AAF Cedar Valley

Three UNI students turned a class project into a National Gold ADDY Award. 🏆

Muhammad Khan Niazi, Breyer Ellison and Reiter Patzner took their Digital Customer Experience project from the classroom to the national stage, earning one of advertising's highest student honors at Admerica 2026.

Learn more 👉 https://aaf.uni.edu/uni-students-win-national-student-gold-addy-at-admerica-american-advertising-awards/

We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of local artist and illustrator Gary Kelley. From national magazine covers to murals, book illustrations and major league sports art, Kelley spent decades shaping visual culture. His work appeared in Time, Rolling Stone and The New Yorker, and included major projects for the NBA, Kentucky Derby, NFL and Major League Baseball.

Kelley illustrated more than 30 books and earned 37 medals from the Society of Illustrators, where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007. His large-scale work can be seen across the country, from Barnes & Noble stores to major public installations. His legacy—and his commitment to staying curious and creative—will continue to inspire.

Gary Russell Kelley Obituary April 12, 2026 - Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home & Cremation Service View Gary Russell Kelley's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

We’re proud to have such amazing talent in our own backyard. UNI senior and UNI Advertising Club - AAF UNI president Lee Beauchamp was named one of the American Advertising Federation’s Most Promising Students of 2026 — and even saw themself featured on a Times Square billboard.

Not many people can say they've seen themselves featured on a Times Square billboard — but UNI senior Lee Beauchamp can! The interactive digital studies major has just returned from a trip to the Big Apple as one of the American Advertising Federation's Most Promising Students of 2026.

Find out more about the first UNI student to receive this honor ⬇️
https://insideuni.uni.edu/business/and-coming-advertising-creative-uni-takes-big-apple

Cheers to our 2026 advertising award winners — the designers, storytellers, and creators pushing our industry forward.

A special thnk you to Nichole Diehm for capturing the magic! https://www.nicholediehmphotography.com/

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Jim Waterbury, longtime General Manager of KWWL and our honored 2023 Silver Medal Award recipient.

With nearly 30 years in television, Jim led KWWL to the top of the viewing polls, served as President of the NBC Affiliates Board, and later made a meaningful impact as Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Allen Hospital. Throughout his remarkable career, he was known as a steady leader, valued mentor, and compassionate teacher. Jim also gave generously to the Cedar Valley community, including his dedicated service with the R.J. McElroy Trust and his commitment to recognizing inspiring local educators. Our hearts go out to his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Remembering Jim Waterbury: KWWL leader leaves lasting legacy in Waterloo Jim Waterbury, former president and general manager of KWWL-TV, has passed away at the age of 78.

Are you passionate about marketing, digital strategy, and higher ed?

The University of Northern Iowa is hiring a Marketing Specialist.
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Learn more 👉 https://tinyurl.com/2s36bmxs

⏰ One week left. ⏰ ⁠
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The countdown is on to enter the American Advertising Awards.⁠
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Don’t let your best work sit on your hard drive. Get it seen. Get it judged. Get it recognized. 🏆⁠
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Submit now before the deadline hits.⁠
👉 winanaddy.com

Know someone who has made outstanding contributions to advertising and furthered the industry’s standards and creative excellence?⁠
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Nominate them for one of our special awards 👉https://www.aafcedarvalley.com/special-awards

Ready to shape how prospective students experience our university online?⁠
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University of Northern Iowa is hrining a Web Strategist. ⁠
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Learn more 👉 https://tinyurl.com/4dv4z9by