bransonglobe.com LOCAL University Communications Office SPRINGFIELD — The Missouri State University Ad Team took first place in the McCain Institute’s Peer-to-Peer Protective campaign in a virtual competition June 23. Teams originally planned to present their campaigns in person, but concerns surrounding COVID-19 changed the competition circumstances. Instead, MSU was one of three universities to participate in a virtual presentation via Zoom. While this presented team members with new challenges, they pressed forward with the campaign and finished strong. MSU’s Ad Team has earned eight national titles since 2008. The team was tasked with creating a campaign that aims to address the topic of targeted violence in the community. Team members used skills they learned in the classroom, practical experience, outside research and insight from advisors to create a campaign that builds emotional intelligence, positive self-image and resilience in youth. Their efforts resulted in the Kindness Empowers Youth, or K.E.Y., program, to counter the spread of Incel communities and targeted violence. Incel is short for “Involuntary Celibate.” They are an online community of predominately heterosexual men whose self-worth is defined by perceived physical and sexual inadequacy. The program aims to help children in grades 3-5 build emotional intelligence and a healthy self-concept to make the right choices in tough situations. This opportunity is already opening doors for the students to continue the KEY campaign and launch their professional careers. “Competing on a national stage allows graduates to connect with a broader network and I’m excited WED 93 Chance For a Isolated Showers & T-Storms 72 that some of the team is already in contact with high-profile organizations following the win,” said Ad Team instructor Samantha Francka. EdVentures Partners facilitated the competition. EdVentures is an organization that focuses on developing partnerships for students to apply their skills and gain valuable, real-world experience. “The MSU Ad Team always assembles a magical blend of student talent that is creative, dedicated and hard working,” said Tony Sgro, CEO of EdVentures. “Not only has their legacy been firmly established based upon all the previous campaigns they have won, but also today, which is impressive given the extremely competitive talent landscape we see with participating university teams.” The 2020 team includes the following students: • Toni Buffa, St. Peters • Hayden Ferguson, Lee Summit Jordan Galkowski, St. Charles • Morgan George, St. Charles • Members of MSU Ad Team competed virtually. (Courtesy news.missouristate.edu) Your Branson Area Weather Source Loving The Ozarks Branson Area 5 Day Outlook THU FRI • Taylor Howard, Manchester • Lauren Kerr, Wichita • Kennedy Kuhlmann, Wildwood • • • Lauren McCracken, Cadet Jordan Moore, Wildwood Katie Novak, Chesterfield • Tara Orr, Blue Springs • Megan O’Shea, Wentzville • July 8-9, 2020 • 11 MSU Ad Team competes virtually and wins national competition Students in MKT 480 (AdverSarah Thomas, Jefferson City Ad Team is a for-credit course for students interested in pursuing careers in the marketing field. Students from all majors are welcome. tising Campaigns) participate in hands-on experiences that provide an opportunity to work closely with a real client who expects campaign implementation and data-driven results. SAT SUN 94 95 95 90 Chance For Showers & T-Storms 70 Scattered showers & thunderstorms 70 Mostly sunny Possible late night showers or Storms 73 Partly Cloudy Possible morning showers or storms
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