Faculty and students from the Lee University Department of Communication Arts recently attended the American Advertising Federation (AAF) Chattanooga American Advertising Awards, where 23 Lee students received 11 ADDY awards. 

The American Advertising Awards offer an opportunity for students to showcase their work outside an educational environment. Additionally, it gives students a chance to be judged by industry professionals and to network with multiple companies and organizations.

Fifteen students represented and submitted work from Lee’s Vindagua, a student-run magazine. Eight students were affiliated with and submitted work from Lee’s National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC) team. 

The Vindagua, a bi-annual magazine, tells the story of Lee each semester. As Vindagua’s student editor-in-chief, Kayla Smith works closely with senior designer Delynn Harmon as well as the rest of their staff to craft Vindagua’s unique design and compelling visual narrative, according to Dr. Brian Mattson.

They won two Gold ADDYs, three Silver ADDYS, and three Bronze as well as a Mosaic award for their photography, illustrations, page layout and book design. Additionally, Vindagua artist Lauren Lacar was awarded a Judge’s Choice award for her original illustration.

“I am extremely humbled to represent Vindagua and honored to work alongside such genuinely innovative creatives,” said Lacar. “I am truly grateful to be a part of a collaborative space passionate about people, their stories, and no matter the medium— telling those stories.”

Vindagua’s faculty advisor, Mattson, assistant professor of communication, praised the award-winning work of his students, “Their dedication to work together and produce great content yielded wonderful results as demonstrated in the recognition they have received with these numerous awards. I am so proud of this team and look forward to what they come up with in the next Vindagua issue!”

The National Student Advertising Competition Team was awarded a Judge’s Choice award for their campaign for MetaQuest, which was the second honor for the team. Previously the team received Second place in a regional competition for students in AAF District 7, a 5-state region. 

“I’m so thankful to have been on the team that created this campaign,” said Emily Chesteen, graphic designer on Lee’s NSAC team. “I’m very proud of our work and excited to have accomplished this award.”

NSAC is the premier college advertising competition that provides more than 2,000 college students with the real-world experience of creating a strategic advertising/marketing/media campaign for a corporate client. Students develop a marketing plan and then pitch their work to advertising professionals at the district, semi-final, and national levels.

Entries that won a gold were forwarded to the AAF-District 7 competition.

“I’m impressed with the caliber of work created by Lee students,” said Dr. Megan Moe, professor of communication and advisor for Lee’s NSAC team. “Their artistry and strategic messaging was compelling.”

The American Advertising Awards, formerly the ADDYs, is the advertising industry’s largest and most representative competition, attracting over 40,000 entries every year in local AAF Club (Ad Club) competitions. The mission of the American Advertising Awards competition is to recognize and reward the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising.

The American Advertising Federation, a not-for-profit industry association, conducts the American Advertising Awards through its 200-member advertising clubs and 15 districts. It is the only creative awards program administered by the advertising industry for the industry.

For more information about the American Advertising Federation or the awards, visit aaf.org.

For more information about Lee’s Communication Arts Department, visit communication-arts.