USI Art students sweep the 2026 American Advertising Awards
March 6, 2026
Eight Art and Design department students from the University of Southern Indiana won awards at the 2026 American Advertising Awards. The event showcased professional and student entries and presented the coveted ADDY awards to the most deserving talent in the Tri-state area. Both American Advertising Federation – Greater Evansville (AAF-GE) members and non-members were invited to compete for the chance to win at the local level and further advance to the district level and possibly to the national competition in May presented by the American Advertising Federation (AAF).
The student winners include:
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William Le - 1 EVVY Award
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Sidney Young - 1 EVVY Award
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Abbey Rodocker - 1 EVVY Award
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Kyhlee Young - 2 EVVY Awards
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Madilyne Piper - 3 EVVY Awards
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Jeraldi Barrientos - 1 Silver ADDY
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Vanessa Mejia - 1-Silver ADDY
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Deanna Hardy - 1 EVVY Award, 2 Silver ADDYs, 2 Gold ADDYs, 2 Judges Choice Addy’s and $500 scholarship
“I attended the ADDY Awards years ago with my mom, who won many in her career, so being an award recipient myself feels incredibly full circle.” says Hardy. “I officially joined the competition for the first time in 2024, and to now receive multiple awards over the years is something I’ve been thankful for. The AAF recognizes creative excellence within advertising, so having photography work that sits between fine art and commercial design to be honored in that space feels validating. I also really love being in a room with professionals who have shaped the industry over the years and that I look up to. It’s inspiring to see the level of work being produced and even though I’m a student I feel connected and welcomed into that larger creative community.”
As a Gold ADDY award winner, Hardy will move on to the district level competition, that will be announced soon.
To learn more about the award-winning USI Art and Design Department, visit the website.