GVSU visiting professor to receive AAF Silver Award

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- A visiting professor at Grand Valley State University has been selected to receive the Silver Medal Award from the American Advertising Federation of West Michigan.

The award, AAF's highest honor, will be presented to Frank Blossom on Thursday, February 25, at AAF West Michigan's annual ADDY Award ceremony, to be held at The Intersection, 133 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids.

"It's our pleasure to recognize a person who is both an exemplary advertising professional and a dedicated educator as this year's Silver Medal Award winner," said AAF West Michigan President Dave Kramer in announcing the award. "Frank has made a significant positive impact on our business community, on the advertising industry in West Michigan, and on the lives of hundreds of students over the past decade."

Blossom has been a visiting professor in the School of Communications at Grand Valley since 2006. He is also strategic director of Frank Communications and co-founder of the Polishing Center, a professional development program for advertising and design graduates.

"I'm thrilled to see both my advertising and teaching skills honored; it's the first time that an educator has been given this award," said Blossom. "I want to thank Grand Valley for giving me the opportunity to work with some great students, and thanks to the students for letting me be part of their lives."

The Silver Medal is awarded by local AAF chapters to professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the advertising and marketing industry and who have been active in furthering creative excellence and responsibility in areas of social concern.

Blossom has served on the boards of the Pediatric Oncology Resource Team (P.O.R.T.) at DeVos Children's Hospital and the Women's Resource Center. He has also served as communications and design volunteer for the Children's Assessment Center and the Pediatric Center of Hospice of Michigan. Currently, he serves on the marketing committee for VSA of Grand Rapids, a nonprofit arts organization for students with disabilities.

Media may contact Frank Blossom at (616) 331-8165, or [email protected].