2009 Sandage Symposium drew more than 100 alumni and friends to celebrate

The Department of Advertising brought more than 100 people to campus on September 25-26, 2009, to commemorate its heritage and celebrate its future with the 2009 Sandage Symposium. In honor of Charles Sandage’s belief that advertising educators and professionals should be more collaborative, the Sandage Symposium 2009 kicked off the department's 50th Anniversary celebration. This two-day event provided the forum for professors and professionals to exchange ideas and discuss current issues facing the industry. The Symposium culminated in a tribute to Charles Sandage and a celebration of the Department of Advertising’s past as well as its future. Rance Crain, president and editor-in-chief, Crain Communications Inc., raved about the Symposium in the October 2009 issue of Ad Age.

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Application deadline approaches for Advertising study abroad course to Rome, Italy

Students interested in ethnic food marketing strategies in Italy may have a chance to study abroad next summer in Rome. The Department of Advertising will offer ADV 400 "Advertising Italian Style: Global Studies in Italian Food, Culture, and Strategic Communications" as a two-part course in Spring 2010.

For the first part of the course, students take a three-credit-hour online course from the Urbana campus. The online course will include lectures, video tours, guest lectures, and interactive sessions during which students will enhance their skills in new media and will learn to prepare and deliver presentations, collaborate and solve problems using various online platforms.

The second phase of the course will take students to Rome, Italy, to study and experience Italian food culture firsthand. In addition to lectures and trips to local street markets, tratorias, enotecas, gelaterias, supermarkets, and media and advertising agencies in Rome. Several field trips are planned to introduce students to how food is grown and prepared in the Italian countryside. Assignments will include working individually and in teams to develop a a multi-media presentation on Italian food industries.

The course application deadline is November 9, 2009. Interested students may attend upcoming information sessions, October 12, 2009, 5-6 p.m., or October 20, 2009, 4-5 p.m., both in 213 Gregory Hall. More information...

Jacalyn Ceglinski '09 names her reasons for choosing Illinois

Choosing the right college or university is a difficult and important decision. Jackie Ceglinski, a graduating senior in Advertising, provides her perspective as she reflects on the value of her Illinois education in the Office of Admissions e-newsletter. See Ceglinski's "Five Reasons Illinois was a Great Decision."

 

 

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The Department of Advertising — the first such academic department in the country — was established at the University of Illinois in 1949. The department was created by Charles Sandage, known as the "father of advertising." Like virtually every other advertising program that rose in its shadow, it reflected the structure and functions of the modern advertising agency.

Find out more about Illinois' advertising history in this article written by Jason Chambers.

Advertising isn't what it used to be. Media have changed dramatically. Consumer engagement with advertising is taking paths that no one could have imagined more than 50 years ago. The Department of Advertising at Illinois has changed right along with the industry, and today it is still pioneering the way consumer communications is taught. In addition to learning the elements of agency creative and account responsibilities, advertising students work toward an understanding of the relationship between consumers, consumption and consumer-oriented messages.

This cutting-edge approach teaches students to think intelligently, not only about advertising but about all of the cultural messages with which they engage.

Advertising students at Illinois are well prepared for fulfilling careers in all facets of the consumer communications industry. It's what makes the program unique. And it's what repeatedly places it among the top-ranked programs in the country:

Top Undergraduate programs as ranked by faculty

1. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
2. University of Texas
3. University of Florida

Most mentions as a "Top 3" undergraduate program

1. University of Texas
2. Michigan State University
3. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Most mentions as a "Top 3" graduate program

1. University of Texas
2. Northwestern University
3. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
    Michigan State University

Top graduate programs as ranked by U.S. News & World Report

1. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
2. University of Florida
3. Northwestern University
4. University of Texas

SOURCE: University of Texas at Austin Web site.

Student organizations

The Department of Advertising encourages students to get involved in a student organization such as the American Advertising Federation, which offers connections to real-world experiences, competition and advertising professionals.

Faculty expertise

The faculty in the Department of Advertising combine professional experience with wide-ranging scholarly interests in the study of advertising consumer communication.

Networking opportunities & alumni connections

Advertising majors have traveled to Los Angeles, New York, Detroit, Chicago and other cities to visit agencies and network with industry professionals, many of whom are College of Communications alumni. Alumni also provide portfolio reviews, professional guidance and updates on industry trends. In January of each year, the College sponsors a Student/Alumni Interface during winter break, at which students can network with alumni working as advertising professionals in the Chicago area.

Career placement

The Department of Advertising offers assistance in acquiring internships and jobs, including an annual career night devoted to connecting students with advertising professionals.