Alyssa Scheuneman
Hometown: Des Plaines, IL
Year: Junior
Major: Advertising
How did you hear about AAF? When did you join?
I heard about AAF through Quad Day Freshman year, but since I was in DGS, I was still exploring majors and mentally filed it away as an RSO to look into at a later date. Then, when I declared Advertising my Sophomore year, joining that fall semester was a no-brainer!
What is your favorite memory in AAF so far?
I can't really pinpoint one favorite memory! Going to my first general meeting was pretty great though. There was just that lightbulb moment where I felt like I finally found an organization on campus that was a great fit for me and my interests, and I couldn't wait to get involved.
What is your favorite thing about being an AAF member?
I love being able to meet so many new people and have that instant ad major bond--it's so fantastic! It's always nice to see familiar faces around Greg Hall (and campus in general).
What have you learned so far being a member of AAF?
I've learned so much from my peers about how to work in a collaborative, creative environment to create great content. I'm in On The House, so being able to play around with Photoshop (with varying degrees of success) and interact in client meeting settings has been invaluable, hands-on experience.
What other activities are you involved in on campus?
I'm also an active member of Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed service fraternity here on campus. It's a great way to connect with the greater Champaign-Urbana community, and like AAF, has given me the opportunity to meet so many new and interesting people. I'm one of those people who gets antsy when I have too much downtime, so being involved in APO and AAF has allowed me to strike that perfect balance between academics and extracurriculars.
Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
Ten years from now, I hope to be spending my days toiling away at an agency in Chicago and my nights with my feet propped up on the coffee table, watching Parks and Recreation reruns. But really, I'd just like to have a fulfilling career doing something I love, surrounded by people I love. I'm not too picky about the specifics.
What is an accomplishment that you are most proud of? What do you aspire to achieve in the future?
In the span of my entire life? I got to ride around Des Plaines on a fire truck when I was in 3rd grade for sketching the winning home fire escape route during Fire Safety Week. I think it was my use of highlighters and white space that really set me apart from the other contenders. That was a great day. But seriously, within AAF, it's always great to hear positive feedback from On The House clients. In the future, I hope to continue to put out work that impresses everyone from firefighters to UIUC RSOs and Fortune 500 execs.
Lastly, what is your favorite place to eat on campus?
Cocomero, for their pumpkin spice fro-yo. That small window from mid-October until Thanksgiving Break is the most wonderful time of the year. I have never seen another soul get it, so I may or may not have demolished this year's stock all by myself.
Margaret Anderson
Hometown: Fox River Grove, IL
Year: Junior
Major: Advertising
How did you hear about AAF? When did you join?
I heard about AAF as a typical freshman on Quad Day. It was one of the 500 organizations I signed up for that day, but it was one the few that I was actually interested and have been active in ever since.
What is your favorite memory in AAF so far?
Working on the On the House committee has been great this year. My group worked on a start up fitness website, called Fitoodle, which gave us the opportunity to really work together and produce some cool work.
What is your favorite thing about being an AAF member?
Being surrounded by a such a huge group of people who are all just as interested and passionate about the same things as I am is amazing.
What have you learned so far being a member of AAF?
I've have learned what it really means to be an Advertising student. It's not just about going to class, it's about the amazing experiences and people that are a part of Advertising at Illinois.
What other activities are you involved in on campus?
I am a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority, I write for The Odyssey newspaper, and I'm a campus representative for American Eagle.
Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
My dream would be to be a copy writer or creative director for a big agency, like Ogilvy, in Chicago.
What is an accomplishment that you are most proud of? What do you aspire to achieve in the future?
I am most proud of being able to develop myself as a copywriter these past few years at U of I. Creating ads as a copywriter has always been something I've wanted to do, and there is nothing that makes me more proud than having a finished campaign to show off. In the future I hope to have a career as a copywriter that will allow me to continuously develop my creative thinking and one that will allow me to reach my full potential.
Lastly, what is your favorite place to eat on campus?
Sad question because I would have said Mia Za's (RIP) but I'll go with Chipotle.
Diana Lee
Hometown: Auburn, AL
Year: Freshman
Major: Advertising
How did you become involved in the AAF at Illinois?
I heard someone yelling about AAF on the quad couple of times as I was walking around. After just 2 weeks of Adv 300, I found that I really enjoyed it and wanted to learn more about, and I remembered AAF from the quad so I went to the general meeting!
What committees are you currently on for AAF, and what have you done for them?
Multicultural, OTH, Digital, and Event Management. Currently in OTH, we are preparing ads and promotions for Childreach. In Multicultural, we are on the verge of spreading our committee to other RSOs on campus.
What is your favorite memory thus far in the AAF at Illinois?
The social events and coffee hours are amazing! I get to meet the upper classmen and get to hear their stories of Advertising experiences from internships and study abroad experiences.
What are you future goals for your college career?
I am planning on studying abroad in Italy, Ireland, and Korea. I want to become more involved with AAF and hopefully get to take many trips to big agencies in Chicago and NYC. Most important, have a blast and make this the best time of my life!
What other organizations are you involved with on campus?
I am the culture chair and assistant decorations chair of Delta Zeta, member of Phi Eta Sigma, exec member of IDM.
One interesting fact about your self?
My formal name, Younjoo, means “shining pillar”—to be a strong support. My friends back home often joked and called me the shining pillar.
Future goals for advertising or career?
I really hope to intern for DDB, Leo Burnett, or Starcom, and hopefully work there one day! I want to travel world and assist my company in advertising!
Brian O'Leary
Kristen Manias
Hometown: Arlington Heights, IL (Brian)
Year: Sophomore
Major: Undecided
Hometown: Lakeville, MN (Kristen)
Year: Junior
Major: Advertising
How did you become involved in the AAF at Illinois?
Brian: I had signed up for the email list on quad day my freshman year, but being I always end up for signing up for an unreasonable amount of clubs on that quad day, I was always skipping over the emails. After taking ADV 300 this Fall I had a strong feeling that advertising was the right field for me, and I knew if I wanted to get some hands on experience and that AAF would be the best place to get involved.
Kristen: Quad Day Freshman year! Signed up for AAF and went to a general meeting.
What committees are you currently on for AAF, and what have you done for them?
Brian: I am currently a member of the creative team for Midnight Oil, and I specialize in producing design material. I’ve worked with Football Recruitment making coach bios and nametags, and have also worked with local businesses in the Champaign-Urbana area.
Kristen:Midnight Oil and Professional Development (Ad Buzz Writer)
What is your favorite memory thus far in the AAF at Illinois?
Brian: As a fairly new member of AAF at Illinois, I know there are many great memories to come. That being said, I’ve already have had a lot of fun and gained some great experience with Midnight Oil.
Kristen:AAF Barn Dance last year, haha good times.
What are you future goals for your college career?
Brian: I am looking forward to possibly studying abroad sometime next year, especially since I have never left the country. Looking into the future, I’d continue producing creative work to solidify my portfolio before I graduate. I would also like to get a summer internship to start gaining experience in the field and to open up networking opportunities.
Kristen: Get an internship this summer and keep having fun!
What other organizations are you involved with on campus?
Brian: In addition to AAF, I am an active member of Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity and the Vice President of Garner Hall dorm executive board. I am also a member of Illini Pride and am a diehard Fighting Illini basketball fan.
Kristen: I am on the U of I Swim Team and I am part of the student-athlete volunteer program ‘Hometown Heroes.’
One interesting fact about your self?
Brian: For the fifth year in the row my friends and me have hosted our winter break “Lord of the Rings” fest, where we watch all three movies back to back to back. It adds up to roughly 13 hours. I’m not sure if I should be bragging or extremely embarrassed, but being a complete film geek/pop culture junkie, it’s my favorite day of the year.
Kristen: I hate peas.
Future goals for advertising or career?
Brian:My future goal is to pursue being creative director for advertising firms somewhere in Chicago when I graduate, and maybe even start my own business someday. I really want to stay close to the city and continue to do what I’ve always enjoyed doing.
Kristen: Find a job I love.
Hannah Ryan
Hometown: Herschester, IL
Year: Freshman
Major: Advertising
How did you become involved in the AAF at Illinois?
Basically, I knew that AAF Illinois is one of the most prestigious in the country. I knew that I wanted to get involved, and that the best way to do it would be by joining AAF. I also met a few people that were already in it, so I got a feel of the atmosphere of it, and I knew from then on that these are the people I want to be associated with.
What committees are you currently on for AAF, and what have you done for them?
I’m actually very thrilled to say that I’m involved in NSAC right now. Our sponsor this year is JCPenney, and we have started off the year by completing the tedious but beneficial research. I know that we have a strong team and I’m very excited to see what we can put together!
What is your favorite memory thus far in the AAF at Illinois?
I know that many people will agree with me when I say that the best memory thus far has GOT to be the AAF barcrawl. I not only loved being able to get to know people better, but also getting to see people outside of the conventional and professional meetings. It was also probably the best Tuesday night I’ve had at Illinois yet!
What are you future goals for your college career?
This is a tough question. I know for a fact that next summer I want to get an internship. I also definitely plan on sticking it out with AAF, and I want to get as much out of it as possible. I plan on experiencing college to its fullest, because unfortunately, I only have four years here. I want to get as much out if it, socially and educationally, as I can.
What other organizations are you involved with on campus?
I am happy to say that currently have a job in the Classifieds section of the Daily Illini. I love the atmosphere of the company and the chance I have to see another part of the business that I hope to go into.
One interesting fact about your self?
My most recent interesting fact has got to be my most recent nickname. As you might know, I have red hair. Now it just so happens that my room number is 911. So, my new and original nickname is “Fire in 911.”
Future goals for advertising or career?
My dream is to live in New York, Chicago, or L.A. I hope to eventually have a career as a Top Advertising Executive, but I will honestly be happy with anything. I am currently having trouble deciding whether I like the business side or the creative side of Advertising more. I just love every aspect about this career!
How would you feel if you got stuck in an elevator and what would you do? (Besides hit the emergency button)
If I was stuck in the elevator, I would probably try to pull a ninja/James Bond or something and see if the top of the elevator could pop out. From there, I’d climb up the chains to an opening on another floor instead of waiting for someone to come and get me.
Xander Gomez
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Year: Sophomore
Major: Undecided
How did you become involved in the AAF at Illinois?
On quad day I stumbled upon the AAF table following freshman year when I decided to pursue Advertising.
What committees are you currently on for AAF, and what have you done for them?
I am on Promotions and Event Management. I’ve thrown a few bones into the creative pool.
What is your favorite memory thus far in the AAF at Illinois?
My first year in AAF thus far has been great meeting new people and attending the various events hosted but my favorite event would have to been the ugly sweater ice skating event where I became better acquainted with AAF and the complements on the sweater from random people added to the fun.
What are you future goals for your college career?
My college goals are officially being accepted into the Advertising major, graduating possibly with a few minors such as French, Communications, and Business if it is allowed while trying to not fracture any more bones to take advantage of years in college and being actively involved in AAF.
What other organizations are you involved with on campus?
I am part of the Illinois Men’s Rugby team, hence my two fractures freshman year.
One interesting fact about your self?
Since my birth I’ve put my body through pain from my scars as a child to my recent fractures. The interesting part though at age ten my elbow was fractured into two pieces however the surgery was successful without having to cut open me open.
Future goals for advertising or career?
My future career goals would be to work or internship with a successful advertising agency, such as Leo Burnett because of Chicago. Although I would like to travel around the world and take use of my languages and maybe start a business of my own one day.
Stacey Peters
Hometown: Urbana, IL
Year: Freshman
Major: Undecided
How did you become involved in the AAF at Illinois?
I found out from Steve Hall in my ADV 300- Intro to Advertising course. He seemed really excited to be telling us about the organization and the opportunities it could bring, so I decided to go to the Informational Meeting and see what it was all about. I was instantly hooked about hearing about all of the committees. This would be a way for me to explore different positions in the advertising industry and see what I really liked.
What committees are you currently on for AAF, and what have you done for them?
I am in On The House, and currently scrounging up the money to get the latest version of PhotoShop to help with the designs for advertisements we will do for our clients; Dance 2XS, Teachers for Creatures, and Language Exchange Organization.
What is your favorite memory thus far in the AAF at Illinois?
My favorite memory this far has been the first General Meeting. It really showed how much fun AAF is besides being in the Committees. The student leaders of AAF are funny and really make me glad that I joined AAF.
What are you future goals for your college career?
I would really like to become increasingly involved in AAF throughout my college career. That might sound stereotypical, but it's true. AAF will really help me meet new people and get a first hand experience in the type of work I will be doing in the future. Not everyone major on campus has these opporotunities available to them, so why not take advantage when you have the chance.
What other organizations are you involved with on campus?
I am a crew member of the Illini Rowing team and part of Ilini Pride. Rowing is a huge time committment and helps with time management. I love going to any athletic event here on campus, so Illini Pride was a must.
One interesting fact about your self?
I am addicted to reality T.V. From Jersey Shore to the Real Housewives, I can't get enough of all the drama that happens on the shows. I try to live a pretty calm lifestyle, so you could say that the shows are just filling that dramatic "gap" in my life.
Future goals for advertising or career?
I hope to work as a Creative or Account Planner at a major advertising agency, such as Leo Burnett or Starcom MediaVest. Their presentations on campus really reinforced my decision to go into Advertising, and showed the many possibilities that can come with this career.
Carl Carbonell
Hometown: Elmhurst, IL
Year: Junior
Major: Advertising
How did you become involved in the AAF at Illinois?
As a junior transfer in Advertising I was looking for a way to get involved on campus. I was really lucky to find the AAF website that brought me to the first general meeting and that got me excited to join. After talking to people already in AAF they helped me get better acquainted and the rest is history.
What committees are you currently on for AAF, and what have you done for them?
I was just accepted into NSAC and am very excited to get started on that. I am also part of Community Outreach and I recently joined On The House.
What is your favorite memory thus far in the AAF at Illinois?
As a new member I only have a few memories but they are all quality. My favorite memory though so far has to be iHelp with AAF. We were able to do some good work at Salt and Light. The best part about it was that I was surrounded by really cool people in AAF who were excited to be there and we all had a good time helping out.
What are you future goals for your college career?
The obvious goals for me are to maintain a good GPA and to learn everything I can about advertising while still having fun. I also want to meet as many people as I can and make new friends so please come up to me and say hi!
What other organizations are you involved with on campus?
Like I said, I’m new here so as of right now AAF is the only thing I am currently involved in but I do plan on doing some intramural sports very soon.
One interesting fact about your self?
I am not ashamed to say that I live off of fast food. The classiest restaurants in all of Urbana-Champaign cannot compare to any Taco Bell or McDonald’s.
Future goals for advertising or career?
I really want to get a solid internship somewhere this summer. I don’t care where, I just want to have some experience under my belt! After graduation I plan to pursue a career as an Account Planner hopefully somewhere close to my family. All in all, I want to do something that I absolutely love and that will somehow have a positive impact on people’s lives.
Maggie Regan
Hometown: Elmhurst, IL
Year: Junior
Major: Advertising
How did you become involved in the AAF at Illinois?
Spring semester freshmen year I took Adv 199 with Steve Hall and he brought people on the NSAC team to class to conduct a focus group involving the campaign they were working on. I became interested in the work they did and talked to them more about the organization they were part of and decided to join AAF to bridge the gap between what I was learning in the classroom and what I could expect in the corporate world.
What committees are you currently on for AAF, and what have you done for them?
Last semester I was on the digital communications committee but I would like to become a part of the NSAC team.
What is your favorite memory thus far in the AAF at Illinois?
Honestly, as simple of an answer this may be I really just like the people I am surrounded by in this organization. Whether I’m walking on the quad, climbing over people to find a seat in class, or in a professional setting like the Mosaic Career Fair in Chicago, the positive energy is contagious and a familiar face is always right around the corner.
What are you future goals for your college career?
I am participating in the Food & Culture program in Rome this Spring and I hope to bring an analytic perspective to the study of how food and wine are marketed in Italy. I’m eager to compare and contrast the manners in which Italian restaurants prepare their menus, identify their clientele and market their products and establishments.
What other organizations are you involved with on campus?
I am the Vice President of Chi Omega, a Student Football Recruiter/Ambassador for the Football Team, and an active member in Phi Gamma Nu Professional Business Fraternity.
One interesting fact about your self?
After my freshmen year of high school I went to New York City with my family and we met Katie Couric outside of the Waldorf Astoria. She invited us to the TODAY show the next morning and told us to ask for her assistant to get us good standing views. Mid way through the show she came outside and brought my family and me inside the studio to meet Al Roker, Matt Lauer, and Natalie Morales. We got to interact in the control room and watch Katie film a segment on set. Small world: Freshmen year in Steve Hall’s ADV 199 section Rick Kaplan, Katie Couric’s current boss at CBS, spoke with us.
Future goals for advertising or career?
I am interested in opening my own business or being an advertising consultant and hope to use the knowledge I acquire while in Italy in my own enterprise or to assist clients. Brand management and marketing is also appealing to me. My absolute dream job, though, would be to work for NBC, CBS, or WGN some day.
Davis Son
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Year: Senior
Major: Advertising
How did you become involved in the AAF at Illinois?
I actually didn’t get involved until fairly recently, but I received an email about the Multicultural Committee and got interested. At first I wanted to join because I needed a resume filler, but now I wonder why I wasn’t involved earlier. Too many cool people, and so many opportunities to learn about the industry.
What committees are you currently on for AAF, and what have you done for them?
I’m in Pro Bono, but I’m more involved in the Multicultural Committee. As the Director of Professional Development for this committee, I organized an agency tour and presentation at Starcom. It was extremely rewarding because it helped to connect our students with media professionals, and gave a glimpse of how a large media agency operates.
What is your favorite memory thus far in the AAF at Illinois?
The week of the Mosaic Career Fair, the Starcom tour, and the CAF event was awesome! It was fun to make contacts, attend discussion panels, and just chill out with other AAF members during the week.
What are you future goals for your college career?
I’m graduating, but I might pursue an MBA if my career demands it. That’s down the line though.
What other organizations are you involved with on campus?
I’m in the Cooking Club. I make a killer Chicken Milano!
One interesting fact about your self?
I won a hip-hop dance contest without ever knowing I was a participant.
Future goals for advertising or career?
My short-term goal is to be an account planner. I nailed a planning internship at Draftfcb this summer. It isn’t full-time, but it’s the first step so I’ll take it.
Hannah Weiss
Hometown: Lincolnshire, IL
Year: Sophomore
Major: Advertising
How did you become involved in the AAF at Illinois?
Last semester I took ADV 300 and loved it so much that I decided to switch my major from psychology to advertising (although I still love psychology!). I wanted to immerse myself in the advertising world as much as possible, and concluded that AAF was a fantastic start.
What committees are you currently on for AAF, and what have you done for them?
I’m in NSAC, and am on the promotions team serving as Director of Branded Entertainment. I am also on the research team. We are currently preparing for regionals in Detroit.
I also am a member of the Digital Communications committee, and help edit this website!
What is your favorite memory thus far in the AAF at Illinois?
Listening to the CEO of Leo Burnett speak at the Mosaic Career Fair in Chicago. It was fascinating and inspiring.
What are you future goals for your college career?
I would love to be on the executive board of AAF. This summer I will be a Strategic Sales Intern at Valassis Communications, so I hope to have a rewarding experience there. Additionally, I hope to network with other students and professionals, and delve into new opportunities.
What other organizations are you involved with on campus?
I’m a server at Flat Top Grill on Green street and work several days a week. I’m also the marketing and public relations intern at International Programs and Studies. I used to be president of The Club That Must Not Be Named (Harry Potter Club), but didn’t have time to host wild Quidditch tournaments this semester.
One interesting fact about your self?
My senior year of high school I was captain of my school’s Psychology Quiz Bowl team, and we won 1st place against 15 other schools.
Future goals for advertising or career?
I want to combine my love for both advertising and psychology and become an expert on consumer behavior analysis. Brand management also sounds exciting. I'm sure that I will discover new passions throughout my college career.
Andrew Cardona
Hometown: Arlington Heights, IL
Year: Sophomore
Major: Advertising
How did you become involved in the AAF at Illinois?
I saw the booth at Quad Day and talked with some of the people there. I knew I was interested in becoming an Advertising major, so I figured joining an Advertising organization would help develop my interests.
What committees are you currently on for AAF, and what have you done for them?
I am currently on the Professional Development and Digital Communication committees. I was going to be a part of the research and presentation for the New York City Nights presentation coming soon. However, I broke my jaw last week so talking has been a little rough and had to unfortunately decline the opportunity. I still am looking forward to helping with the Adbuzz for Pro D and updating more information for the new website for Digital Communications.
What is your favorite memory thus far in the AAF at Illinois?
My favorite memory at AAF would have to be the first general meeting I went to at the beginning of the fall semester. I didn’t know what to expect going into the meeting but came out of it being excited to join the organization. The people running the meeting seemed very personable.
What are you future goals for your college career?
My goals involve keeping my grades up and looking for internships in the Advertising field. Another goal would be to keep networking with new people. I hope to continue my success on the hockey team here and coaching for the youth hockey programs in Champaign.
What other organizations are you involved with on campus?
Along with AAF, I am part of the Illini Hockey Team here. The team is one of the greatest experiences of my life.
One interesting fact about your self?
I just recently broke my jaw after taking a slap shot to the face.
Future goals for advertising or career?
Getting an internship in the production side of advertising with a company in downtown Chicago or Los Angeles.
Jane Schumann
Hometown: La Grange, IL
Year: Sophomore
Major: Advertising
How did you become involved in the AAF at Illinois?
A friend recruited and persuaded me to be an Advertising major by taking me to an AAF meeting and then I joined the next semester.
What committees are you currently on for AAF, and what have you done for them?
Digital Communications and Community Outreach
What is your favorite memory thus far in the AAF at Illinois?
One of my favorite memories of AAF was last semester at the fundraiser at Joe’s when I spent the entire night talking to students who went on the Rome study abroad trip the year before because I am going on it this summer starting in May.
What are you future goals for your college career?
Some future goals are to study abroad in Ireland or New Zealand, graduate with a degree in Advertising and a minor in French, and I always have the goal of doing well, but having fun at the same time.
What other organizations are you involved with on campus?
I am involved in my sorority, Greek Community Service, I have been a writer for the Illio, and I really want to get involved further with Alternative Spring Break.
One interesting fact about yourself?
Fun Fact: i got my name from my mom's favorite novel and mine, as well, To Kill A Mockingbird. Jane Louise is my name, Jean Louise is Scout's real name.
Future goals for advertising or career?
I think that going to Rome this summer will be an amazing experience as well as an opportunity for me to really see what advertising is like globally because I would like to go into some sort of global career. I am also looking into working for radio or television, starting this summer with The ManCow Radio Show.