DDB scholarship remembers beloved colleague

AUCKLAND, Wednesday: High school students across Aotearoa are invited to take part in the inaugural De Ruiter Young Photographer of the Year, a scholarship created by DDB Group Aotearoa in memory of Marcel de Ruiter, a “beloved” colleague who passed away in 2020.

Launching this week, the scholarship recognises Marcel’s passion for photography and celebrates his legacy and contribution to the DDB whānau.

It is open to all year 9-13 students and offers $ 5000 towards tertiary institution fees or camera and photography hardware to the same value.

A keen photographer, de Ruiter had been with DDB for more than 13 years as the Studio Director before his sudden and tragic passing in September 2020.

DDB design director Carla Shale said: “The scholarship is a tribute to Marcel, whose loss is still strongly felt by the agency, both professionally and personally.

“Marcel was a kind, talented and special person who had a wide-reaching impact on the DDB whanau.”

“Marcel was a kind, talented and special person who had a wide-reaching positive impact on the DDB whānau during his time at the agency.

“We are offering the scholarship in Marcel’s name to nurture young Kiwi talent, in memory of Marcel and his great passion for life and photography.

“We are looking forward to receiving entries from budding photographers across Aotearoa, who are keen to further their skills and develop their craft.”

Submissions will be judged by a panel that includes DDB CCO Gary Steele, DDB design director Carla Shale, DDB print producer Julz Lane, and Ma de Ruiter’s daughter Annemieke de Ruiter, who shares her late father’s passion for photography.

To enter, students must submit original photographs that best showcase their craft, personal style and potential to: marcelsscholarship@nz.ddb.com by March 21.

Winners will be announced in early April.

• More here: www.ddb.co.nz/marcel