UA Student Wins Regional Advertising Scholarship

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Katie Bontrager, a senior in The University of Alabama’s department of advertising and public relations, has been named recipient of the Bruce Roche Alabama Advertising Education Foundation 2013 Scholarship.

“I am very thankful for this award and for everyone who voted for me,” Bontrager said. “I am even more excited to bring it home to my Ad Team because Dr. Roche played such an important role in the history of our organization here.”

Roche, a past UA professor, began the University chapter of the Alabama Advertising Education Foundation in 1973 and Ad Team in 1974. Bontrager is involved in both, as vice president of Capstone Ad Fed and account executive of Ad Team ‘14.

In addition, Bontrager, from Clarksville, Tenn., is the creative director of Capstone Agency and recently completed an internship with NBC in Los Angeles.

Ad Team’s faculty adviser, Teri Henley, said Roche had an impact on her as a young PR professional, and she believes Bontrager embodies the essence of the award.

“Dr. Roche actually inspired me early in my career, and now he is helping Katie,” Henley said. “We are so very proud of her and all of her accomplishments. We know she will continue to make Dr. Roche proud and represent our department well.”

Applicants for the Roche scholarship needed a 3.0 GPA and a nomination to be considered. Bontrager was selected unanimously for the scholarship, which includes a cash prize of $2,000.

As this year marks the 40^th anniversary of Ad Team, Bontrager said the timing was perfect.

“I think all of this says something about our College,” Bontrager said. “Dr. Roche began two of the organizations I am passionate about, and I could not be more thankful for his work. I am honored to bring home his scholarship.”