WMU advertising student honored by national advertising organization

Contact: Alyssa Benson
Photo of Venezia Jones.

Jones

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—A Western Michigan University advertising and promotion student was selected by the American Advertising Federation to participate in the organization's Most Promising Multicultural Students Program for 2017.

Venezia Jones, a senior from Detroit, is one of only 50 recipients of the annual, nationwide award for college seniors with both exceptional academic and professional achievements. Jones is the second student from WMU to receive this recognition and represented the University at a ceremony this spring.

"To be named one of the American Advertising Federation's Most Promising Multicultural Students means that people believe in me and see potential in me," says Jones. "This experience has gifted me with the opportunity to continue to grow, and I am truly honored that I was able to be a part of this program."

Jones was nominated by Dr. Karen Lancendorfer, associate professor of marketing and director of the WMU advertising and promotion program.

"With a background in music, Venezia injects her creative spirit into every task," says Lancendorfer. "She works hard, keeps an open mind and is absolutely passionate about learning. As part of her submission, Venezia was asked to come up with a tagline and hashtag for herself. Her tagline, 'Don't Follow the Trend. Create a New One' and hashtag, #AddSomeZest, describe her perfectly."

American Advertising Federation

The American Advertising Federation is the nation's oldest national advertising trade association and the only association representing all facets of the advertising industry. It is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and its membership of nearly 100 blue chip corporate members is comprised of the nation's leading advertisers, advertising agencies and media companies; a national network of nearly 200 local federations, representing 40,000 advertising professionals, located in ad communities across the country; and more than 200 AAF college chapters, with more than 6,500 student members.

WMU advertising and promotion program

The advertising and promotion major at WMU attracts creative, strategically minded students and provides them with an interactive education that ensures they will have the skills and knowledge necessary for success. Advertising and promotion faculty bring years of practical experience to the classroom and maintain close ties with industry through applied research and consulting. WMU students excel in national student advertising competitions, including the EdVenture Partners National Case Study Competition where students regularly take top-10 national honors.

For more information about the program, contact Dr. Karen Lancendorfer at (269) 387-5996 or karen.lancendorfer@wmich.edu, or visit wmich.edu/academics/undergraduate/advertising.

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