UA Students Win Scholarships in Advertising Contest

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – University of Alabama students from the College of Communication and Information Sciences recently received top honors in the Birmingham Advertising Federation Scholarship Contest.

Marilyn Mancini, an instructor of advertising copywriting, says students of her 300-level advertising class were recently presented scholarship awards for their placement in a contest that challenged them to develop awareness of the Helen Keller Foundation.

The group was honored at a luncheon given by the Advertising Federation in the Energen Plaza Conference Center in Birmingham. The following students received awards: Patton Smith of Tuscaloosa, best of show, $900; Kevin McLendon of Pelham, 1st place, copywriting, $300; Lucy Thompson of Birmingham (zip code 35213), 1st place, print copywriting, $300; Leah Hardin of Tuscaloosa, 1st place, broadcast copywriting, $300.

This scholarship recognizes creative ability, Mancini said. “The Birmingham Advertising Federation is to be commended for challenging students with this creative opportunity,” she said. “Students gain knowledge about a worthwhile foundation while applying their strategic planning, writing and design abilities to promote the cause.”

Dr. William Gonzenbach, professor and chair of advertising and public relations in the College of Communication and Information Sciences, said the students’ achievement directly reflects the department’s leadership and teaching skills.

“The 2002 Birmingham Advertising Federation Scholarship Contest awards won by Marilyn Mancini’s students in advertising copywriting are but another example of the exceptional teaching and hands-on training offered by her and our department,” Gonzenbach said.

The College of Communication & Information Sciences is among the largest and most prestigious communication colleges in the nation. Graduating more than 12,000 students, C&IS is consistently ranked among the top 10 in number of doctoral degrees awarded and in many of its research programs.

C&IS graduates have won four of the six Pulitzer Prizes awarded to University of Alabama alumni, and the forensics and debate squad, housed within the College, has garnered 14 national championships.