Airlift Recognizes Tomorrow's Creative Leaders at Columbia College Chicago; $5,000 Awarded by CEO to Six Marketing Communication Students.

CHICAGO -- Shelley Rosen, chief executive officer of Airlift, a Chicago-based branding firm, today presented $5,000 in awards to six Marketing Communication students at Columbia College Chicago. "We believe these students exhibit leadership skills in the next wave of those headed for careers in the creative business," Rosen told more than 300 students gathered to hear her keynote address at AdStock. This annual, campus-wide career day is organized by Marketing Communication students at Columbia to provide networking opportunities and career advice.

"Columbia College leads the country in developing practical creative talent today's corporations need to drive business performance," said Rosen. "AdStock is another example of how Columbia College helps students prepare for the real, highly competitive world."

The Shelley Rosen Portfolio in Development Award was presented to Joseph Wright, a senior studying sports marketing. He received $2,500 for his work on Wheaties Mobile Marketing Concept. Wright said, "I am graduating with three solid job offers in the sports marketing industry. I owe this to my experience at Columbia College."

Spencer Elliott-Manheim, Nicolra Gholston, Tiata Johnson, Carly Gill and Melinda Joseph were recognized for their individual contributions in marketing leadership as voted by their peers. Each was presented The Shelley Rosen Nominate a Classmate Award with a cash prize of $500.

Rosen, a 25-year advertising and marketing veteran who has developed major branding efforts at Leo Burnett and McDonald's Corporation, recently launched Airlift Ideas, Inc., a firm that helps companies "ignite brand joy" and build a legacy of success. She also is a three-year member of Columbia's Board of Trustees.

"We salute Shelley Rosen for her leadership and vision," said Margaret Sullivan, Chair of the Marketing Communication department. "She has reached out in a novel, unique way to more intentionally connect with our students. She's a powerful role model."

AdStock offers students exposure to the professional world while they continue their education, according to Shanita B. Akintonde, AdStock advisor and professor to Marketing Communication students.

AdStock attendees participated in one-on-one, roundtable networking sessions with more than 100 professionals from leading Chicago advertising agencies, public relations, marketing firms and media corporations who offered career advice.

Rosen, a 25-year advertising and marketing veteran from Leo Burnett and McDonald's Corporation, launched Airlift to help corporate leaders ignite brand joy through brand storytelling. She is a three-year member of Columbia's Board of Trustees.

For more information on AdStock, visit www.colum.edu/adstock/index.htm. For more information on Airlift Ideas, visit www.airliftideas.com or call [phone] or [phone]; email to [e-mail].