KALAMAZOO–A team of Western Michigan University students has finished in the top 10 of a leading marketing competition that attracted 50 teams from universities across the nation.

This marked the fifth consecutive time that a WMU team has finished in the top 10 in national case study competitions sponsored by EdVenture Partners. The most recent contest, held this fall, was called the EdVenture Partners Chevrolet College Marketing Challenge Case Study Competition and marked the first time EdVenture Partners had worked with Chevrolet on a national case study competition. Previous competitions were held in the spring and involved Cadillac. The WMU team’s exact placement in the fall contest was not announced. Only the top five teams were invited to the final level of the fall competition.

In the contest, small teams of students within a class are challenged to consider and answer a number of analytical questions regarding a client’s brand positioning, a communication strategy or any other current strategic situation as identified by the sponsoring client.

WMU’s team was composed of seniors majoring in the University’s Advertising and Promotion program. Members were Amanda Meister of Fruitport, Mich; Paris Jackson of Kalamazoo, Mich.; Kristen Ross of Brownstown Township, Mich. and Danielle Ross of Harbert, Mich. The team, named Detonate, developed an integrated campaign for Chevrolet that accurately targets the vehicle buyer, aged 18-30, who is interested in a vehicle with a fuel-efficient solution, such as a hybrid. The team’s “Envi-Smart, Envi-Cool” campaign was designed to increase awareness of Chevrolet as a preferred option and motivate consumers to become a brand loyal Chevrolet buyer.

The team’s advisor was Dr. JoAnn Atkin, WMU professor of marketing, who uses the competition as the advertising and promotion major student’s capstone project in the class called Integrated Marketing Communications Campaigns. The students won the right to represent WMU in the competition by beating three other student teams in the class.

“This was a brand new case for us to work on, and we are proud that our students, once again, finished in the top 10 nationally,” Atkin says. “What the students do for this competition mimics what they will face when they enter the advertising industry. Developing a campaign from start to finish, as well as competing against other teams of advertising students in the nation, is an extremely valuable experience.”

Media contact: Mark Schwerin, (269) 387-8400, mark.schwerin@wmich.edu

Western Michigan University’s Ethics Bowl team has won its regional championship and is headed to the national match Feb. 21 in San Antonio. Read more.

Original media productions produced by students in the Western Michigan University School of Communication will be exhibited Thursday, Dec. 13, in 3502 Knauss Hall on WMU’s main campus. Read more.

Hey guys my name is Kristin and I am currently a sophomore majoring in medical science. After I get done with undergrad degree I am hoping to make it into the Physicians Assistant program here at Western. I am currently involved in the Student Ambassador program where I give campus tours and talk to perspective students. I also have a second job working at Bronson Methodist Hospital. At Bronson I am a patient care assistant with the Rehab Department. I help get patients in and out of bed, transport them down to the gym, and do exercises with them. Getting a job there has been a blessing because in order to even be considered for the grad PA program you must have a minimum of 1000 patient care hours. Eventually, I would like to become a patient care assistant on the nursing floor. This job in tale getting even more patient hours because I would be doing jobs like giving patients bath, helping them get into and out of bed, and taking vitals.

So far this semester has gone really well. I have been super busy trying to keep up in my classes, and maintain my two jobs. I think this semester has been easier than others because I am taking a couple of general education courses to finish them up. I feel as if from this point on though my classes are going to be super tough. For example next semester I have to take organismal biology and genetics….booooo. Other than that classes are going well and life in general is too!! I can not wait for Thanksgiving break next week and then Christmas break three weeks after that. It will be so amazing to have a break and just be able to relax!!

- Kristin

Hey guys and girls, my name is Sheila and I’m your new best friend; I can give you all of the inside information about the nooks and crannies of Western Michigan University . First of all, I’ll tell you a little about myself. I am a math lover through and through, which is probably why I’m majoring in it. If you noticed my picture, I’m standing in front of Rood (pronounced like ‘rude’) Hall, which is definitely my favorite place on campus. I split my time between hanging around Rood Hall, mainly in the computer lab, and the Lee Honors College , using the few minutes I have between classes to study in the amazing leather couch lounge. I’m a sophomore this year and I’m now thinking of double majoring in Accountancy also! Eek! That’s definitely going to increase my workload…which means less time to do everything else.

Anyways, I no longer live on campus, and I miss my residence hall friends like crazy. Although apartment living is pretty liberating, sometimes it can be a hassle and a lot of work. I mean, come on, who really wants to do the dishes everyday? My first year at WMU was filled with amazing experiences from meeting the Dean of the Honors College to meeting some of my best friends ever! I am so pumped about the rest of my career here! Seriously, though, WMU is definitely one of the best things that has ever happened to me.

- Sheila

It’s Wednesday. I am definitely anticipating this drive back home to Pleasant Ridge to have a relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving. Hopefully my plan goes well , a little bit of sleep, some great Thanksgiving food, and then of course coming back up to Western on Saturday for some exciting Bronco football. It’s our last home game of the season so hopefully we got out the same way we came in; with a goodtime. Wow, season’s ending, semester is almost done and well I feel like I have a billion and one things that I need to be getting done. Time to schedule for next semester classes, start making plans for the summer, what? Summer plans already, I feel like snow just landed. Man, time is just flying by. Til’ next time, I’m Out!

- Ashley

Hey My Name is Ashley a junior here at Western Michigan University. I am majoring in Organizational Communication with a minor in Psychology. I’m from a small city called Pleasant Ridge, which is right outside Detroit. Where I grew up was part of the reason why I decided to attend Western. It’s not too big, not too small; Western has so many valuable things to offer and not to mention the students here are very friendly. I got involved in various activities around campus which has helped me grow and taught me skills that you’ll never learn in a classroom. For instance I was an Orientation Leader, Fall Welcome Leader, First Year Seminar Leader, I work in the great Student Ambassador Office, and I’m currently the Vice-President of our Campus Activities Board. So there’s always a lot on my plate, but it’s all been worth it!

- Ashley

The highlight of my week: Thanksgiving break. I cannot wait for tomorrow (Wednesday) because I have no class and will be able to go home and just completely chill. Then of course on Thursday I cannot wait to eat Thanksgiving dinner and watch Lions football (hopefully they beat the Packers!!) It is going to feel entirely too good to do nothing for two days and have time to enjoy my family. My life at WMU is hectic with school, work and trying to have a social life so when a break rolls around I am so excited. Only two days of break though, because when Friday rolls around it is back to work and homework. I cannot believe that after this week is over, we have two full weeks left and then exam week. Its crazy how fast this semester went by. I have a lot of tests and final projects due the next three weeks and they have crept up on me. SO this weekend is going to be a time to catch up and even get ahead with my work so I am not as completely stressed!! Happy Thanksgiving!!

- Kristin

My name’s Matt and I’m a 3rd year student here at Western Michigan University. I’m majoring in Business Management, and minoring in Communication and Psychology. Here at WMU, I’m involved with the Student Ambassador Program, as well as the Drive Safe Kalamazoo, a safe ride student organization here. Next semester, I’ll be interviewing to start into the Arts Management program, which is under the Department of Theatre. What that major is, is working in the business end of Theatre (marketing, producing, ticket sales, house management, etc). I’m also going to be interviewing to be an Orientation Student Leader this summer. As you can tell, college life can be pretty hectic, but even with all of this and classes, I still have the time of my life! College is an amazing experience, and I couldn’t be happier that I’m spending my college days at Western! There’s so much to do here on campus as well as in the Kalamazoo area to keep you busy! If you’re looking into Western, come visit us on a campus tour! You’ll learn so much, and get to spend a day on this amazing campus! I hope to see you around on campus soon, and always remember - it’s a great day to be a BRONCO!

Matt

Pulled an all-nighter last night not fun! , but hey I’m pretty sure I Aced the exam with no problems. I kept thinking if I am not getting any sleep, I minds well get a good grade. Work made it all better in the ambassador office as I spent the day chatting with students over the internet through chat rooms. I haven’t used a chat room in forever, but it was pretty fun I must say. On to my next part of my day for it never ends, but being busy is way better than being bored. For if I was bored I probably would have spent the whole day eating and gaining not that freshman 15, but more like that Tuesday 15. Campus Activities e-board meeting is next on my agenda followed by going home putting on my nice comfy sweats to just sit down and relax on the sofa and watch some good ol’ TV. Ha-ha that’s funny, I wish. It’s more studying, but lets be honest probably with the television on.

- Ashley