Ivy College of Business receives multiple state and international marketing awards

(Ames, Iowa) —The Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business has received multiple marketing awards in the last two months.  

The American Marketing Association (AMA) Iowa chapter held its 20th annual NOVA Awards ceremony on May 6 at Principal Park in Des Moines, Iowa. Embracing this year’s “Grand Slam of Marketing” theme, the Ivy marketing and communications services team took to the field of the Iowa Cubs to celebrate two of their own.  

Marketing Executive of the Year 

The evening’s finale featured special marketing achievement award categories recognizing individuals, marketing departments, and agencies who hit it out of the park this year. The Marketing Executive of the Year award honors an individual in a director-level position or above who “inspires, leads, and achieves excellence in the field of marketing and has helped to build and transform their marketing community.” Kim Johnson, CEO of K. Johnson Studio and the 2024 Marketing Executive of the Year, delivered brief remarks before announcing Michele Appelgate, director of marketing and communications, as this year’s Marketing Executive of the Year. In addition to her name displayed on the 24-feet-tall by 68-feet-wide digital scoreboard, Appelgate received a glass trophy befitting the all-star accomplishment. 

“This means so much to me, not only for the award itself, but that the nomination came from my own team,” Appelgate said. “I am humbled and blessed to work with such a talented team of marketing professionals.”  

Appelgate has led marketing efforts for the Ivy College of Business for the last 10 years. Under the supervision of the college’s dean, she effectively collaborates with more than 300 professionals across departments to showcase Ivy’s programs and successes. Notable marketing achievements have been in the areas of record enrollment, national visibility, and award recognition.  

Collegiate Category 

Ashley Jensen, a student intern on the marketing and communications services team, won first place in the competition’s inaugural collegiate category for her work to increase awareness of college summer 2024 orientation events using a multimedia approach of photos, short-form video, and a website article.  

Hermes Awards 

In addition to the AMA Iowa awards, the team recently received four awards and one honorable mention in the 2025 Hermes Creative Awards international competition for creative professionals. Hermes Creative Awards is one of the oldest and largest creative competitions in the world. Winners range in size from individuals to media conglomerates and Fortune 500 companies. 

2025 Hermes Awards include: 

Members of the marketing and communications services team include:  

This spring, the team also included an additional marketing intern, Aiden Yauchler, as well as a student photographer, Faith Lindenfelserhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lilly-wyatt-28ba791ba/. 

About Us — At the Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business, we offer a diverse range of programs to maximize student potential. Through engaging activities like case competitions, interactive learning, study abroad, and internships, we connect students with industry professionals for successful career pathways. Accredited by AACSB International in business and accounting, we're among the top 2 percent worldwide, reflecting our commitment to excellence. 

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