[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Foundation for Outdoor Advertising Research and Education (FOARE) has awarded scholarships to 11 students across the United States for the 2019-2020 academic year. This year, a record-breaking 160 applications were received.
The recipients of the 2019-2020 FOARE scholarships:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”2579″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Joshua Cortez (Dallas, TX) was named the recipient of the $5,000 Allman Family Business Development, Marketing and Sales Scholarship. Joshua will be entering the MBA program at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. Joshua has been working for the last eight years in the advertising industry. His work included OOH advertising for clients such as T-Mobile and Samsung. Following undergrad, Joshua was selected to be the youngest member of the Baylor University Alumni Board. He also received a US Senate summer internship and a post-graduate fellowship from FleishmanHillard Communications working on the firm’s Ernst & Young, AT&T, and ConocoPhillips accounts. He is a founding board member and past president of the Salvation Army’s Echelon Dallas chapter, which has become a national template for other young professional chapters around the nation. He also coordinates the Dallas Leadership Forum, which hosts lunches, lectures, and interviews with leaders from various industries. After receiving his MBA, Joshua plans to return to advertising as a marketing manager at a blue-chip company.
“Out of home advertising installations are part of the American experience — conveying a theme or idea in a split second,” he said. “Notable OOH signage has become part of American pop culture and seen as an art form. I assure you that an investment in my educational future will be planting a seed that will blossom not only in my career in the greater advertising world but also in the future of marketing and its many channels in the future.”
The Allman Family Business Development, Marketing and Sales Scholarship is awarded to a student enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate business management or other business-related academic program. Established by Don and Cathy Allman, the Scholarship recognizes the important links between sales, marketing and business development that have been a hallmark of the family’s experience within the industry.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”2582″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Hailey Galloway (Queen Creek, AZ) was named the recipient of the $5,000 Nancy Fletcher Leadership Scholarship. Hailey will start Arizona State University seeking a degree in graphic design. She is the daughter of Jeremy Galloway, who has worked in sales, governmental relations, and human resources at YESCO Outdoor Media for 13 years. Hailey’s interest in graphic design is inspired by her family connection to the industry.
“Seeing the work that YESCO’s graphic designer does,” she said, “inspires my passion and positively influences my desire to be a graphic designer. I hope to get through college debt-free and then continue to help the outdoor advertising community in my future career.”
Hailey has demonstrated strong leadership skills through her involvement in many high school activities while at the same time earning a 4.027 GPA. She served as the historian and videographer for Student Government; Senior Class President; dance captain for the Firecracker Dance Company; and yearbook layout editor and art director. She also volunteered regularly at Feed My Starving Children and a local food bank.
The Nancy Fletcher Leadership Scholarship is awarded to a woman with a specific connection to the OOH industry who has demonstrated leadership qualities and skills. The scholarship recognizes the work of Nancy Fletcher, who has served for nearly 28 years as the president and CEO of OAAA. The scholarship is designed to recognize and encourage young women to aspire to leadership positions.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”2578″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Brian Perlstein (Marlboro, NJ) has been named the recipient of the $4,500 Ruth Segal Scholarship. He is starting Columbia University seeking a B.A. in History. Brian is the son of Robert Perlstein, a senior account executive for OUTFRONT Media. While maintaining a 5.1607 GPA in high school, Brian served as president of the local chapter of Junior State of America (JSA) and secretary of the local Girl Up chapter. He also led advocacy campaigns to support passage of federal legislation to protect global female access to education. He researched and drafted local ordinances as an intern for the Monmouth County Council. He received a Certificate of Excellence presented by US Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) for his work serving as a “buddy” with autistic children and adults. He also has competed on the high school bowling and varsity tennis teams.
Brian credits conversations with his father for helping him gain a better understanding of the impact of OOH advertising. “Now when I see a billboard,” he said, “I don’t just see pictures and words. I see business, strategy, and research all coming together to make an effective advertisement. While at Columbia this fall, I hope to learn more effective and efficient ways of utilizing digital and traditional advertising.”
The Ruth Segal Scholarship was established to recognize the work of Ruth Segal, a long-time employee of OAAA, who worked tirelessly to educate federal and state policymakers about the OOH advertising industry.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”2574″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Matthew Bradley (Salt Lake City, UT) was named the recipient of the $4,000 Vern and Elaine Clark Outdoor Advertising Industry “Champion” Scholarship. Matthew is the son of Paul Bradley, the vice president of human resources for YESCO Outdoor Media, and the grandson of George Bradley, the vice present of customer service for YESCO Outdoor Media. Mathew’s mother and two sisters also have worked at YESCO in administrative support positions. He will be entering his senior year at the University of Utah studying strategic communications. Matthew also plans to work in the industry.
“Being surrounded by the OOH advertising business my whole life,” he said, “I have always had the desire to work in it. My whole family has worked in some capacity in the business.”
In addition to serving as an Eagle scout, Matthew has done missionary work for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Russia and New York. He worked as a summer camp counselor and routinely completes service projects in the community, including yard work, remodeling projects, and helping people move. Active in the Salt Lake Community College Student Association, he has helped to plan activities for students and the surrounding community.
The Vern and Elaine Clark Outdoor Advertising Industry “Champion” Scholarship is awarded to a student – with a specific connection to the industry – enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate academic program who demonstrates through academic life, community activities, and career goals the skills and talents that made Vern Clark, a long-time industry champion, successful in his efforts.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”2576″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Amanda Strickland (Alamosa, CO) who has been named the recipient of the $3,000 Creative Arts/Design Scholarship, is studying for a B.F.A. in Graphic Design at Adams State University. She has worked for three years at a marketing agency. Her professional goal is to become the creative director at an advertising agency.
“I have always known that design would be a part of my future,” she said, “and recently I realized advertising will, too. After three years at a marketing agency, there were many areas where I saw a need for better design and advertising. This issue led me to realize I want a career as a creative director, so I could lead a team of creative people to bring my ideas to fruition. The only way to achieve my goal is through education.”
A mother of two children, Amanda also hopes that pursuing her dreams will serve as an example for her children. “They see me working and studying and they see what it takes to succeed,” she said. “I will become the person I aspire to be. I will become a great name in advertising.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The following are recipients of $3,000 scholarships:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”2586″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Julia Buckley (Doylestown, PA) will be entering her freshman year at the University of the Arts studying Illustration in pursuit of a B.F.A. She is the daughter of Gerald Buckley, director of strategic partnerships at EMC Outdoor. Julia graduated high school Summa Cum Laude and received several awards, including the Fine Arts Award and an Art and Writing Honorable Mention Award for excellence in visual arts. She also has received a Certificate of Recognition presented by the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives “with appreciation for elevating our sense of the arts.” Julia has committed many hours to community activities, including Habitat for Humanity.
“When I create, I draw inspiration from the people around me,” she said. “Art allows me to capture the beauty of my community. My goal as an artist is to communicate to people through art and design, and I hope to inspire others to do the same because I believe art is our world’s universal language.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”2575″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]McKenzie Cowlbeck (Ardmore, OK) will be entering her senior year at the University of Oklahoma studying for a B.S. in Physics. McKenzie is the daughter of Chris Cowlbeck, the general manager of Independent Billboard Operators and Look Billboards. She has been active in numerous Panhellenic activities, has participated in the University’s Peace Corps prep program, and worked with children with disabilities to help them build muscle strength and enhance social skills through dance. McKenzie said she is considering “following in my father’s footsteps” as she considers a professional career.
“Whether he did it consciously or not,” she said, “my Dad has been cultivating my own interest in the OOH industry. I recognize the OOH industry has seen the product of my Dad’s creativity, innovation, and relentless hard work for the past decade, but I have been incredibly lucky as his daughter to see the back-of-house brainstorming and problem-solving. The gritty part of my father’s brilliance that not everyone gets to see has deeply inspired me to reconsider my own career aspirations.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”2581″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Gavin Elliott (Chicago, IL) will be entering Indiana University Bloomington Kelley School of Business studying business/marketing. He is the son of Lucia Lacombe, who has worked for 18 years in the advertising industry, most recently as a national sales rep for Adams Outdoor Advertising. Previously, she worked with the Patrick Media Group, Eller Media Group, and Clear Channel Outdoor. Gavin served as team captain for his varsity volleyball team in high school. He also coached basketball for grades 6-8 and taught swimming to children 12 months to 12 years old, including children with disabilities.
“It’s from these experiences,” he said, “where I have learned how to be a role model, delegator, and take charge of challenging situations, which are vital leadership skills for the OOH advertising industry.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”2580″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Erika Lewis (Sandy UT) will be entering her junior year at the University of Utah studying for a B.A. in Communications. Currently, Erika works as a market research analyst at YESCO Outdoor Media. She is passionate about the OOH industry, hoping to move to a position within YESCO where she can sell advertising space and specialize in helping large businesses and agencies with their advertising campaigns.
“With your investment in my degree and my experience with YESCO Outdoor Media, I will be more equipped to help bridge the gap between businesses and their potential clients.”
Erika also serves in the Utah Army National Guard and volunteers for numerous groups in the community, including at the neonatal kitten unit at Best Friends Animal Society; the Utah Food Bank; and the Salt Lake Humane Society. She also helps third grade elementary students with their school work.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”2584″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Lillian Riley (Southlake, TX) will be entering her second year at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. She is the daughter of Donald Riley, the vice president of the southwest region at Lamar Advertising Company. Lillian said she has been heavily influenced by her father and his work for the industry.
“My family would not be where we are today without this industry and the trust that Lamar has put in my father,” she said. “My father continues to work as hard as he possibly can to continue growing the field he has dedicated his life to bettering. He has instilled his work ethic in me and pushes me every day to learn more than I did the day before.”
Lillian has been very involved in her sorority, including helping to develop educational programs for new members. She also has worked as a legal intern conducting extensive research and writing on intellectual property and the acquisition of real estate and conducted research on network neutrality and broadband deployment for CenturyLink.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”1777″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Anthony Salamida (Binghamton, NY) is entering his sophomore year at the University of Buffalo studying Business Administration. Anthony is the son of Sam Salamida, the vice present/general manager of Park Outdoor. Anthony acknowledged that his first year in college was more challenging than he expected.
“I had to learn how to study more efficiently, improve my test taking, and time management skills,” he said. “College is not a breeze like high school was for me. It was a major adjustment. I would have to work and apply myself differently than what I was used to. I was determined to work hard and the results showed. My plan is to continue this work ethic for the next three years.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_btn title=”Download PDF” color=”danger” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fspecialreports.oaaa.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F08%2FScholarships_090319-1.pdf||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Published: September 3, 2019