Some people are just willing to do more than what is asked of them.

As busy as they are, they always seem to find the time to do the extra things. AAFT recognizes these people through our Special Awards (Ad Person of the Year, Dan Kilgo Community Service Award, and Silver Medal) and awards are presented each year at the American Advertising Awards Gala. These awards are given based on club nomination, so this is YOUR chance to recognize someone. Inductees into the Bruce Roche Hall of Fame are not necessarily named annually, but on an as-appropriate basis as determined by the AAFT board.

Silver Medal Award

The Silver Medal Award was established in 1959 to recognize men and women who have made outstanding contributions to advertising and who have been active in furthering the industry's standards, creative excellence and responsibility in areas of social concern. It is the highest honor bestowed by AAF Tuscaloosa. The winner must have a strong record of achievement over a continuous period of time for their firm or group of companies. The winner must be known as a person of integrity within their company and community.

The nominee must meet all the following criteria to be eligible: 

• Does not have to be a member of AAF Tuscaloosa

• The recipient must have achieved success in one of the following areas of work: advertising agency, advertiser, media or advertising service.

• The recipient must have shown a consistent, high degree of original thinking in their field.

• The recipient must have worked to increase the stature and raise the standards of the advertising profession.

• The recipient should be someone who has been active in civic, religious, or other groups dedicated to human or social welfare.

Past Recipients

Ad Person of the Year

The Ad Person of the Year Award recognizes that individual member who has shown dedication to and has made great contributions to the club, as well as showing exceptional advertising work during the past year.

The nominee must meet all the following criteria to be eligible: 

• A member in good standing on AAF Tuscaloosa

• Increased level of commitment to the club in the past year

• Displayed willingness to go above and beyond normal role in the club

• Exhibited desire to take on new challenges and tasks when needed

• Embodiment of the AAF motto to be a unifying voice for advertising

Dan Kilgo Community Service Award

The Dan Kilgo Service Award is given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the interests of greater Tuscaloosa community every year since 1974. It is named for Dan Kilgo, advertising agency owner, renowned commercial and comic artist, and civic leader. Dan’s noted accomplishments include past president of AAF Tuscaloosa (3rd president 1970-71), graduate of the Los Angeles Art Center and designer of the iconic Moon Winx motel sign among others, Civitan Club president and perennial Santa Claus for numerous community events and parties. Past recipients include Robert Witt, Walt Maddox, and Jack Warner as well as our own Angie Hughes, Judy Holland, and Michelle Massey. 

The nominee must meet all the following criteria to be eligible: 

• Does not have to be a member of AAF Tuscaloosa

• May be chosen from community-at-large

• Shows dedication to the Tuscaloosa community through public service activities

• Positively represents the field of advertising on a local level

Bruce Roche Hall of Fame

The Bruce Roche Hall of Fame was established to honor Dr. Roche, his enumerable contributions to AAF Tuscaloosa, and serve as a vehicle to honor chapter members for their outstanding service to the club over the course of several years. It was established in 2018 and the first recipients, Dr. Roche and Jimmy Warren, were inducted at the AAF Tuscaloosa’s 50th Anniversary Celebration in June of the same year. While nominations for the Hall of Fame will be taken at any time, the honor shall be presented on an “as appropriate” basis. 

The nominee must meet all the following criteria to be eligible: 

• A former AAF Tuscaloosa President

• Exhibited exemplary, extraordinary, dedicated, and lengthy service to AAF Tuscaloosa

• Achieved the highest success in the field of advertising and/or related industry

• Shown consistent high degree of creative, original actions and initiatives to AAF Tuscaloosa

• Indicates an ongoing dedication to increase the stature, enhance the image, while raising the standards of AAF Tuscaloosa, District 7, and the field of advertising