Rosemont College students recently made a strong impression at the National Direct Mail Marketing Event in Phoenix, Arizona. Led by Dr. Christine Hagedorn, Rosemont students participated in this national postal forum for the first time ever. A dedicated team of students, accompanied by faculty, traveled to the desert city last week to compete in the prestigious United States Postal Service Direct Effect Innovation Competition, held as part of the annual National Postal Forum.

This hands on experience with over 4,000 people in attendance provided an outstanding opportunity for students to apply classroom knowledge in a real world, competitive setting while networking with industry professionals.

“The Direct Effect Innovation Challenge is one of the most incredible experiences I’ve had throughout my college career. When Professor Hagedorn approached me with this idea, I was very nervous because this was totally out of my comfort zone, but looking back on it, I’m so glad I did this. It was so cool to meet so many people in a very short amount of time and learn so much about the postal service that I never knew existed before. I wasn’t sure what to expect when the actual competition started but once we got started, our group worked so well together, and we each brought our own strong skill to the table. Even though we didn’t win or get runner up, I still had an amazing time and this competition gave me an idea of what real life marketers go through. I hope that I can bring some of what I’ve learned from this competition into the real world.”

                                                       – Rosemont College Student and National Postal Forum Participant, Barbara Feiler

Competing at the National Direct Mail Marketing Event

During the competition, Rosemont’s team worked alongside peers from 11 other colleges and universities across the country. They collaborated to develop innovative, integrated marketing campaigns for actual clients. The challenge required creativity, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of direct mail’s evolving role in modern marketing.

Participants learned directly from top industry experts and gained valuable insights into current trends, data driven strategies, and the future of postal marketing. The experience was both intense and incredibly rewarding, pushing students to think creatively while delivering professional level results.

“My personal experience in Arizona was great. I networked with some really great people whose in the same if not similar career path I inspire to be. They gave me some really great insights and advice about their experience and how to navigate to that point. I also have a completely new perspective on mail and its importance. Overall I really enjoyed the time we spent there. Thank you, Dr. Hagedorn for giving me the opportunity to be apart of it.”

                                                         – Rosemont College Student & National Postal Form Participant, Kocheyion “Kash” Sanders

Why This Opportunity Mattered

Attending the National Direct Mail Marketing Event gave Rosemont students a rare chance to bridge the gap between academic theory and industry practice. Moreover, it strengthened their resumes, expanded their professional networks, and boosted their confidence in a rapidly changing marketing landscape.

The competition highlighted the continued relevance and creative potential of direct mail in an increasingly digital world. Students returned to campus inspired, energized, and better prepared for careers in marketing, advertising, and communications.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Direct Effect for organizing this exceptional experiential learning opportunity. Their commitment to connecting students with real clients and industry leaders created a meaningful and memorable experience that will benefit participants long after the event.

Congratulations to the entire Rosemont team on their hard work and outstanding participation! What an amazing experience for these gifted Rosemont College students! 

“Looking through the photos of the event shows a portion of the hard work and joy our team experienced at the USPS DEIC earlier this week: A team of Rosemont students and I travelled to Phoenix, Arizona earlier this week at the invitation of the United States Postal Service to participate in the college student portion of the annual National Postal Forum. This experience gave us:

• A deeper understanding of the role of direct mail in omnichannel integrated marketing campaigns
• Experiential learning in an industry specific setting with over 4000 professionals in attendance at the Phoenix Convention Center
• A chance to apply our individual creativity, skills, talents, and knowledge to the creation of a marketing campaign for the AAA Traveler Live Client
• A structured travel study experience
• The unique experience to work with a live client alongside the 11 other colleges and universities in attendance
• An opportunity to expand our respective professional networks having met other college students and faculty from across the entire USA, and USPS C Suite leaders and directors from many departments levels, including the Postmaster General!
• A chance to gain new perspective via a new lens: to get off campus and learn in a new environment while applying there what we learn in our Rosemont classrooms.
• Time to explore a little bit of Arizona during our downtime.”
                                                               – Dr. Christine Hagedorn, Associate Professor, Business Studies