Alumni News

Three SOJC alums in journalism and public relations are shaping the sports industry at various levels by inspiring young athletes, overseeing major events, and creating memorable highlight reels.
SOJC alum Jack Whayland transformed a layout for Align into a concept for a full-fledged magazine. To create the publication, he worked with former SOJC cohorts.
Kyle LaMontagne, SOJC Multimedia Storytelling Master’s alum, created a short film highlighting two people on opposite sides of the immigration debate, exposing the audience to the humanity of both men.
Paul Brainerd ’70—an SOJC alum who helped launch the personal computing era—died Feb. 15. Brainerd double-majored in journalism and business and was editor of the Oregon Daily Emerald.
A new memoir by SOJC journalism alum Francesca Fontana ’17 received a positive review in the New York Times. The book, “The Family Snitch,” delves into Fontana’s complicated relationship with her dad.
A book by journalism alum Jonathan Bach ’16 has been nominated for a 2026 Oregon Book Award. “High Desert, Higher Costs” explores the housing affordability crisis in Bend.
The Center for Community News in Vermont has named Twange Kasoma ’07, an alum of the SOJC’s Communication and Society PhD program, a faculty champion. She is an associate professor at Appalachian State University.
PRWeek published a behind-the-scenes look at the UO campaign honoring the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead. UO worked with the Burson agency, which is led by SOJC alum and Hall of Achievement member Corey duBrowa.  
Alec Freudenstein ’24 turned his Immersive Media Communication Master’s project—an emotionally aware AI financial advisor—into a prototype that has been recognized by leading AI firms.
Doctoral candidate Luda Gogolushko, who also has a master's in advertising and brand responsibility from the SOJC, is researching how disability representation in media shapes identity while building community through her inclusive publishing house.