By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing Coordinator
CHADRON – Rylie Cole of Minden, Nebraska, won a Gold Addy for her Still Photography from the Black Hills chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) Feb. 25 at a gala in Rapid City, South Dakota. Her winning entry was a close-up, black and white photo of one of her family’s cows. The Gold Addy award automatically advances Cole to the next tier of the competition in Nashville in April.
Cole is a senior majoring in Graphic Design with a minor in Marketing. After graduation in May, Cole plans to pursue a career in social media marketing and digital design.
Art Professor Mary Donahue said AAF board members including CSC alumna Tiffany (Heiser) Smith, Vice President of Marketing at Black Hills Community Bank, were welcoming and encouraged students to pursue careers in advertising.
CSC students have been participating in Black Hills AAF student summits, workshops, and award shows since 2013, according to Donahue. She said CSC students gain invaluable knowledge about the profession of advertising and design from association with AAF.
AAF chapters provide information for professionals and students, opportunities to network, community service, recognition of industry excellence, and internship and job announcements.
“Everything from the importance of research and strategy, insights and trends in the industry, tips on interviewing, portfolios, and résumés, and the opportunity to personally connect with professionals,” Donahue said.