Students from DePaul and Valparaiso universities are participating in a public relations campaign competition sponsored by McDonald’s that calls for both student teams to design and activate their own communications campaigns with the intent of selling the most Frappés at a store near their universities.

DePaul’s contingent, known as The DePaul SuPReme Ambassadors, is working to capture the $1,500 cash prize that will be awarded to the winning team. The campaign is designed to raise awareness of the McDonald’s Owners of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana’s (MOCNI) rollout of its new blended ice drink.

"The campaign challenges undergraduate marketing, advertising and public relations majors to create, plan and execute a McCafé Frappé launch campaign on their respective campuses," said Ron Lofton, MOCNI president. "McDonald’s is committed to education and the future of our youth, and the MOCNI Campus Frappé Competition is a great opportunity for students to gain real-world experience while showcasing their talents."

Student teams at both universities were given one week to develop a cutting-edge campaign that resonates with consumers. As part of the competition, each team was assigned a McDonald’s restaurant within close proximity of the team's campus. DePaul’s target McDonald’s is located at 111 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago. The campaign’s goal is to drive students to the assigned McDonald’s restaurant to experience the new McCafé Frappés.

DePaul students Steve Korzun, Marybeth Ledesma and Brandon Thompson are creating a city-wide campaign focused in the Loop. It will include a sampling opportunity for McDonald’s Frappés on May 12, distribution of Frappé promotional items and an entertainment event that will introduce a new dance called the "Frappé Shuffle"—all to rally the Blue Demon team to victory. Centering on DePaul’s community, the campaign will target all members of the university’s and the city’s diverse populations. Guided by professional adviser Cheryl Procter-Rogers, vice president of DePaul’s Office of Public Relations and Communications, the campaign will undoubtedly provide students with an opportunity to build their leadership skills and bring pride to DePaul.

Valparaiso's students ran their campaign from April 19 to 30. DePaul’s team will run its campaign May 12 to May 22. The winning team will be determined by the McDonald’s restaurant with the highest percentage of Frappés sold during the competition timeline.

In addition, each team will have the opportunity to present their campaign strategy and results to the MOCNI board of directors in late May.

About MOCNI

McDonald’s Owners of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana represent more than 100 owner/operators and nearly 500 restaurants throughout the greater Chicagoland region, including stores as far north as Gurnee, west as Morengo, south as Watseka and east to Northwest Indiana. MOCNI manages and facilitates all marketing, sports, community relations, educational and philanthropic programs throughout the region, and is responsible for implementing and maintaining consistency at every Chicagoland restaurant.

For more information about DePaul’s campaign, contact Cheryl Procter-Rogers, vice president, Public Relations and Communications, (312) 362-8937 or cprogers@depaul.edu, and students Steve Korzun, (847) 477-3933, steve.korzun@gmail.com and Brandon Thompson, (773) 563-2527, bjthompson9@yahoo.com.