LAKELAND, Fla. (Nov. 4, 2008) — Nine members of the Florida Southern College student chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) attended a two-day conference in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 23-24.

The students, all communication majors, attended sessions on organizing and running a successful student chapter, public service advertising, networking and business ethics. Students networked with working advertising professionals from Washington, D.C., New York and Chicago, who critiqued their resumes and portfolios. They also attended sessions where they learned tips for creating an effective National Student Advertising Competition campaign. Florida Southern College has won this competition at the district level twice in 10 years, excelling over schools such as the Universities of South Florida, Central Florida, West Florida, and North Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University and the University of Miami.

Students attending the conference included:

Kelly E. Brennan, a senior and daughter of Stuart and Doris Brennan of Wrentham, Mass.
Joseph M. Citro, a sophomore and son of Joseph and Ana Maria Citro of Palm Harbor, Fla.
Jessica A. Gutowski, a senior and daughter of Walt and Amy Gutowski of Grand Rapids, Mich.
Julie M. Kulaga, a senior and daughter of Eugene and Nancy Kulaga of Manasquan, N.J.
Yeri Lavin, a junior and son of Omar and Lillian Lavin of Paterson, N.J.
Stefanie A. Shaw, a junior and daughter of Dr. Steven and Susan Shaw of Brecksville, Ohio.
Amanda J. Triest, a senior and daughter of Leon and LuAnn Triest of Keystone Heights, Fla.
Megan M. Welch, a senior and daughter of Jerold and Beverly Welch of Winter Haven, Fla.
Rachel C. Wright, a junior and daughter of Steve and Cheri Wright of Winter Haven, Fla.

For more information concerning the student chapter of AAF or the National Student Advertising Competition, please contact Vicki Wuertz at (863) 680-4169.