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Josh Sager, Abacus Marketing, received a
four-year PPEF Scholarship in 1999, and the
Chairman’s Scholarship in 2001.
What role did financial assistance, particularly
the PPEF scholarship you received, play in
your ability to attend college?
The PPEF Scholarship helped me cover costs
for study materials (back when textbooks were
critical and super expensive). Moreover, having
that financial aid meant having to work less,
allowing me to focus more on my studies.
What was your intended/final course of
study, and in what role did you hope to
apply your degree?
My undergraduate study was focused on
economics and psychology–I was particularly
interested in consumer behavior and decision
making. I aimed to apply my studies in the
advertising world. I went on to complete
my master’s degree in integrated marketing
communications from Northwestern’s Medill
School. Among other things, this helped
hone my understanding of audiences and
enabled me to deliver relevant, powerful and
consistent messaging.
What was your first job after college, and
what skills did you learn that you apply to
your work today?
My first job after college was working in
multimedia for Northwestern’s Feinberg
School of Medicine. I designed and developed
graphics and animation meant to educate
specific patient populations. I learned to pay
attention to fine visual details and messaging
cues, something I absolutely apply when both
presenting and proofing promo ideas today.
When did you begin working for Abacus
Marketing, and what are your current
responsibilities?
I started full time at Abacus back in 2010.
I focus on account management and new
business development. I love working in the
promotional products industry; it’s just like
crafting messages in other industries, but
you get to use a more exciting medium.
Eliza Keene
Wellesley, Massachusetts
University of San Diego
Daughter of Michael Keene,
Keene Promotions
Elisabeth Ketterer
Maineville, Ohio
Columbia College Chicago
Daughter of Thomas Ketterer,
MAS, The Ketterer Company
Caleb King
Stanford, Kentucky
Campbellsville University
Son of Norbert King,
Wear the Word
Robert Alex Lamb
Anderson, Texas
Stephen F. Austin
State University
Son of Rob Lamb, Lamb
Graphics/Graphic FX
Alexander Levin
Windermere, Florida
University of Florida
Son of Dan Levin,
Gallant Inc./HALO
Caden Meier
Canonsburg, Pennsylvania
Washington & Jefferson College
Son of Pamela Jones,
PKJones Promos
Jessica Ostrowski
Belleville, Michigan
University of Toledo
Daughter of Connie Ostrowski,
C & C Embroidery
Gregory Ottino
Albuquerque, New Mexico
University of New Mexico
Son of Jolou Trujillo-Ottino,
HALO Branded Solutions
Jordan Reed
Honeoye Falls, New York
University of Pennsylvania
Daughter of Renee Reed,
Bristol ID Technologies
Taylor Reed
Honeoye Falls, New York
Cornell University
Daughter of Renee Reed,
Bristol ID Technologies
Aimee Rodin
Clive, Iowa
Iowa State University
Daughter of Renee
Rodin, Impact, Inc.
Domenic Rodriguez
Bridgeton, New Jersey
Grove City College
Son of Sandra Rodriguez,
D and S Designs
Spencer Rogers
Louisburg, Kansas
University of Kansas
Son of Gennifer Rogers,
Davidson Promotional Products
Daniel Rosato
Palm Harbor, Florida
University of Central Florida
Son of Steven Rosato, BIC Graphic
Jacob Rush
Fresno, California
University of Notre Dame
Son of Michael Rush,
Rush Advertising
Perrie Smalley
Muncie, Indiana
Butler University
Daughter of Jay Smalley,
EmbroidMe-Muncie
Wesley Stine
Prescott, Arizona
Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University
Son of Stacy Stine,
Arizona Cap Company
Victoria Thompson
Columbia, Tennessee
Mississippi State University
Daughter of Julie Thompson,
Francis Communications, Inc.
Elizabeth Tilley
Winter Haven, Florida
Brigham Young University-Idaho
Daughter of Frank Tilley,
All Tech Stitching, LLC
Ronald Van Laarhoven
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Lakeland College
Industry employee, 4imprint, Inc.
ALUMNI
UPDATE
Josh
Sager
PPEF Scholars
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FEATURE
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OCTOBER 2016
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