SoPA Media + Design students win big at 2025 ADDY® showcase

A spotlight is shining on students in the Media + Design program at the Tulane School of Professional Advancement (SoPA). The students collectively won an impressive 18 awards in the student division during the 2025 American Advertising Awards (ADDY®) hosted by the Advertising Club of New Orleans.

This year’s ADDY® Awards gala was held Thursday, Feb.13, at The Civic Theatre in New Orleans under the theme “Queen of Hearts.” Student winners will now compete in the national ADDY® competition.  

Rebecca Carr, Media + Design program director and senior professor of practice, said the list of accolades, which includes five Gold, eight Silver, and five Best of Show awards is an achievement that reflects the students’ hard work and the industry-ready skills they are developing in the program.  

“Our students continue to amaze us with their creativity, dedication and talent."

Rebecca Carr, Media+Design Program Director

“Our students continue to amaze us with their creativity, dedication and talent,” said Carr. “Moments like these remind us why we do what we do—helping students grow into confident, innovative professionals who are ready to make an impact.”

Kiana Bartolome, a Media + Design student studying graphic design and interactive design, won the competition’s highest student award of the night. Bartolome’s product packaging for a vinyl record and sleeve titled, “Mighty Mighty Bosstones Packaging” was awarded “Best of Show Overall.”

“I was completely stunned and proud that my packaging was selected from all the other stunning projects,” said Bartolome. “I hope my win helps push me to go ever further with my design choices and that future employers will be attracted to my ADDY award.”

The students weren’t the only winners of the evening. Tamar Gregorian, Media + Design associate program director and professor of practice, was honored as the 2025 Educator of the Year.  

“The Ad Club Educator of the Year Award motivates me to prioritize mentoring and guiding the next generation of strategic communicators,” said Gregorian. “I am deeply committed to helping our students understand the impact of thoughtful, purpose-driven communication in driving real change. This honor reinforces that passion, and I’m grateful to contribute to their growth.”

Click the image below to view a slideshow of this year’s winning entries.

BEST OF SHOW OVERALL

Entrant: Kiana Bartolome
Educational Institution: Tulane University
Project: Mighty Mighty Bosstones Packaging

BEST DESIGN

Entrant: Jo Herman
Educational Institution: Tulane University
Project: Concours D'elegance Poster & Ticket

BEST STORYTELLING

Entrant: Lisa Wurtzel
Educational Institution: Tulane University
Project: Lifecycle of a NOLA Pothole Graphic

BEST VIDEO

Entrant: Arlen Albert
Educational Institution: Tulane University
Project: Visit New Mexico Ad Spot

BEST ILLUSTRATION

Entrant: Sofia Von Der Schulenburg
Educational Institution: Tulane University
Project: Mass Shootings USA Poster

SALES & MARKETING - PRODUCT OR SERVICE SALES PROMOTION - PACKAGING

GOLD ADDY AWARD

Project: Mighty Mighty Bosstones Packaging
Educational Institution: Tulane University
Credits: Kiana Bartolome, Designer
Donna Smith, Professor

SILVER ADDY AWARD

Project: The Weeknd Album Packaging
Educational Institution: Tulane University
Credits: Toni Weick, Designer
Donna Smith, Professor

SALES & MARKETING - COLLATERAL MATERIAL-SPECIAL EVENT MATERIALS

SILVER ADDY AWARD

Project: Concours D'elegance Poster & Ticket
Educational Institution: Tulane University
Credits: Jo Herman, Designer
Donna Smith, Professor

SILVER ADDY AWARD

Project: Rewind Invite & Social
Educational Institution: Tulane University
Credits: Arlen Albert, Designer
Rebecca Carr, Professor
 

OUT-OF-HOME & AMBIENT MEDIA - POSTER - SINGLE

GOLD ADDY AWARD

Project: Mass Shootings USA Poster
Educational Institution: Tulane University
Credits: Sofia Von Der Schulenburg, Designer
Amanda Garcia, Professor

OUT-OF-HOME & AMBIENT MEDIA - OUTDOOR & TRANSIT ADVERTISING - SITE

SILVER ADDY AWARD

Project: Music to My Ears Mural
Educational Institution: Tulane University
Credits: Mari Krane, Designer
Donna Smith, Professor

ONLINE/INTERACTIVE - WEBSITE (DESKTOP OR MOBILE)

GOLD ADDY AWARD

Project: Lifecycle of a NOLA Pothole Graphic
Educational Institution: Tulane University
Credits: Lisa Wurtzel, Designer
Donna Smith, Professor

ONLINE/INTERACTIVE - APP (MOBILE OR WEB-BASED)

SILVER ADDY AWARD

Project: Soundcheck App Design
Educational Institution: Tulane University
Credits: Anneliese DePano, Designer
AJ Durand, Professor

SILVER ADDY AWARD

Project: Mindura App
Educational Institution: Tulane University
Credits: Meredith Winchell, Designer
Sam Barnes, Professor

Film, VIdeo & Sound - Television Advertising - Single

GOLD ADDY Award

Entrant: Arlen Albert
Educational Institution: Tulane University
Project: Visit New Mexico Ad Spot

GOLD ADDY Award

Entrant: Toni Weick
Educational Institution: Tulane University
Project: Memrise Ad Spot

Elements Of Advertising - Typeface Design

Silver ADDY Award

Entrant: Amy Morvant
Educational Institution: Tulane University
Project: Typographic Illustration

Elements Of Advertising - Animation Or Special Effects

SILVER ADDY AWARD

Entrant: Amy Morvant
Educational Institution: Tulane University
Project: Weekend Sketch Logo Animation