BHSU STUDENTS TAKE HOME TOP HONORS AT AAF BLACK HILLS ADVERTISING AWARDS

Black Hills State University students and staff took home 16 Gold and Silver ADDYs at the 2024 American Advertising Federation Black Hills (AAF Black Hills) American Advertising Awards Feb. 16, 2024. 

Gold ADDYs in the student category were awarded to BHSU students Ashley Beguin, Hope Schumacker, and Noah Westergaard. BHSU student Silver ADDY recipients included Beguin, Rylan Bruns, Katelyn Lueth, Bridget Schneller, Schumacker, Westergaard, and Sienna Williams. 

In addition to her ADDYs, Beguin won Judge’s Choice Awards for her still photography entry entitled “Simple Orange” and for her book design entry “2023 Contemporary Issues Catalog.” 

Best in Show for the student category was awarded to Noah Westergaard for his logo design “Sports Branding Campaign.” Westergaard, along with Bruns and Schumacker, are currently student workers for the BHSU Office of Marketing & Communications. 

In the Professional Awards category, the BHSU Office of Marketing & Communications received a Silver Addy for their 2023 Spring Alumni Magazine issue.  

“Our students once again proudly represented BHSU at the AAF Black Hills Awards Gala. Their achievements are a result of hard work and talent combined with the outstanding education and opportunities provided by the dedicated BHSU faculty and staff,” said Becca Walters, senior director of marketing and communications at BHSU.   

“The BHSU marketing and communications team felt honored to have our work showcased and awarded as well.” 

"AAF Black Hills is always in awe of the talent of our local students who consistently deliver professional-grade work in our competition. These budding creatives are the future of our industry, and showcasing their work is a huge part of the American Advertising Awards," said Allie Geier-Barlow, chair of the AAF Black Hills American Advertising Awards. "We're optimistic that student winners from our local American Advertising Awards will be recognized in the next round of the competition." 

All Gold ADDY winners will be entered into the American Advertising Awards District 8 competition which will include entries from Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.