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Wally Armbruster – 2008

Armbruster began his career at D’Arcy as an office boy in 1939 and ended it in 1984 as executive vice president and worldwide creative director. He always called himself a salesman. But he was a powerful salesman that came up with the catchphrases of a lifetime: “When You Say Budweiser, You’ve Said It All,” “If Cows Could, They’d Give Milnot,” and “Surprise People/Serve Michelob.” He was twice voted as one of the 100 Outstanding Creative People in America; was the recipient of the Distinguished Service to Journalism Award from the University of Missouri; the author of numerous books; and the genius behind the decision to hire a young minor league sportscaster by the name of Jack Buck to call St. Louis Cardinal baseball games.

Bea Adams – 2007

Bea Adams made her mark in the advertising community at a time when women were usually relegated to secretarial jobs. She began in 1935 as a copywriter at Gardner Advertising. Ten years later she had risen to executive vice president. The next year she became the agency’s creative director. During the decade of the ‘40s, Ms. Adams was a pioneer in the use of psychological research in the creation of ads. She was named National Advertising Woman of the Year in 1956 and was also listed in Fortune magazine’s top 36 American businesswomen and Life magazine’s 27 Women of Achievement. She retired from Gardner in 1972.

Mark Abels – 2010

Mark Abels spent more than 35 years helping people communicate clearly, concisely and effectively. Mark served as a senior communications executive at two major airlines – Northwest and TWA. He was responsible for public relations, employee communications and inflight entertainment, and headed up community service projects including the volunteer airlift of millions of pounds of emergency relief supplies following natural disasters in the U.S. and Asia. He was also active in politics, running statewide political campaigns and serving as press secretary to a U.S. Senator. He was a senior vice president of a major international public relations firm, general manager of a state radio network and was a principal in Kratos Global Strategies. He taught public relations at the University College at Washington University. He is a member of the Salvation Army’s National Advisory Board, vice chair of the Army’s St. Louis Regional Advisory Board, and held leadership posts with St. Louis Variety – the Children’s Charity – and the Gateway Chapter National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Bob Lachky – 2013

Bob Lachky is best known for his long career with Anheuser Busch, Inc. as their EVP, Global Industry Development & Chief Creative Officer. His career there spanned 20 years (1990-2009), where he oversaw the development of some of the marketing world’s most famous advertising campaigns and characters. Lachky’s career coincided with record volume and share growth for AB, helping build the world’s two biggest beer brands..Bud Light and Budweiser..and 50% share of the U.S. beer industry.

His personal recognitions include 1994 Adweek “Top Marketer of the Year,” 2001 Brandweek “Marketer of the Year,” 2009 Advertising Club of New York “Advertising Person of the Year.”

He also helped various not-for-profits with their marketing strategies and communications, including St.Vincent de Paul Society, Beyond Housing, and DEAF, Inc.

Erma Perham Proetz – 2013

Having risen to the position of executive vice president at Gardner Advertising Company in St. Louis, Erma Perham Proetz was known nationally for her contribution to the advertising profession. In recognition of her work, she was the first woman elected to the national Advertising Hall of Fame. Mr. Proetz’ biggest account at Gardner was the Pet Milk Co., for which she developed a network radio show, produced in St. Louis, called the Mary Lee Taylor Program, and it was said that the lead character was, in fact, a portrayal of Ms. Proetz. Sales for the company doubled within four years. She received the Harvard Advertising Award three times, the first person to do so, and in 1935, Fortune magazine named her one of the nation’s top 16 outstanding business women. She was elected president of the Women’s Advertising Club of St. Louis in 1936. After she left the ad business, Ms. Proetz was appointed to the St. Louis City Planning Commission.

Don Burnes – 2004

​Don Burnes spent 25 years as Public Relations Director of the Pulitzer broadcast operations in St. Louis, where he marketed KSD-TV and the “classy” sound of KSD Radio in the ‘60’s.

​His image development for the stations was seen throughout the Midwest in advertisements, newspaper articles and brochures that placed heavy emphasis on the station’s personalities.

​In its heyday, KSD radio specialized in middle-of-the-road, light classical and big band music, and Burnes’ behind-the-scenes efforts helped propel the station to a solid market position. KSD-TV, the first station in St. Louis, was the market’s powerhouse throughout his PR career there.

​In addition to his PR work, Burnes later put his vast musical knowledge to work when he hosted big band and dinner music programs on KCFM, was co-host of the “Muny Preview” show for two years on KMOX, and was heard as the announcer when Jim Bolen re-created the old Glenn Miller broadcasts.

​Don Burnes is the first graduate of the St. Louis University communications department to receive the school’s Alumni Merit Award.