Jacht Ad Lab marks 4th anniversary at UNL journalism college

            Jacht Ad Lab, the interdisciplinary student advertising agency at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications, marks its fourth anniversary this fall with its largest class yet, as well as the addition of a new professional creative director, Greg Bousquet of Swanson Russell. 

            Students participating in Jacht this fall were selected from across the UNL campus through a rigorous process that included a resume and portfolio review, and an interview with Jacht faculty and student leadership.

            "This crew was selected from our largest applicant pool yet, with more than 60 students competing for a handful of spots," said Amy Struthers, an associate professor of advertising and public relations who conceptualized and founded Jacht and acts as lead faculty member at the student ad lab. "These students represent some of the most motivated, directed and passionate young adults in our campus community."

            Bousquet joins Jacht as a co-professor, providing creative reviews and teaching advanced concepts of design and copy. Bousquet is the second full-time professional to join the Jacht teaching staff. Brian Reid, director of BioPharm for W2O Group headquartered in San Francisco, is in his second year teaching at Jacht as the public relations specialist. Reid was recently named to PRWeek's national "40 Under 40 Trailblazers" list for his leadership in the use of social media platforms in service to public relations clients.

            Jacht students have included majors in advertising and public relations, marketing, graphic design, journalism, film and new media, broadcasting, economics, finance and business administration. The agency seeks to bring together highly motivated students from any major who are passionate about applying their knowledge and skills to the advertising and public relations fields.

            A unique education/startup hybrid, Jacht provides UNL students with the real-­world experience of running an ad agency. Mentorship and support from investment group Nebraska Global and local ad agencies Bailey Lauerman and Swanson Russell have propelled Jacht into a self-­sustaining entrepreneurial startup.

            Jacht clients include the American Advertising Federation, Pinnacle Bank Arena's "Green Arena Initiative," the Nebraska Dairy Association, the Nebraska state treasurer's Unclaimed Property program, the Nebraska Educational Savings Trust, the Nebraska Shrine Bowl, UNL Dining Services and UNL's University Health Center. For more information, go to http://www.thejachtclub.com.

            Jacht's fall 2013 crew by hometown:

NEBRASKA

          Bellevue: Matthew Dang.

            Eustis: Leah Keller.

            Hartington: Kaylee Dump.

            Kearney: Lauren Andrews.

            Lincoln: Lauren Geisert, Tiler Grossman, Caitlin Hassler, Stacie Hecker, Hanna Jenkins, Kelsey Scofield, Erez Trainin, Nick Troxel, Wyn Wiley.

            Minden: Colby Dolan, Neale Stadler.

            North Platte: Anna Lee.

            Omaha: Jolene Dreier, Cory Grandgenett, Hannah Juracek, Josephine Orsi, Joseph Toscano, Jim Wardian.

            Papillion: Crystal Zamora.

            Raymond: Emily O'Malley.

            South Sioux City: Jane Ngo.

            Wahoo: Ali Anderson.

ELSEWHERE

            Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Sarah Bishop.

            Des Moines, Iowa: Eric Thompson.

            Kansas City, Mo.: Anna McTygue.

            Lubbock, Texas: Sarah Jo Lambert.

            Maize, Kan.: Miles Ukaoma.

            Phoenix, Ariz.: Gabe Sanchez.

Writer: Marilyn Hahn