Virginia Tech Dining Services' marketing and communications team brought home five ADDY Awards this March. 

The American Advertising Federation’s ADDY Awards are one of the advertising industry's largest and most representative annual competitions, recognizing the best in the creative advertising industry. The Dining Services team competed against dozens of other talented agencies and companies from the region, making its five awards evident of their dedication and craft to the art form. 

The creative team displayed its innovative work and strategies, resulting in four silver and one gold ADDY Award. These awards highlight the team’s ability to connect and appeal to Virginia Tech students and staff and to promote the vast dining options offered by Dining Services. The Gold ADDY was awarded for the marketing and installation design of the new Rosso dining concept at West End Market.

Rosso is one of the dining shops within West End Market and recently was rebranded and renovated to make its space more visually appealing.

Rosso Storefront Wide Angle View. Photo by Darren Van Dyke
The Gold ADDY for Ambient Media went to multiple installations for Rosso, by marketing director Michael Goodson and graphic designer Joy Blackburn.
Rosso Sitting Area Mural. Photo by Darren Van Dyke

“Rosso was one of those projects where you see potential in the form of a blank canvas, and it allows creativity to bring something cold and disjointed to life. With the graphics in the space now, Rosso has the high energy and friendly ambiance that welcomes all our guests,” said Michael Goodson, assistant director of communications and marketing.

The Dining Services communications and marketing team works to provide a dynamic and engaging dining experience, using innovative strategies and creative approaches to highlight the wide range of dining options available on campus.  

"Our award-winning creative studio staff is able to create vibrant and appealing spaces,” said Goodson, “With Rosso, the staff persevered and managed to pull off the unimaginable with their vibrant murals, signage, and wallpapers in the space. Their work elevated a space that otherwise would have been sterile and uninviting."

2022 Oyster Day Participant T-shirt Front
The Silver ADDY for Direct Marketing went to specialty advertising for Oyster Day 2022, created by graphic designer Joy Blackburn.
2022 Oyster Day Participant T-shirt Back
2022 Oyster Day Participant Bucket Hat
2022 Beckys Kickin' Chicken in Fighting Gobbler at West End Market Advertising Image. Photo by Darren Van Dyke
The Silver ADDY for Visual went to photography by Darren Van Dyke for Becky’s Kickin’ Chicken sandwich at the Fighting Gobbler.
2022 Beckys Kickin' Chicken in Fighting Gobbler at West End Market Close-up. Photo by Darren Van Dyke
2022 Annual Chili Challenge Contestant Winner Shirt Front
The Silver ADDY for Integrated Advertising Campaigns went to the Chili Challenge 2022, created by graphic designer: Joy Blackburn, social media coordinator Hayley Conrad, and photographer and videographer Darren Van Dyke.
2022 Annual Chili Challenge Contestant Winner Shirt Back
2022 Annual Chili Challenge Contestant Winner Snapback Hat

“The team's success at the ADDY Awards is a clear commitment to their creative work,” said Brian Grove, senior associate director. “Continuing to raise the bar for excellence in marketing and advertising, their impact on the Virginia Tech community is immeasurable.”

“I’m tremendously proud of the recognition our team has been given through their participation with the AAF. These awards could not have been awarded to anyone more deserving,” Goodson said. 

Awards

Gold ADDY for Ambient Media Multiple Installations: Rosso, marketing director Michael Goodson and graphic designer Joy Blackburn

Silver ADDY for Direct Marketing Specialty Advertising: Oyster Day 2022, Blackburn

Silver ADDY for Social Media Single Execution: Chef’s Special Sugar Cookie,Kelley Akers, social media doordinator

Silver ADDY for Integrated Advertising Campaigns: Chili Challenge 2022, Blackburn, Conrad, and photographer and videographer Darren Van Dyke

Silver ADDY for Visual – Still Photography: Becky’s Kickin’ Chicken sandwich at the Fighting Gobbler, Van Dyke

For more information, visit the Virginia Tech Dining Services website or follow on social media. 

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