By MARCY PURSELL
J Alumni News staff
Patience, intelligence and service. Those traits don’t always come together in the same person, but this year the J school recognized Rich Bailey as someone who epitomizes all three.
Bailey received this year’s Kappa Tau Alpha award for his contributions to mass communications.
Bailey retired three years ago from Bailey Lauerman, but retirement for him has been more of a change of focus than a change of pace. He’s been teaching advertising classes at the College of Journalism and Mass Communications and served as one of the coaches for the CoJMC team that won districts in the National Student Advertising Competition in 2009 and 2010.
Amy Struthers, advertising sequence head, described Bailey as both patient and brilliant. And he is dedicated to serving his profession and community as well as the students at the J school.
Students are fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Bailey, Struthers said.
“He’s one of the most outstanding advertising professionals in the country,” she said.
In addition to his teaching as an adjunct professor, Bailey has supported the J school with donations. This year, he underwrote the work of the team preparing for the NSAC.
A national agency in the middle of the country
Bailey and Bart Lewis founded Bailey Lewis in 1970. Jim Lauerman joined the advertising agency in 1972, and the firm’s name became Bailey Lauerman in 1990.
Lauerman, who has known Bailey more than 37 years, said his partner has always been driven to make sure the work the company produces is creative.
“Second best is not something he ever wants to embrace,” Lauerman said.
Bailey said it wasn’t easy to gain national recognition for a company with headquarters in Lincoln, Neb., instead of one of the big cities that are the hubs for advertising agencies.
“But when you’re able to have the right people and the right dedication, you’re able to serve national clients,” he said.
Bailey Lauerman has been recognized by the American Association of Advertising Agencies as one of the top six creative agencies in the United States in its size category. Some of its large accounts include Disney, Allstate, Union Pacific, ConAgra Foods and Pepsi.
Bailey, who serves as chairman emeritus for the agency, said he also hopes to continue serving the J school as a teacher and adviser.
National honor society award
Bailey received the Outstanding Service Award from KTA, which is the national honor society for journalism and mass communications. Each year, UNL students who meet academic criteria are inducted into the local Will Owen Jones KTA chapter, and a professional is also recognized for contributions to mass communications.
Bailey was a natural choice for this year’s award, said Michael Goff, KTA chapter adviser.
“His contributions have been so significant,” Goff said.
Bailey said he felt humbled and honored to be this year’s designee.
“I’m sure there are others more qualified,” he said.
But Charlyne Berens, interim dean during the 2009-2010 academic year, said Bailey is one of the most dedicated and successful professionals she knows.
“He’s so self-deprecating, but he’s put his significant intelligence to work for years, solving problems for clients and colleagues — and for our students,” she said. “We appreciate the service he’s given, and we’re happy to give him at least a little recognition with this award.”
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