Six Selected as Part of AAF Program

For the seventh consecutive year, College of Communications students were honored by the American Advertising Federation (AAF) in its Most Promising Minority Students Program.

Penn State had five finalists among the 50 selected nationally. Another student was named to the “honor roll.”

The program, managed by the AAF Mosaic Center on Multiculturalism, aims to promote an advertising industry workforce that reflects society’s diversity. It connects recruiters and agencies in the industry with talented students.

To be considered for the program, students must possess a high grade-point average, complete an essay about creating a more inclusive environment in the marketing and communications field and submit a letter of nomination.

Senior lecturer Ken Yednock, who serves as Penn State’s AAF chapter adviser, nominated the students.

All six students will travel to New York City for the award ceremony -- scheduled Feb. 1-3, 2012 -- where they will network with executives and minority industry pioneers. The conference gives students a glimpse of the ad business by visiting the nation’s top ad agencies, advertisers and media companies.

In the past seven years, Penn State has produced 30 honorees (22 national finalists, eight honor roll selections) in the AAF program.