.

            Professionals in the communications industry judge the competition. Only 19 student teams advance to the national competition.

            Chris Kelley, marketing strategist of V2Marketing, said UNL had a well-executed presentation and "great creative -- print and point-of-purchase especially."

            Cynthia "C.J." Jackson of the Baylor Hankamer School of Business said, "If I were a potential client, (the campaign) would make me want to work with you. Chemistry."

            The competition required American Advertising Federation college chapter members to develop a 20-page marketing campaign and 20-minute presentation in response to a real-world case study co-authored by the Glidden paint brand (the 2013 client sponsor) and the AAF Academic Division as it relates to increasing customer awareness at Walmart stores and driving purchasing behavior among the various Glidden products.

            The NSAC is sponsored by AAF. Nationwide, more than 150 colleges and universities take on the 2013 NSAC challenge in district competitions. This is the 40th year the NSAC has provided college students with real-world advertising experience.

            Michael Goff and Rich Bailey are the UNL team advisers. Goff is a senior lecturer of advertising and public relations. Bailey is an adjunct professor and NSAC adviser with the College of Journalism and Mass Communications.

            The 2013 NSAC team members by hometown and the roles they play:

NEBRASKA

            Bellevue: Meg Brannen, copywriter.

            Gretna: Jennifer Gotrik, art director.

            Lincoln: Matthew Anderson, co-creative director; Mitchell Benes, co-creative director; Toan Chu, film/photography; Griffin Gale, copywriter; Katie Hottovy, art director/interactive designer; Grant Weber, copywriter.

            Omaha: Devin McDermott, copywriter; Matt Wengert, art director.

            Oshkosh: Geremy Gortemaker, art director.

            Scribner: Derek Niewohner, media director.

            South Sioux City: Rachel Leitschuck, account planner/research director/public relations.

            Verdon: Devin Specht, production.

ELSEWHERE

            Arlington, Texas: Jordan Oddo, account planner/public relations.

            Buffalo Grove, Ill.: Adam Kroft, account planner/project manager/public relations.

            Hensley, Ark.: Cody Elmore, account supervisor.

            Rapid City, S.D.: Brittany Rypkema, account planner/project manager/public relations.

Writer: Marilyn Hahn