A program that has been transforming the SOJC’s advertising major is about to get even better. In May, Richard Ward ’77 (business) pledged $105,000, increasing the annual budget of the pilot program he established in 2002 to bring high-level ad executives to the school. The increased support will enable the school to fund additional publicity and outreach, foster collaborative partnerships with other schools and colleges, and expand the impact of the executive-in-residence program.

    The Richard Ward Executive-in-Residence program has become, as Dean Tim Gleason describes it, “a catalyst connecting students to key issues, ideas, and people in advertising.” The executive-in-residence ripple effect—stronger portfolios, better connections, and a firsthand understanding of the world of advertising—benefits students long after they leave the school.

    And the connections, which to date have been national, are about to go global.  Plans are already in motion to bring advertising executives from China to the school this fall.  Ward, president and CEO of WestWayne Advertising in Atlanta and president of the Ward Family Foundation, says this is one reason for his increased support of the EIR program:  “We believe the program has global applications and want to extend it into Asia and then around the world,” he said in a recent e-mail interview.  “I am so inspired every time I meet with the students here, and I particularly noticed the increased intensity stimulated by Russell [Davies].  Imagine the possibilities if we bring in similar talents from different cultures.”

    Ward, who met with advertising students during a visit to the school in April, says he’s been impressed by the advertising programs and curriculum at the SOJC.  Because the programs and curriculum are so advanced here, I told the students they are attacking the same issues we in the professional world are wrestling with every day.  The days of Advertising 101 are so gone.  I love it.”

    Ward describes himself as “a huge supporter of Dean Gleason and his vision for the school.  I’d love to play a small role in helping elevate the school on the national scene, where it belongs,” he writes.

    Students have described the program as transformative:  Joe Leary ’07, who worked with Russell Davies in fall 2006 (see Flash fall 2006), called it ‘eye opening.’ “. . . he showed us how to put an idea into the world. He demonstrated the power of a get-it-done mentality. We started blogging. We started making short films, reading about ideas, taking pictures, observing the world, and creating for the sake of creating.”

    Past executives-in-residence speak of the joys of getting “off the treadmill” and the “incredibly energizing” effect of spending time with students and faculty members.

    Rachel Howald, executive-in-residence in 2005, said she was reminded of “the passion and delight that young professionals bring with them into the business.” Calling his week at the UO “the best week of the year,” 2006 executive-in-residence Russell Davies said “Working with you made me notice and think about what we actually do all day. And your enthusiasm and energy made me realize it could be different.” Davies also wrote about the school in his blog, russelldavies.typepad.com/planning.

    “Richard Ward’s generosity propels us to the next level,” says Deborah Morrison, the school’s Carolyn Silva Chambers Distinguished Professor of Advertising. “Being able to bring in the thought leaders in advertising and brand development from around the world puts our program in an enviable position . . . and with that kind of inspiration and vision, our program becomes a national destination point for students wanting to study twenty-first-century advertising.”

    Executives-in-residence have included Robin Hafitz of Mad Dogs & Englishmen (2002); Charlie Robertson of Red Spider UK (2003); Dana Wade ’83, then president of Spike DDB Advertising (2003); Esther Franklin, senior vice president and director, consumer context planning at Starcom USA (2004); Rachel Howald, executive creative director of Young & Rubicam (2005); and Russell Davies of the Open Intelligence Agency (2006).