UNL students to compete at national advertising conference

            The University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications was one of eight college teams selected to compete for the national title in the National Student Advertising Competition. UNL will compete at the American Advertising Federation national conference in Boca Raton, Fla., on May 29.

            UNL, which took first place in its district competition for the sixth year in a row, competed against 15 districts with an additional 16th "virtual" district in a semi-final round on April 25. More than 150 colleges and universities take on the NSAC challenge each year on a national level. UNL won the national competition in 2012.

            Professionals in the communications industry judge the competition. Judges at the national level are selected from the client and their advertising agencies.

            The National Student Advertising Competition required American Advertising Federation college chapter members to develop a 26-page marketing campaign and 20-minute presentation in response to a real-world case study co-authored by the Mary Kay marketing team and the AAF Academic Division as it relates to expanding its footprint with the 18-25 year old market with the launch of products designed especially for this age group.

            The AAF Education Services department and the AAF Academic Division, a group of advertising educators and practitioners from across the country, who oversee the policies and procedures of the competitions, govern the competition. These members ensure that there is a level playing field and that the competition demonstrates the highest academic and professional standards.

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

            The 2014 NSAC team members by hometown and the roles they play:

NEBRASKA

            Elkhorn: Jolene Dreier, project manager.

            Eustis: Lea Keller, research/planning.

            Lincoln: Lauren Bejot, social media director; Lauren Geisert, copywriter; Brendon Henning, copywriter; Andrew Keohane, music/audio; Kathryn Pauley, copywriter; Grant Weber, copywriter; Waring Wiley, photographer and videographer; April Zhang, graphic designer.

            Omaha: Rhett Muller copywriter.

            South Sioux City: Rachel Leitschuck, account executive.

            Valentine: Quentin Orr, videographer.

            Waverly: Jacob Strange, research/planning and media assistant.

            York: Matthew Heng, social media.

ELSEWHERE

            Austin, Texas: Alex Meyer, media director.

            Avon Lake, Ohio: Jeffrey Rau, graphic designer.

            Buffalo Grove, Ill.: Adam Kroft, research/planning director.

            Germantown, Wis.: Kimberly Panagis, research/planning.

            Hensley, Ark.: Cody Elmore, creative director.

            Johnston, Iowa: Eric Thompson, copywriter.

            Kansas City, Mo.: Anna McTygue, research/planning.

            Lubbock, Texas: Sarah Lambert, public relations director.

Writer: Marilyn Hahn