Two Advertising Students Named to AAF's Most Promising Minority Students Honor Roll

Shelly Rodgers Strategic Communication Faculty

Columbia, Mo. (Dec. 29, 2003) -- Two Missouri School of Journalism advertising students have been named to the Honor Roll of the American Advertising Federation's Most Promising Minority Students program.

Kimberlee Belcher and Bryan Lattimore competed with almost 100 other minority advertising students across the country for this honor. Selection criteria included academic standing, demonstrated interest in the industry, leadership and character and essay content. Belcher and Lattimore will be recognized at a luncheon in New York in February and will be included in the AAF's resume book and an upcoming issue of Advertising Age.

"This is an incredible honor for our students and our advertising program," said Shelly Rodgers, Ad Club adviser and nominator of the awardees. "Bryan and Kimberlee have worked hard to make good grades and land summer internships, while giving up personal time to devote to campus organizations and clubs. These are the very qualities that distinguish excellent from mediocre students. We couldn't be more proud."

Belcher, a senior from Arkansas, plans to work as a creative in advertising upon graduation in May 2004. Belcher has worked three jobs and has served as the Ad Club's Vice President of Finance during her academic stay at MU. Lattimore, a Wisconsin native, plans to own his own ad agency. He has interned as a communications coordinator at two insurance companies and has received a number of scholarships and awards for his service work at MU.

The School's Ad Club provides numerous opportunities for its 100-plus members to enhance their understanding of strategic communication through guest speakers, site visits and professional projects. Ad Club is currently working closely with the AAF Mid-Missouri chapter and the Ad Federation to better prepare its members for work in the advertising industry. A panel of experts in strategic communication is being assembled for a series of "how-to" sessions, such as how to write winning resumes, how to handle tough interview questions and how to negotiate a salary.

The AAF's Most Promising Minority Students program connects the advertising industry with the nation's top minority college seniors. The program not only honors students, but enhances their knowledge and understanding of the advertising industry by offering networking, interviewing and shadowing opportunities with industry professionals.