Four graduate students in the University’s Elections and Campaign Management program have been awarded a total of five Student Pollie Awards from the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC)—the highest honor bestowed by the association. The awards recognize excellence in political advertising and span several categories, including Best Television Ad, Best Radio Ad, and Best Website.
The Fordham students received Pollie Awards in more categories than any other program, outperforming other prestigious schools and campaign management programs–including the Graduate School of Political Management at George Washington University, the University at Akron, and the University of Florida.
Fordham’s 2015 Pollie award recipients are:
- Best Campaign Plan (Gold): Nicole Jaconetty
- Best Fundraising Effort (Silver): Nicole Jaconetty
- Best Use of Direct Mail (Gold): Dina Charchour:
- Best Use of Television (Silver): Bryndís Ísfold Hlöðversdóttir
- Best Use of Television (Bronze): Louis McDonald
Awarded annually by AAPC, the Pollies are one of the most prestigious awards in the political campaign and public affairs industry.
“We are so proud of our students,” said Costas Panagopoulos, PhD, professor of political science and director of the Master’s in Elections and Campaign Management program. “People work their entire professional careers in political advertising and never earn a Pollie,” he added. “To win [one]as a student is truly exceptional.”
Students received their Pollie Awards at a ceremony in New Orleans, LA in March 2015.
— Janet Sassi
