A graduate of Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications is the recipient of two awards for papers she wrote while pursuing a minor in the Department of Art and Music Histories (AMH), based in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Breanna Caires ‘15, who recently earned a degree in public relations, has received the Alfred J. Seaman Award for “Best Undergraduate Essay on Advertising and Society” from the Advertising Educational Foundation. The essay, “Music, Place, and Politics: Examining the Link Between Music and Imagery in Political Advertising,” was one that she produced for a graduate-level course on “Music, Space, and Place,” taught by Theo Cateforis, associate professor and chair of AMH.

“This is a tremendous national honor,” says Cateforis, who was on hand for Caires’ awards ceremony in New York City. “She exemplifies our ‘One University’ approach by combining the liberal arts with a professional education.”

Prior to graduation, Caires was awarded AMH’s annual Abraham Veinus Prize for “Best Undergraduate Paper in Music History and Cultures” for her essay on the role of sex in country music, titled “The Raunchy Music of Cowboys,” which she wrote for a course on country music with Carole & Alvin I. Schragis Faculty Fellow Deborah Justice.

Caires credits the University for providing her with a wide range of courses, which have made her well-rounded and better prepared for life after graduation. “Syracuse gave me the skills and knowledge I need to succeed in a highly competitive industry,” says Caires, who, in addition to music history and cultures, earned minor degrees in music industry and marketing from the College of Visual of Performing Arts and the Whitman School of Management, respectively. “I couldn’t imagine getting a more comprehensive education anywhere else.”

Caires is already putting her University degree to good use, as evidenced by her new job at Gupta Media, a Boston-based digital media agency. As one of the firm’s media coordinators, she will be responsible for media planning, digital marketing, and social media strategies for major record labels, performing artists, and music festivals. A part-time musician, she describes the job as a “perfect fit.”

“I’ve never been so excited to sign my name on something, as I was when I accepted Gupta’s offer,” she recalls. “I’m grateful to be in Boston, which is close to home, and to launch my career in the music business.”

At Syracuse, Caires was a member of the leadership team for the SU Marching Band, for which she also developed and implemented a social media strategy her junior and senior years. She also played trumpet in the symphony, concert, and pep bands, as well as the wind ensemble.