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Airlift Recognizes Tomorrow’s Creative Leaders at Columbia College Chicago

$5,000 Awarded by CEO to Six Marketing Communication Students

CHICAGO – Shelley Rosen, chief executive officer of Airlift, a Chicago-based branding firm, today presented $5,000 in awards to six students enrolled in Marketing Communication studies at Columbia College Chicago. “We believe these six students exhibit leadership skills in the next wave of those who will build careers in the creative business,” Rosen told more than 300 students gathered to hear her keynote address at AdStock. This annual, campus-wide career day is organized by Marketing Communication students at Columbia to provide opportunities for networking and career advice.

“Columbia College is leading the United States in developing practical creative talent that today’s corporations need to drive business performance,” said Rosen. “This hands-on event is just another example of how Columbia College helps students prepare for the real world in a highly competitive field”

The Shelley Rosen Portfolio in Development award was presented to Joseph Wright, a senior studying sports marketing. He received $2,500 for his work on Wheaties Mobile Marketing Concepts, Wright’s integrated marketing proposal for a stand-alone tour to promote Wheaties. In accepting the award, Wright said, “I am graduating with three solid job offers working within the sports marketing industry. I owe this to my experience at Columbia College.”

Spencer Elliott-Manheim, Nicolra Gholston, Tiata Johnson, Carly Gill and Melinda Joseph were recognized for their individual contributions in marketing leadership as voted by their peers. Each was presented The Shelley Rosen Nominate a Classmate Award with a cash prize of $500.

Rosen, a 25-year advertising and marketing veteran who has developed major branding efforts at Leo Burnett and McDonald’s Corporation, recently launched Airlift Ideas, Inc., a firm that helps companies “ignite brand joy” and build a legacy of success. She also is a three-year member of Columbia’s Board of Trustees.

“We salute Shelley Rosen for her leadership and vision,” said Margaret Sullivan, Chair of the Marketing Communication department. “She has reached out in a novel, unique way to more intentionally connect with our students. She’s a powerful role model.”

AdStock offers students exposure to the professional world while they continue their education, according to Shanita B. Akintonde, AdStock advisor and professor to Marketing Communication students.

AdStock attendees participated in one-on-one, roundtable networking sessions with more than 100 professionals from leading Chicago advertising agencies, public relations and marketing firms and media corporations, from organizations such as Leo Burnett; Edelman, and Fleishman-Hilliard Public Relations, Draft Marketing, the Chicago Bears, and WFLD-TV who offered expert career advice.

AdStock sponsors included the Marketing Communication Department, the Portfolio Center, and the Film and Video department. In addition, Coach Leatherwear, Southwest Airlines and UJAMAA Construction, Inc. provided support.

For more information, visit AdStock’s web site at www.colum.edu/adstoc/index.htm.

For more information about Airlift Ideas, please contact Shelley Rosen at (312) 492-7772 or (312) 282-1901 or send an email to srosen@airliftideas.com.