• Third win for Charles Sturt University graduates demonstrates their strategic thinking and innovative approaches to solving an important marketing challenge
• The national award reflects the industry relevance and high standard of Charles Sturt courses

Charles Sturt University marketing communications graduates in the School of Communication and Creative Industries have won an award category in the Young Lions Australia Competition for the third time.

The Young Lions Competition Australia is open to teams of two young communications professionals at the start of their career.

Teams are required to demonstrate their strategic thinking and innovative approaches to solving an important marketing challenge to drive critical business success.

The graduates from 2017 (pictured) who have won the 2020 Young Lions ‘Media’ national award are Mr John Ryan (Bachelor of Communication (Advertising)/ Bachelor of Business (Marketing)) and Ms Summer Treseder (Bachelor of Communication (Advertising)). They are both now Initiative Partnerships Associates.

Senior Lecturer in advertising in the Charles Sturt School of Communication and Creative Industries, Ms Anne Llewellynn, said, “The wins reflect the industry-relevance and high standard of our courses.

“I am so proud of John and Summer, who were both great students, and both were also finalists in the 2018 International Advertising Association national inter-university competition, the Big Idea.

“Their Young Lions Australia award shows that our graduates continue to shine in the industry.”

Winning teams will be sponsored to attend the Cannes Lions Festival 2021 to participate in the global Young Lions competitions where, as ‘Team Australia’, they will have the opportunity to showcase their talent internationally by competing against teams from all over the world.

“It’s a hugely rewarding experience that could change a career forever,” Ms Llewellynn said.

In 2015, Mr Christopher Colter (Bachelor Communication (Advertising)/Bachelor of Business (Marketing) in 2010, and later a Bachelor of Communication (Honours) in 2011) won both the national title and with his industry stable-mate Mr Jack Smyth were World Champions at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

In 2017 Charles Sturt advertising graduates Ms Charlotte Berry and Ms Grace Espinoza won the national title and Silver in the World Title.

Charles Sturt Faculty of Arts and Education course director Dr Travis Holland said, “Our communication courses focus on practical skills development from day one, and industry recognises that when our students are looking for jobs after graduation.” “This award and previous results are a credit to the brilliance of our students and teaching staff.”