The student-run public relations and advertising agency captured gold and silver honors at the American Advertising Awards, with a bold “Summer Shrimp Boil” promotional postcard leading the way.
A bright orange shrimp cuts across a deep blue background, doubling as both illustration and information. It’s bold, clear and just a little playful – a design that helped Elon University’s Live Oak Communications earn top honors at this year’s American Advertising Awards.
The student-run public relations and advertising agency received one gold and one silver ADDY on March 6 at the American Advertising Federation Triangle gala in Raleigh, which recognizes the best in advertising across Central and Eastern North Carolina.
Live Oak earned a gold ADDY in the Elements of Advertising – Art Direction category for its “Summer Shrimp Boil” postcard created for Olde Forest Racquet Club. The design pairs a limited color palette with bold typography and an oversized illustration, turning a simple event promotion into a memorable visual experience that is both functional and fun.
The agency also received a silver ADDY in the Elements of Advertising – Art Direction category for its “Rooted in Community” campaign. The initiative provides philanthropic organizations in Alamance County with access to Live Oak’s services at a reduced cost. Campaign materials were showcased during a promotional event that connected potential partners with the agency and ultimately led to a spring 2026 partnership with Alamance Scholars.
“These students continue to push their classroom learning into real-world application,” said Hal Vincent, Live Oak’s faculty director since 2013. “Our clients benefit from thoughtful, strategic work, and it’s especially rewarding to see that work recognized by industry professionals.”
The recognition reflects Live Oak’s continued momentum as a nationally recognized student-run agency, where students develop creative solutions for real clients while building professional-level portfolios.
Behind the award-winning work is Live Oak’s 2025 team – Maddie Bauman ’26, Halli Harwood ’26, Brennan Martin ’26, Amanda McGee ’26, Emma Ciesla ’26 and Ethan Wilshinsky ’26 – whose creativity and strategic thinking resonated with judges and clients alike.
Live Oak Communications is Elon University’s student-run public relations and advertising agency designed to give students the unique experience of partnering with real clients. Since opening in 2007, the organization has worked with numerous local businesses, nonprofits and organizations, providing them with professional, award-winning work. The agency’s capabilities include: public relations, content production, digital marketing, advertising, design, research and strategy and social media. Live Oak currently serves six clients, including Alamance Scholars, Blue Ribbon Diner, McPherson Cleaners, The Mark at Elon, The Olde Forest Racquet Club, and The Village Grill.
AAF Triangle is the voice of the advertising industry in the Raleigh-Durham-Coastal Plains areas. The organization sponsors programs that support the national organization’s initiatives in education, diversity, public service and government relations for advertising agencies, marketing teams, freelancers and students. Its signature event is the American Advertising Awards. This national awards program begins at the local level, then progresses to the district level, and ultimately the national level. AAF Triangle also offers an ongoing series of programs, events, and competitions that give members a chance to learn more about the industry and colleagues in the Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill area.