New Pearl River Graphic Design Program Claims Top Honors ADDY Awards in Inaugural Year
POPLARVILLE, Miss. — Launched last August, Pearl River Community College’s Graphic Design program is already producing award-winning student work.
Four current students submitted work created during the inaugural semester to the recent American Advertising (ADDY) Awards for the American Advertising Federation (AAF) MS Gulf Coast Chapter held on February 22, 2025, and two students were singled out for recognition.
Delanie Dublin won a Gold Student ADDY and Judge’s Choice Award for “No Revival”, an integrated advertising campaign. Ariona Anderson won a Silver Student ADDY for “Add to Cart? Add to Waste” an integrated advertising campaign.
WILDCAT WINNERS
Anderson calls Hattiesburg home and is a graduate of Oak Grove High School. She possesses a strong passion for art and design with a desire to push herself creatively. She plans to continue her studies in design at the bachelor’s level while also accepting freelance work and building her portfolio.
Anderson’s campaign invites viewers to confront the environmental impact of their consumption habits. In a society where shopping is often linked to joy and convenience, it’s easy to ignore the hidden costs. “Add to Cart? Add to Waste” challenges the normalization of impulse buying encouraging mindfulness in everyday decisions. The campaign aspires to shift consumer behavior, fostering greater awareness and responsibility in the face of a pressing global issue.
“My time at PRCC has truly changed my life for the better,” said Anderson. “For the first time in years, I’m creating work that I’m truly proud of. Mr. Guerra and my classmates have been an incredible source of support and inspiration throughout my journey.
“Receiving an Addy Award soon after beginning the program is such an honor and a reminder that my hard work has truly paid off. An experience like this is something I will forever remember, and it has opened my eyes to a whole new world.”
Dublin also calls Hattiesburg home and graduated from Oak Grove High School a few years ahead of Anderson. She took time to work before coming to PRCC for an associate of arts degree. She was in the process of transferring when she heard about the graphic design program and decided to apply. When she completes the program, she plans to continue her career in graphic design as a freelancer.
Dublin’s “No Revival” campaign is designed to bring attention to a few species suffering from habitat loss. Inspired by World Wildlife Funds PSAs, the design features animals fading into darkness with enlarged video game hearts above their heads. Small phrases stating the harsh reality of extinct species accompany the images. The target audience is gamers with the reminder that there is no second chance like those in virtual worlds. It creates a sense of urgency to the destruction of habitats by deforestation and urbanization, leaving many beloved species vulnerable and on the brink of extinction.
“This program is shaping me into a multi-skilled designer with illustration, photo editing, and branding, so I am gaining confidence to take on different projects,” said Dublin. “Winning an ADDY Award feels surreal, and it is validating for me as a beginner designer.
“Having my message and work recognized by industry professionals at the American Advertising Federation is an honor. I am growing as a designer and gaining confidence in my ideas and conceptual thinking.”
WHY A NEW PROGRAM SUBMITTED TO THE ADDY AWARDS
While developing the new Graphic Design program, Instructor Corey Guerra had an overarching vision to cultivate designers who think beyond the expected, push creative boundaries, and are ready to take on the industry with confidence. With only one semester of work, it was evident that the work being produced reflected the spirit.
Exceptional student work chosen by Guerra was entered for the ADDY Awards as a declaration that great design isn’t defined by how long a program has existed but by the passion, creativity, and dedication of the people within it.
“Great design comes from a willingness to take risks, and that same mindset drove the submission process,” said Guerra. “Instead of waiting years to establish a reputation, we chose to start shaping one from day one. The ADDYs are about recognizing excellence, and I knew that the work coming out of this program deserved to be seen on that stage.
“Submitting wasn’t just about external validation; it was about setting a precedent for future students, showing them that their work is worthy of recognition at the highest level.”
GRAPHIC DESIGN PROGRAM AT PRCC
The Graphic Design Program at Pearl River Community College fosters creativity, innovation, and professional excellence. Through a dynamic curriculum and hands-on learning experiences, we equip students with the skills and knowledge to excel in the diverse field of graphic design. The mission is to cultivate versatile professionals who can effectively communicate ideas visually, adapt to industry changes, and contribute meaningfully to society through their artistry and expertise.
The program was developed and is being taught by Guerra, a graphic designer, illustrator, and fine artist with training focused on both traditional and digital media. Originally trained in studio art with a deep focus on oil painting utilizing the tradition of the old masters, Guerra expanded into the digital realm when earning his BA in Digital Design from Tulane University and an MFA in Media Design from Full Sail University. His graduate education and thesis focused on branding and brand identity design across various forms of digital media.
ABOUT THE ADDY AWARDS
The ADDY Awards are considered one of the most prestigious competitions in the advertising industry, recognizing excellence in advertising, marketing, and graphic design across a variety of media. For both seasoned professionals and graphic design students, the ADDY Awards represent a significant milestone in their careers, offering industry recognition, career advancement, and unparalleled networking opportunities.
The competition celebrates cutting-edge design and encourages participants to push their creative boundaries. Designers and students alike are inspired to develop bold, innovative solutions in branding, advertising, and digital media, knowing that their work will be judged against the highest standards. The student competition category provides emerging designers with a platform to showcase their work and receive recognition from professionals in the field. Many students who win ADDYs find that the award serves as a steppingstone to internships, job placements, and mentorship opportunities that help launch their careers.
“Seeing Pearl River Community College students step into the American Advertising Awards for the first time and take home multiple awards is truly inspiring,” said AAF MS Gulf Coast President Cece Shabazz. “Their work showcases incredible creativity and strong conceptual thinking, proving that the future of advertising is in great hands. I’m excited about this partnership and can’t wait to see how these students continue to grow and push the boundaries of imagination in our industry.”
