BHSU photography student wins national advertising award

Black Hills State University student, Logan Kurtenbach, received a National Student Gold ADDY Award from the American Advertising Federation.

Kurtenbach, a senior photography major from Mitchell, was awarded the honor for his image “Bud Light Seltzer” in the Still Photography - Color, Single category. He created the photograph while enrolled in the Studio & Commercial Photography course taught by Jerry Rawlings, associate professor emeritus of mass communication at BHSU. In the class, students practice their photography skills by creating advertising focused imagery of commercial products and items.

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“To think that the work I make is being held at such a high standard only makes me want to continue working even harder because this is only the start for me.” Kurtenbach said of his award.

To be considered for the National ADDY Award, Kurtenbach’s image had to advance through two preliminary competitions, one at the local level which includes commercial artists from around the Black Hills, and another at the regional level, made up of Advertising Clubs throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Students enrolled in the BHSU Photography and Graphic Design programs regularly participate in the annual competition and often receive accolades for their work.

“I could not be any prouder of Logan. He is a very creative photographer as this award acknowledges. I know that this young man is going to excel as a photographer in the future and this award will help to open new doors for him,” said Rawlings.

Winners of the National Student ADDY Awards, along with winners from the Professional ADDY categories, will be honored at the organization’s National Conference held on June 2-5 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn.