Student enjoys refreshing success

By simply getting a drink from a vending machine, junior Dario Tadic found himself $500 richer.

Tadic learned about the Coca-Cola/James Madison University Marketing Window Design Contest when grabbing a Vanilla Coke before class. According to an advertisement posted on the vending machine, the contest was an exclusive promotion to be run on the JMU campus Aug. 24 to Nov. 30 to design a Coca-Cola and JMU-themed marketing window. The contest was open to full- and part-time students.

The Media Arts and Design student was presented with a $500 scholarship and a framed copy of his winning Coca-Cola and JMU design in a ceremony April 14.

"I was considering doing it but was a little skeptical," Tadic said. "I had a lot of things on my plate and was worried that I wouldn’t be able to finish it. I finally decided to draw it out once I thought of the ‘The Secret is Out’ idea."

He titled his design "The Secret is Out" after he saw Duke Dog walking around campus and was curious to know who was inside the suit.

"I worked on the design for a few months on and off," Tadic said. "When I had free time, I’d play around and add some things." But he said it was ultimately one of his good friends, junior Susan Clark, who motivated and encouraged Tadic to start the design.

"I feel that she brought out the best in me in that regard," Tadic said.

Clark said she was very confident that Tadic would do well. "I really encouraged him to try it," she said. "We would throw up ideas and I helped him brainstorm. I really felt that he was going to win the whole time because he put a lot of work into it and it looks very professional," she said.

According to a press release, "all eligible entries were judged by the JMU Marketing Committee based on originality and creativity, appropriateness to theme, and reproducibility."

Towana Moore, associate vice president for Business Services, was part of the committee that helped judge the entries.

"I thought it was a great contest that showcased how talented our students are," she said. "I thought the winning entry was wonderful."

It wasn’t the scholarship or recognition that initially prompted Tadic to enter the contest.

"I just wanted something that I could put on my résumé/portfolio that is powerful," Tadic said. "The scholarship money has helped too, but it was not my main priority."

Moore said Tadic’s design is currently featured on all Coca-Cola vending machines around campus and will remain there for some time. Tadic said he hopes that his design will encourage others to come up with something that is even better.

"Being able to work with and meet students as talented as Dario is one of the best parts of my job," Moore said.

Once he graduates, Tadic said he would love to do illustrations for companies.

"I know my concentration is in interactive media, but I believe that my strength lies in illustration," Tadic said.