"It is an honor
for the university to have two outstanding students selected
for this award," said Dr. Shirley Carter, director of
the School of Journalism. "They join an esteemed group
of students from the University of South Carolina who have
earned this distinction in past years. The School of Journalism
has had at least one student honored since the inception
of the AAF award, which is a testament to our students and
to the quality of our program."
Frisby and Frierson are among the 50 students nationwide
who received the honor this year. In addition to being guests
of honor at an awards luncheon at the New York Athletic Club
on Feb. 7, they also have been featured in Advertising Age
and in USA Today. Programs throughout the three days included “industry
immersions,” professional development seminars and
interview opportunities at the recruiters expo.
Frisby is a public relations major from Columbia. He earned
the nickname "Pops" when he joined the Gamecock
football team as a walk-on and, at age 39, was one of the
oldest student-athletes to play on a Division I football
team.
Frisby said he was impressed with the recruitment opportunities
during the trip to New York. “I discovered there are many ways I can put
my public relations degree to use when I graduate, some at
companies I may not have considered previously.”
Frierson, an advertising major from Dalzell, is an officer
of the Student Advertising Federation and is a member of
the 2007 AAF National Student Competition team. He found
the trip enlightening. “It
was rewarding to meet the others who received the award this
year and to network with people from all the major players
in advertising and communications,” he said.
Associate Professor Bonnie Drewniany, who advises the Student
Advertising Federation at USC, said she’s pleased to
be involved with the Most Promising Minority Student program. “It’s
a pleasure to teach and work with such fine students. I am
so proud of each and every one of them,”
Also on the Web:
It all "ads" up
29 students + 1 advisor = 10 years of national recognition
from the American Advertising Federation. Read
USC celebrates 10th anniversary of AAF's Most Promising Program.
Read |
 |
Why major in advertising?
I
started in Broadcasting, but the program didn't fit me. Advertising
was the closest thing I could get to something business-related
without changing my major and falling too far behind. I
ended up kind of liking it.
Why USC?
USC was the only school in South Carolina
I even considered attending. It's the best in the state. Plus
my mom and sister went here.
Has there been a "defining moment" in your
college experience? I see two different Wills:
Will up to freshman year and Will after freshman year. I
went through a lot of changes and growth: spiritually, professionally, in
my relationships, in my friendships – all for the
better. At least that's what my mom says.
Favorite professor?
It has to be Prof. Karen Mallia. Her
class, teaching style and personality made me like advertising
a whole lot more.
Most challenging ad course or project?
Media planning. Thanks,
Dr. Scott.
Most interesting project
as an Ad student and why.
My final project for creative
advertising was great. I got to see some of my creative
ideas come to life. And other people actually enjoyed
it.
What does your future hold?
Oh, the possibilities! Trust
me, you'll want to keep in touch.
What will you miss most about college?
The naps.
And you won't miss?
Russell House food.
Words of wisdom for other students
in your major?
Immerse
yourself in the industry, whatever your major is. Read
books. Talk to professionals. Intern. Do
extra things, but don't spread yourself too thin. Be
blessed. |
|
Why USC?
USC had everything I wanted: academics, location, and
a great tradition of football.
Favorite professor?
I like the fact that all my
professors in the School of Journalism have taken on
the challenge of refining my skills. They encourage
and guide you towards excellence.
Most challenging ad course or project?
My most
challenging Ad/PR courses were Journalism 364 and
304. 364 was a graphics course that
required you to pick up skills quickly, while 304 was a
research course that put to test all of your resource
abilities.
What does your future hold?
I think that USC has
prepared me for a bright future. I think you will be
seeing a lot of me on your TV!
Would you
change anything about your
college experience?
I would have started
the PR sequence earlier. Other than that I would not
change a thing.
What do you like about Prof. Drewniany's ad museum.
The Drewniany Museum
is about Ad history. I like the fact that I know more
about most of the characters in there than anyone
except Prof. Drewniany herself.
What's your dream job?
My dream job is an on-air
position with ESPN College Football.
What will you miss most about college?
The friendships
I have developed and cultivated with students and
professors.
And you won't miss?
8 o'clock classes.
Words of wisdom for other students in your major?
Absorb everything you can during your time here. Take
full advantage of this important transitional period
in your life. Always reach for the unreachable and
never stop dreaming. |
