SBU's Elyse Kosakowski recognized by AAF as Most Promising Minority Students Program finalist

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Elyse Kosakowski

ST. BONAVENTURE, NY (12/08/2011)(readMedia)-- St. Bonaventure University senior Elyse Kosakowski has been named by the American Advertising Federation as a Most Promising Minority Students Program finalist, class of 2012.

Kosakowski, of  Henrietta, N.Y., is among 20 finalists across the U.S. to be recognized for their achievements this year. She is the first St. Bonaventure student to receive this honor by AAF.

Finalists for the award will gather in New York City in February to attend a recognition ceremony that will highlight their achievements. There, they will have the opportunity to meet advertising professionals, immersing themselves in various opportunities such as networking with some of the industry's largest names.

"I feel honored to represent St. Bonaventure in a pool of such qualified candidates," Kosakowski said.

Kosakowski was nominated by Michael Jones-Kelley, a visiting professor in the Russell J. Jandoli School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Jones-Kelley holds Kosakowski in the highest regard and has taught her at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. "Today, Most Promising Minority Student. Tomorrow, President of the Universe. Elyse can do anything," Jones-Kelley said.

As part of the application process, students were asked to create a 15-word tagline. To describe her heritage and personal brand best, Kosakowski produced "Made in Korea. Imported to America. Branded Polish." This tagline describes the recipient best: She doesn't take herself too seriously but she believes in the power of advertising.

"It is uncharacteristic for me to apply for a minority achievement award because I never consider myself a minority," said Kosakowski. "I applied because of AAF. The Mosaic Council works to recognize achievement and creativity among all cultures - something that is extremely important in my field of passion: advertising."

Kosakowski is enrolled in the Journalism and Mass Communication and Integrated Marketing Communications five-year program. She will receive both degrees in May 2012. She is working on an integrated marketing communications plan for Susan G. Komen for the Cure as part of her final master's defense.

"The IMC program solidified my passion for advertising and has allowed me to aspire to be a thought leader when I enter the workforce in May," she said.

Kosakowski holds two positions within St. Bonaventure's chapter of AAF, serving as secretary and chief planner. It is her second year to hold the position as chief planner.

AAF is the oldest national advertising trade association and has 226 college chapters. Its mission is to protect and promote the well-being of advertising by providing students with real-world case studies and recruitment connections to corporate America.

Learn more at www.sbu.edu/JMC.