The Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations welcomed more than 100 students, alumni, faculty, and community partners to its first-ever Tombras School Showcase, an event designed to bring classroom learning to life and strengthen connections between the school and the industries it serves.
The showcase featured student presentations, faculty research highlights, and an alumni panel, and ended in a networking session that allowed attendees to engage directly with each other. The event offered a comprehensive look at how the Tombras School prepares students to enter, and help shape, the evolving communications field.
“This was a moment of celebration,” said Associate Professor María De Moya. “Our students did an outstanding job presenting their work, and our faculty showcased research that is making a real impact. The energy in the room exceeded expectations.”
A key goal of the showcase was to demonstrate how coursework translates into real-world experience. Students presented campaigns developed in partnership with industry clients, offering attendees insight into the practical, hands-on learning that defines the Tombras School experience.
Joseph Warwick, a senior studying advertising, shared his experience working on a campaign for Bristol Motor Speedway through a creative strategy course.
“They couldn’t reach out to a younger generation, so they came to our class to get insight and better ideas on how to market to a younger audience,” Warwick said. “It was the first time I worked on a real campaign. We talked to their account team and head of social, so having that firsthand experience played a big part in how we approached our work.”
For Warwick, the showcase also provided an opportunity to reflect on his future in the industry.
“I didn’t really know what to expect, but once I got here and started talking to people, it felt natural,” he said. “Hearing from alumni gave me a lot of insight. I’ll be in their position in a couple of years, and what they shared helped clarify a lot for me.”
The alumni panel was a central feature of the event, offering students the chance to hear directly from professionals about career paths, industry trends, and the value of mentorship. Panelists emphasized the importance of building relationships and staying adaptable in a fast-changing field.
Alumnus Solomon Trapp (’22, ’23), who also serves on the school’s advisory board, described the experience as both inspiring and affirming.
“It was moving to see the work students are doing with their professors. It reminded me of the joy of being in school,” Trapp said. “When you come together for a showcase like this, you get to see a range of projects and perspectives that help everyone grow.”
Trapp also highlighted the importance of shared learning across disciplines and experiences.
“Being part of the panel was phenomenal,” he said. “Hearing different perspectives across the industry, and what makes each of us unique, is incredibly valuable. This generation of advertisers is coming up well. They’re getting the education they need, and I’m excited to see where they go.”
The event concluded with a networking reception where students connected with alumni and industry partners, continuing conversations inspired by the showcase.
Tombras School Director Moonhee Cho said, “This first showcase is more than an event—it’s a reflection of who we are. It highlights the creativity of our students working alongside faculty and in partnership with the community, the impact of our faculty’s research, and the lasting influence of our alumni. Here, our past, present, and future come together, and we look forward to continuing this tradition of sharing work that truly makes a difference in the communities we serve.”
As the inaugural showcase, the event set the stage for what is expected to become a signature experience for the Tombras School—one that not only highlights student achievement but also reinforces the school’s commitment to experiential learning, research excellence, and industry engagement.
