Liberty students bring home the most awards at district ADDYs

Liberty University seniors Brianna O’Neal (left) and Meredith Long, along with recent graduate Danielle Echeverria (’13), won silver awards at the district ADDY competition for their advertising designs.

Following a superb showing at the 2014 American Advertising Federation regional ADDY Award competition in February — in which Liberty University Department of Studio & Digital Arts (SADA) students brought home more awards than any other institution — Liberty students stood out once again in the next round of judging at the AAF District 3 ADDY Awards. With four silver awards, Liberty won more awards than any other school in the district, which includes institutions across Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Senior Meredith Long, who reaped two silver awards, was the only individual in the competition to earn multiple recognitions.

“When we look at the work being produced by SADA students, and the fact that the department is relatively new in comparison to the schools we compete against, it really brings home the quality of instruction and strength of the department in this region of the country,” said Todd Smith, chair of the Department of Studio & Digital Arts.

“I suppose we should no longer be surprised at the excellence of our SADA students and the recognition they’re receiving from the prestigious ADDY Awards,” added Dr. Norman Mintle, dean of Liberty’s School of Communication & Creative Arts. “While we are grateful to God for these awards, I’m also very thankful for the creativity our faculty employs to help prepare our arts students every day. Congrats, award winners. Now, on to nationals!”

Danielle Echeverria

Long’s winning works were her illustrated campaign, “The Circus,” and her poster, “Book Corner Online Library Poster.” Senior Brianna O’Neal received silver for her campaign, “What if All You Ever Saw Was Darkness?” and recent graduate Danielle Echeverria (’13) won silver for her mobile app, “VENTURE Magazine App Design.”

The ADDY Award competition, is the industry’s largest competition worldwide, drawing more than 60,000 entries annually. Competitions are held at the local, district, and national levels. Gold award winners automatically advance to the next round and silver awards are eligible for resubmission at the next level. The national ADDY competition takes place May 28-31 in Boca Raton, Fla.

• The Liberty University Department of Studio and Digital Arts is part of the School of Communication & Creative Arts and offers majors in Graphic Design, Studio Art, and Studio Art with Teacher Licensure. The department also offers minors in Graphic Design, Studio Art, and Photography.