CBU Pair Earn Awards at National Advertising Competition

Riverside, Calif. (July 21, 2022) – A California Baptist University student and an alumnus recently received awards for their work at the American Advertising Federation (AAF) national awards, known as the ADDYs.

Over 25,000 entries from across the country were entered into this year’s competition.

Jessiel Leander (’22) had two winning entries in the competition. His entry titled “Nike Campaign” in the student category “mass transit” earned him a gold ADDY. He also won a silver ADDY for his entry “Spotify is Everywhere” in the student category “animation or special effects.”

Leander said the College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design professors helped him prepare for this competition by supporting him in his creativity.

“They are caring and have great knowledge of the industry and know what the professionals are looking for today,” Leander said.

Brenna Buell, a graphic design and visual experience senior, received a silver ADDY for her entry titled “Airline Branding” in the student category “integrated brand identity campaign.”

Buell said having this national award attached to her resume is a tremendous win for her, and CAVAD is the reason she was able to produce a prize-winning project.

“It was my work, but it was the loving and guiding hands of my professors pushing me to create it that made it all possible,” Buell said. “The faith that my professors have in me often exceeds my own, and I am always encouraged and uplifted to drive for excellence, even when I feel I lack it.”

Earlier this year, AAF Inland Empire Awards recognized multiple CBU students, including Mackenzie Peters, who received Best of Show.

Michael Berger, professor of graphic design, said CBU students historically do well in the competition because the program prepares them for a rigorous career.

“It’s part of our DNA,” Berger said. “We don’t just do it for the competition, it’s part of who we are.”