It was a big night for UNK’s Visual Communication and Design program as students took home a total of 15 awards from this year’s Nebraska ADDYs.
The American Advertising Federation (AAF) of Lincoln and Omaha held their annual Nebraska ADDY awards on Saturday, February 17 at the Scottish Rite in Omaha. Professional and student advertisers and designers from around the state gathered for the awards banquet featuring judges Sam Borowy of T. Rowe Price, Jenae Neeson of Jenae Neeson Design, and Beth McConnell of Zellmer McConnell Advertising presiding over the professional categories. Cathy Solarano from Wheelhouse Collective, Ed Mejia from Nelnet, and Paul Rankin of Swanson Russell judged the student categories.
In total, UNK VCD students were awarded seven gold medals and eight silver medals for work ranging from motion graphics and package design to infographics and promotional materials. Junior VCD students Jase Hueser and Maggie Pierson along with senior John Shea were also awarded Special Judges Citations for their work. Jase Hueser also took home the prestigious Best of Show in the student category for his cross platform campaign.
“I’m so grateful to be honored by AAF,” said Hueser. “I was impressed with the exceptional talent across the state.”
The honored projects got their start as assignments from a variety of VCD courses taught by Professors Richard Schuessler and Dan May, Associate Professor Mark Hartman, and Assistant Professor Sam Rapien.
“I think the ADDYs really reminded me why I chose UNK,” junior Maggie Pierson said. “We have such a great program that gives you the attention and projects you need to succeed.”
For senior Hanna DeWald, the win affirms her career decision.
“Graphic design is the only I’ve ever wanted to with my life,” said DeWald. “The VCD program at UNK has helped me achieve that.”
In addition to the student awards, Assistant Professor Sam Rapien also took home a Gold award in the professional category for his work on the Imagination Day posters for UNK.
See the list of winners below as well as examples of the award winning work. You can also see a full list of winners at the Nebraska ADDY website.
STUDENT BEST OF SHOW
Jase Hueser – Cross Platform – Arsenic and Old Lace Movie Event
STUDENT GOLD
Jase Hueser – Out-of-Home & Ambient Media (Single) – Film Score Infographic
Jase Hueser – Out-of-Home & Ambient Media (Single) – Design Movement Synthesis
Jase Hueser – Cross Platform – Arsenic and Old Lace Movie Event
Jase Hueser – Elements of Advertising – Next Steps Informative Motion
Maggie Pierson – Out-of-Home & Ambient Media (Single) – Senior Exhibition Poster
Maggie Pierson – Elements of Advertising – Poppy Scientific Illustration
Sarah Styron – Packaging – Empress Wine
STUDENT SILVER
Hannah DeWald – Packaging – True Hoppiness
Jase Hueser – Packaging – Florence Jazz Album Cover
John Shea – Packaging – Nectar Perfume
John Shea – Packaging – Ceiba Tequila
John Shea – Integrated Brand Identity Campaign – Lunar Society Surf Co.
Maggie Pierson – Out-of-Home & Ambient Media (Single) – Lifetime Infographic
Maggie Pierson – Consumer Campaign – Clue Murder Mystery and Movie Night
Sarah Styron – Direct Marketing – VCD Senior Show Promotion
STUDENT SPECIAL JUDGES CITATIONS
Jase Hueser – Out-of-Home & Ambient Media (Single) – Film Score Infographic
Maggie Pierson – Out-of-Home & Ambient Media (Single) – Lifetime Infographic
John Shea – Packaging – Ceiba Tequila
PROFESSIONAL GOLD
Sam Rapien – Poster Campaign – UNK Imagination Day Posters
