R. R. Donnelley & Sons Co. has won the Direct Marketing Educational Foundation’s Corporate Leadership Award. The Edward N. Mayer Award will be presented to Dr. Richard L. Montesi, who was the DMEF president from 1980 to 2000.
R.R. Donnelley is the first recipient of the leadership award. It recognizes the company’s support of community and national organizations, including the DMEF. “R.R. Donnelley hosts and funds the Collegiate Institute for college juniors and seniors. To date, more than 300 students have benefited,” said a DMEF statement.
Montesi, who is the 25th recipient of the Mayer award, is being honored for expanding direct marketing education. When he joined the foundation, there were only a few college courses in direct marketing and the DMEF only offered two programs for students. Operating revenues were less than $200,000 and the endowment was $314,000.
By 2000, there are nine student initiatives that include an internship program, Collegiate ECHO Campaign Competition, seminars for graduate students and the Yeck Center for Advanced Studies, this year held at the Harvard Business School.
A number of programs designed specifically for professors were launched. Plus, there are more than 20 degree or certificate programs in direct and interactive marketing and 200 college courses. DMEF’s operating revenues are $1.4 million, and the endowment fund had grown to more than $7 million.
The awards ceremony is Oct. 27, at the DMA annual conference in Chicago.
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