With neon posters, brainstorming sessions that spill into laughter, and a familiar hand signal logo, Rowan Advertising Club (RAD) has become a fixture of campus life. In this place, students experiment with ideas and find their voices in the world of advertising.
The Rowan Advertising Club is led by Annabelle Lopez, 21, and Jared Marquez, 22, both of whom are double majors in advertising and public relations (PR). They serve as vice-president and president for the student-run club, which has managed to transform itself from a quiet classroom extension into a hub where students from all majors explore ideas, make connections, and bring concepts to life.
At the beginning of the fall semester, the club made a comeback after undergoing a rebranding, which introduced the “RAD” acronym and a vibrant social media presence that was previously lacking. Their rebrand wasn’t about implementing a new logo or aesthetic, but rather it was about telling a story. One that exemplifies the club’s core values of authenticity, friendship, and professional growth.
“Our goal was to show that advertising can be exciting while still being meaningful,” said Marquez. “We wanted to create a space where students could experiment with innovative ideas, collaborate across different majors, and just see their creativity come alive.”
His vice-president, Annabelle Lopez, echoed that sentiment, explaining that the club has evolved beyond serving as a classroom extension for advertising majors.
“Advertising and public relations can sometimes feel like numbers and assignments, but RAD provides students with the opportunity to explore, connect, and grow,” said Lopez. “It’s about building skills, yes, but also friendships and confidence.”
The rebranding process itself was a team effort. Inspired by Rowan University’s culture and other campus organizations, the leaders crafted a memorable yet playful acronym that reflects both the university and the club’s ethos. The vibrant hand-signal logo, now seen across campus on merchandise and social media, is more than just a design; it’s a symbol of creativity. Communication and connection.
“Everything we post is meant to be shareable,” said Marquez. ”When members see themselves featured in our content, they share it with friends and family. That’s the kind of engagement that builds community and helps people feel like they belong.”
RAD’s social media strategy has already yielded results. Posts capturing the executive board’s energy, whether during club meetings, brainstorming sessions, or fun moments while sporting their matching T-shirts, have seen significant engagement. The club’s official Instagram account now showcases authenticity, laughter, and collaboration in ways that previous years hadn’t, drawing in students from across campus.
“Social media is the fun part people see, but behind it, we’re learning real skills such as campaign planning, branding, and teamwork that we’ll carry into our careers,” said Lopez.
The club’s growing presence online has helped draw new members, but its impact goes beyond viability. Behind the colorful posts and lighthearted energy is a deeper purpose, preparing students for the real world.
Yet RAD isn’t just about fun; it’s a professional incubator. Through the club, members can gain hands-on experience learning how to manage campaigns, produce content, and plan events. Transferable skills that can be applied directly in their future advertising and PR careers.
“We’re helping students grow as professionals while learning to work creatively with others,” said Lopez.
One of the club’s significant initiatives is its upcoming initiative, Perfect Pitch Live. The annual event seeks to bridge the gap between campus learning and professional experience. Each year, RAD invites Rowan alumni who have built successful careers in advertising, marketing, and public relations to share their insights and advice with students. Past guests have included the vice president of marketing at Disney+ and Hulu, as well as other notable industry leaders.
“It’s [Perfect Pitch Live] the highlight of our year. It reinforces everything RAD ultimately stands for: connection, learning, and building confidence while giving students a glimpse into what’s possible for them after Rowan,” said Marquez.
The event is designed to be interactive, with students not only listening to advice from industry leaders but also presenting ideas, receiving professional advice, and participating in exercises that simulate real-world advertising campaigns.
“Pitch Perfect Live is just one of the ways for students to dive in, but the real growth happens when you join RAD and keep crafting and collaborating every week,” said Lopez.
The event offers a concentrated glimpse into the skills and teamwork it cultivates throughout the semester. This year, Pitch Perfect Live falls on Monday, Oct. 20, at the Chamberlain Student Center Pit, with doors opening at 4:45 p.m. and the show beginning at 5 p.m.
However, for those who are seeking to become more involved with RAD, the club meets weekly each Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in Room 153, located in the New Student Center Expansion.
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