University of Dubuque Spartans Honored with Seven Student American Advertising Awards

DUBUQUE, Iowa - Surreal. That is how University of Dubuque student Peyton Metzger described the moment it was announced she received Best of Show and a Gold Student American Advertising Award for her creation of UD Wolter Woods and Prairies' seed packet designs.

"There was amazing talent being presented that I did not expect to hear my name called. I immediately looked at my professors in shock, so that was a surreal moment for me," said Metzger, a senior digital art and design major from Clinton, Iowa.

She was one of five talented Spartans honored with a total of seven student awards at the 2024-2025 American Advertising Awards (AAAwards): Cowboys and Creatives competition, which was hosted by American Advertising Federation Dubuque (AAF Dubuque) on February 28, 2025. The event recognizes and rewards creative excellence in the art of advertising, as judged by local professionals.

"We are immensely proud of our students' remarkable achievements! Their creativity, dedication, and hard work have once again been recognized by industry professionals with the AAAwards and this year a Best of Show. Their outstanding work not only showcases their exceptional talent but also stands as a testament to their bright futures and the innovative contributions they will make to the design industry. Congratulations to all," said Sheila Sabers, MAC, head of the Department of Digital Art and Design and assistant professor of digital art and design, and Jean Holdener, PhD, co-head of the Department of Digital Art and Design and assistant professor of digital art and design, in a joint statement.

Spartans who took home awards were:

Peyton Metzger, senior digital art and design major from Clinton, Iowa
Best of Show and Gold AAAward for Packaging - UD Wolter Woods and Prairies Seed Packets
Silver AAAward for Online/Interactive Digital Publication - Your Everyday Style Guide

Dillon Leffler (C'24), a digital art and design major from Plattsmouth, Nebraska
Gold AAAward for Elements of Advertising Illustration Campaign - Moods in Bones
Silver AAAward for Elements of Advertising Illustration Single - The Final Showdown

Alex Smith, a senior digital art and design major from Clinton, Iowa
Silver AAAward for Collateral Material - Multicultural Family Center Booklet

Brittany Edgmon, a senior digital art and design major from Dubuque, Iowa
Silver AAAward for Online/Interactive Digital Publication - The Escutia Family Cookbook

Hannah Bauch, a senior digital art and design major from Mount Carroll, Illinois
Silver AAAward for Online/Interactive Social Media - 2024 Women Volleyball Senior

The winning artwork was produced as part of a class, fellowship, and art exhibit on campus. Students completed their pieces in Graphic Design II, Motion Graphics, Packaging Design, and Senior Seminar classes, the John and Alice Butler Summer Research Fellowship, and/or "The Edge Show" art exhibit for digital art and design majors. Metzger worked on her UD Wolter Woods and Prairies Seed Packets project in the Packaging Design class.

"With the UD Wolter Woods and Prairies' seed packet design, I balanced my creative process by slowly checking off the boxes for my client's brand goals," Metzger said. "Once I had that foundation, I knew I could start adding my illustration skills to bring my clients wants and needs to reality."