Several Ashford University graphics students and recent alumni took top awards, including the “Best of Show” award and scholarship, at the annual American Advertising Federation of the Quad Cities (AAF-QC) ADDY Awards Show in Rock Island on Feb. 10.

Honoring the best in creative advertising for the previous year, the ADDY Awards are the American Advertising Federation’s three-tiered competition with local, regional and national levels. Local gold winners will be forwarded to district competition against winners from Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa and Missouri. “The Good, The Ad, and the Ugly” was the theme of this year’s awards show held at the Establishment Theatre.

“We are extremely proud of the great work and the diversity of work by our students,” said Dr. Charlie Minnick, dean of Ashford University’s College of Business and Professional Studies. “We congratulate their excellent creative work recognized by the ADDY judges who are area graphics and advertising professionals.  This was the first year an Ashford student has taken the ‘best of show’ award and scholarship. This is also our highest number of gold and silver award winners.  I also want to commend the work that our outstanding graphics faculty does on a daily basis to support, educate, and mentor our students.  Kudos to all involved!”

Ashford University students receiving ADDY Awards were:

Best of Show: Bridget Gabbard, Chadwick, IL 

Gold Student ADDYs: Bridget Gabbard and Kylie Willet, Silvis, IL 

Silver Student ADDYs: Travis Clark, Clinton, IA (two silver awards); John Flyr, Clive, IA; Bridget Gabbard, Amy Gillespie, Clinton, IA (two silver awards); Kristina Murphy, Clinton, IA; Tyler Reinhardt, Clinton, IA and Kylie Willet 

Bronze Student ADDY: Kylie Willet

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