NDSU students win National ADDY award

A team of three NDSU students has won a national award from the American Advertising Awards through the American Advertising Federation, known as ADDYs.

Emma Rehder, Tyler Halstenson and Anthony Tortorice created a spec poster campaign for the Library of Congress that addresses a major funding issue through a class project. It required students to spin a wheel to determine the parameters of the project, Rehder explained.

“We had a time period, client and artist reference,” she said. “Those parameters were Surrealism, the Library of Congress and collage artist Kenisuke Koike.”

The team selected imagery from the Library of Congress archives and created a physical collage, which they digitally scanned to make the final posters.

The team selected imagery from the Library of Congress archives and created a physical collage, which they digitally scanned to make the final posters.

Halstenson, a sophomore majoring in fine arts and art education from Fargo, credits NDSU’s art program for giving the team an edge in competition.

“NDSU’s art program is truly great and gives us designers a different perspective on design that is more art-focused, which I think gave us a huge advantage,” Halstenson said.

Rehder, a junior fine arts major from Fargo, appreciated the support they received from classmates throughout the creation process. “We went through rounds of critique with fellow classmates to ensure the best result.”

The team first competed regionally among other local clubs, earning a Regional Gold ADDY. They were also surprised to earn Student Best of Show. Rehder appreciated that a large cohort of NDSU students was present for the win.

“I went there with zero expectations,” Halstenson said. “After winning best of show, some tears were shed.”

After their success at regionals, they moved on to district competition, where they faced teams from North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. They again won a Gold ADDY at district competition, qualifying them for nationals.

“Winning a Gold ADDY at the district level gave me a sense of pride in my skills like never before,” Rehder said.

Despite their success in regional and district competition, the students were surprised to learn they won a National ADDY.

“It was unreal,” Rehder said. “I called my mom immediately, just pacing back and forth on the phone with excitement.”

While Halstenson doesn’t think it will fully set in until the team attends nationals, they are excited to meet other students and see their work.

NDSU faculty are proud of the students’ success. “Winning a National ADDY is simply outstanding,” said Michael J. Strand, professor and director of the School of Design, Architecture and Art. “We are excited that all of you will be attending the awards ceremony in Austin, Texas. We cannot wait to hear and see the results.”

The NDSU students will attend the American Advertising Federation National Awards Gala on Friday, May 29, in Austin, Texas.