Senior advertising major Zach Blank is the school’s first Bedbury Scholar, who this week is in New York for the Ad Age Digital Media Conference.  While there, he’ll be blogging several times a day about the experience on his website and preparing to present information he learns to his classmates at the SOJC.  (Read the full story)

The Bedbury Scholars Program, made possible by Scott Bedbury ‘80, will support up to three exceptional senior students each year. The students will be selected for their potential in different aspects of brand leadership. 

What have you been involved with as an SOJC student?   How's the advertising program treating you?

As an SOJC student I have been involved in AHA as the lead web developer and digital strategist for NVC and the new Oregon sustainability project called ReAct. In this roll I develop digital advertising strategies as well as develop websites and digital identities for the brands.

How did you feel when you learned that you're the inaugural Bedbury Scholar?

I am honored to be the inaugural Bedbury Scholar. It did happen very quickly. Just at the beginning of this year I was not as involved in SOJC activities and now I spend 40+ hours a week in Allen. It is incredible to have to opportunity to go experience something that I am so passionate about and spend so much of my time focusing on.

What do you hope to accomplish at the conference?

At the conference I hope to really understand the questions that are flying around the industry about pertinent issues in the digital world. I am  looking forward to making connections with professionals and bring those connections back to the SOJC along with a wealth of knowledge about how the industry sees and reacts to digital trends.

 You graduate in June, correct?   What are your plans after that?

I am planning on graduating in June. After this trip to NYC I am planning on returning in May and hope to make solid job connections for possible positions in NYC doing digital strategy, planning or even execution at an agency whose focus is digital branding and execution.

What did you know about Scott Bedbury before this?   What would you like to be able to tell him?

I only started reading Scott's book (link) after I found out I was a candidate. He sent me a congratulatory email I was selected and we are planning a lunch during spring term. Scott is very interested in the digital world so I am excited to pick his brain and see how his thoughts compare to what I learn at the conference.