As an undergraduate student in the Communication Arts Program, Jay Pollack was the recipient of two advertising awards for overall scholastic achievement: the Kelley Advertising Award, and the Hamilton Spectator Award. 

Pollack recently completed the Advanced Advertising Agency Management Course at the Institute of Canadian Advertising in Toronto. He is also an honours graduate of the Institute of Canadian Advertising Agency Practitioners, and has attended the University of Toronto for its Executive Marketing Management Course.  

In 1980, after working several years on the client side of advertising, Pollack brought his marketing and business skills to Kelley Advertising Inc., where he currently holds the position of Vice President, Account Director. During the past 13 years, he has contributed his time, effort and expertise to ensure the growth and success of both Kelley Advertising and Mohawk College. As an active member of the advertising and business communities, Pollack has held executive positions with various organizations including: Chair, Mohawk College Advertising Advisory Committee; Vice President and Director of the Hamilton “Gallery of Distinction”; Past President of the Hamilton Chapter of the Canadian Club; Past Unlimited, Burlington Chapter; Past President of the Canadian Industrial Advertisers; Director of the Business Professional Ad Association (BPAA); Past Communication Committee Member for the Greater Hamilton Technology Centre; and Guest Lecturer for The Association of Canadian Advertisers. 

Jay Pollack is also actively involved with Mohawk College, currently serving as Chair of the Mohawk College Advertising Advisory Committee, whose purpose it is to ensure that students receive the academic balance that will maintain the growth of the program, and foster the future success of its graduating students. Using his talents and contacts, Pollack helped raise $5000, which was used towards the purchase of computer software for the advertising lab. Pollack is a frequent guest speaker to students and is also a volunteer for the Mohawk College Alumni Association “Gradvisor Program”, whereby students are provided with the opportunity to meet personally with graduates to speak about their field of study. 

In his spare time, you’ll find Pollack polishing his skills as an amateur magician. One of his greatest tricks is bringing a few smiles and a little joy to terminally ill children during Hamilton’s Annual McMaster Hospital Christmas Show.

This story was originally published in the Winter 1994 edition of the Mohawk Alumni In Touch magazine.