It’s the people who make the SOJC work.

The SOJC’s welcoming vibe is powered by our students, faculty, and staff’s commitment to tell stories that matter. And we can’t do what we do without the support of our alumni and donors.

Our 2022 Yearbook spotlights their many successes this year, from students’ hands-on learning projects, to groundbreaking faculty research and staff service awards, to inspiring tales of alumni adventures. Read on to celebrate their achievements, and consider making a year-end gift to help us give all our students the chance to succeed.

Support SOJC Students

It’s the people who make the SOJC work.

The SOJC’s welcoming vibe is powered by our students, faculty, and staff’s commitment to tell stories that matter. And we can’t do what we do without the support of our alumni and donors.

Our 2022 Yearbook spotlights their many successes this year, from students’ hands-on learning projects, to groundbreaking faculty research and staff service awards, to inspiring tales of alumni adventures. Read on to celebrate their achievements, and consider making a year-end gift to help us give all our students the chance to succeed.

Support SOJC Students

2022 BY THE NUMBERS

1,980

students enrolled in SOJC programs

31%

students from underrepresented groups

$1.5M

given to SOJC by donors in FY2022

$750K+

in scholarships available to students in AY2022

54%

students had at least one internship

30%

students joined a student group

28%

students served on a student publication

7%

participated in an academic competition

1,980

students enrolled in SOJC programs

31%

students from underrepresented groups

$1.5M

given to SOJC by donors in FY2022

$750K+

in scholarships available to students in AY2022

54%

students had at least one internship

30%

students joined a student group

28%

students served on a student publication

7%

participated in an academic competition

Celebrating the SOJC Community

The SOJC is a tight-knit community. Students find peers who are just as passionate as they are, and they learn from faculty who take a personal interest in their success. Everyone benefits from the guidance and support of our award-winning student advisers. And after graduation, our dedicated alumni provide a robust professional network to offer upcoming students advice, mentorship, and opportunity.

Congratulations, Class of 2022!

Earning a degree is hard work, but when you’re passionate about your studies, it’s also a lot of fun. That’s especially true for SOJC students who specialize in creativity, curiosity, and hands-on learning. We’re so proud of our 106th graduating class—the biggest cohort on campus!

Everyone’s favorite Duck takes a stroll down memory lane with SOJC students.

Watch the Student Video

students in green graduation caps and gowns at the SOJC's 2022 Commencement ceremony

It’s hard to say good-bye, but these photos from SOJC’s Commencement ceremony will live on forever.

View the Photo Album

Haley Landis wears a graduation gown and burgundy SOJC stole with the yellow O at Autzen stadium in the background

2022 journalism grad Haley Landis collected some favorite SOJC memories from her fellow grads.

Read Her Student Blog Post

Congratulations, Class of 2022!

Earning a degree is hard work, but when you’re passionate about your studies, it’s also a lot of fun. That’s especially true for SOJC students who specialize in creativity, curiosity, and hands-on learning. We’re so proud of our 106th graduating class—the biggest cohort on campus!

Everyone’s favorite Duck takes a stroll down memory lane with SOJC students.

Watch the Student Video

It’s hard to say good-bye, but these photos from SOJC’s Commencement ceremony will live on forever.

View the Photo Album

2022 journalism grad Haley Landis collected some favorite SOJC memories from her fellow grads.

Read Her Student Blog Post

Meet Our New Faculty

Four new faculty members joined the SOJC this year, bringing diverse expertise and perspectives to increase our programs’ flexibility and support students’ wide range of interests.

Hayoung “Sally” Lim

Assistant Professor of Cultural Diversity and Brand Responsibility

Meet Sally

Whitney Phillips

Assistant Professor of Digital Platforms and Ethics

Meet Whitney

Alex Segrè Cohen

Assistant Professor of Environmental and Science Communication

Meet Alex

Will Yurman

Instructor of Journalism with an Emphasis on Visual Storytelling

Meet Will

Meet Our New Faculty

Four new faculty members joined the SOJC this year, bringing diverse expertise and perspectives to increase our programs’ flexibility and support students’ wide range of interests.

Hayoung “Sally” Lim

Assistant Professor of Cultural Diversity and Brand Responsibility

Meet Sally

Whitney Phillips

Assistant Professor of Digital Platforms and Ethics

Meet Whitney

Alex Segrè Cohen

Assistant Professor of Environmental and Science Communication

Meet Alex

Will Yurman

Instructor of Journalism with an Emphasis on Visual Storytelling

Meet Will

2022 Hall of Achievement Honorees

This year was the 25th anniversary of SOJC's Hall of Achievement, which recognizes the accomplishment of our most successful alumni and celebrates the SOJC’s legacy. The 2022 inductees—including the Eric Allen Outstanding Young Alumni Award winner—have had a profound impact on their professions, their communities, and our students. Congratulations to all of them on joining such a prestigious group of SOJC alumni and faculty!

Learn More About Liz

Learn More About Nancy

Learn More About Tim

Learn More About Tevin

2022 Hall of Achievement Honorees

This year was the 25th anniversary of SOJC's Hall of Achievement, which recognizes the accomplishment of our most successful alumni and celebrates the SOJC’s legacy. The 2022 inductees—including the Eric Allen Outstanding Young Alumni Award winner—have had a profound impact on their professions, their communities, and our students. Congratulations to all of them on joining such a prestigious group of SOJC alumni and faculty!

Learn More About Liz

Learn More About Nancy

Learn More About Tim

Learn More About Tevin

Award-Winning Students, Faculty, and Staff

In the pursuit of excellence, our students, faculty, and staff are often honored through professional associations, artistic competitions, and peer organizations. These accolades recognize the work they have done and are a tribute to the supportive spirit of the SOJC. The success of our school depends on how everyone works together.

Chris Chávez

Associate Professor; Interim Director, Advertising and Brand Responsibility Master’s
2022 Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Research Award

Nicole Smith Dahmen

Professor of Journalism; Director of SOJC Honors, Catalyst Journalism Project, Snowden Internship
2022 Scripps Howard Teacher of the Year

Juan-Carlos Molleda

Edwin L. Artzt Dean and Professor
Institute for Public Relations Pathfinder Award

Gretchen Soderlund

Associate Professor, Media Studies Area Director
UO Outstanding Department Head

Award-Winning Students, Faculty, and Staff

In the pursuit of excellence, our students, faculty, and staff are often honored through professional associations, artistic competitions, and peer organizations. These accolades recognize the work they have done and are a tribute to the supportive spirit of the SOJC. The success of our school depends on how everyone works together.

FLUX Magazine

ACP Pacemaker Award: Best Student Magazine

Khalil Hines ’22

"...you know anyone who does Black hair here?"
Oregon Documentary Awards, Finalist: Best Editor and Best Oregon Documentary

Jocelyn Valencia-Chavez

Public Relations Class of ’23
Hispanic Public Relations Association’s First National Scholarship Winner

Isaac Bisilki

Communication and Media PhD Candidate
IPR’s Don Bartholomew Award for Excellence in Public Relations Research

Upstream Ad Team

American Advertising Federation’s National Student Advertising Competition, Region XI: First Place, Best Paid/Earned Media Plan, Best Female Presenter

Emily Henkelman

Interim Assistant Director of Student Services
Excellence in Advising—New Advisor Award from NACADA

Chris Chávez

Associate Professor; Interim Director, Advertising and Brand Responsibility Master’s
2022 Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Research Award

Nicole Smith Dahmen

Professor of Journalism; Director of SOJC Honors, Catalyst Journalism Project, Snowden Internship
2022 Scripps Howard Teacher of the Year

Juan-Carlos Molleda

Edwin L. Artzt Dean and Professor
Institute for Public Relations Pathfinder Award

Gretchen Soderlund

Associate Professor, Media Studies Area Director
UO Outstanding Department Head

An SOJC student receiving a PhD is hooded by a professor at the 2022 commencement ceremony

Liz Shuler, Tevin Tavares, Nancy Loo, and Tim Gleason with their Hall of Achievement certificates

Students in Action

Knowledge is planted in the classroom, but it blooms out in the field. That’s why the SOJC places such importance on student-directed publications and agencies, internships, travel-abroad programs, and other opportunities that provide hands-on experience. SOJC students graduate with transferrable skills and an appreciation for lifelong learning that helps them adapt in the evolving communication and media industries.

Meet SOJC Students on The College Tour

These four SOJC students shared their experiences at the University of Oregon in the Amazon Prime series The College Tour. Watch their video clips from the streaming series to learn what it’s like to be an SOJC Duck.

See More of The College Tour

Meet More SOJC Students

Meet SOJC Students on The College Tour

These four SOJC students shared their experiences at the University of Oregon in the Amazon Prime series The College Tour. Watch their video clips from the streaming series to learn what it’s like to be an SOJC Duck.

See More of The College Tour

Meet More SOJC Students

Ducks in New Territory

The SOJC offers a variety of in-the-field learning opportunities, including trips outside the state and the country. In these blog posts, students describe their experiences on some of this summer’s faculty-led trips.

Media Literacy in Paris

SOJC students throw their "O"s in Cordova, Alaska

Science Communication in Alaska

SOJC students throw their "O"s in front of a waterfall in Ghana

Internships in Ghana

SOJC students throw their "O"s in London

PR and Advertising in the UK

Check Out Our #LifeAsaJStudent Blog

Ducks in New Territory

The SOJC offers a variety of in-the-field learning opportunities, including trips outside the state and the country. In these blog posts, students describe their experiences on some of this summer’s faculty-led trips.

Media Literacy in Paris

Science Communication in Alaska

Internships in Ghana

PR and Advertising in the UK

Check Out Our #LifeAsaJStudent Blog

Campaigns for Real-World Clients

Advertising is really about problem solving. The fun part is the creativity that goes with it. These advertising projects are all excellent examples of SOJC students’ ability to problem-solve creatively to come up with an effective strategic campaign.

A Quiet Standout

A three-student team created a comprehensive advertising campaign for Allbirds, a relative newcomer to the footwear industry.

Review the Campaign

composite image of Oregon women athletes posing on white backgrounds

Go Do Anything

Student-run Allen Hall Advertising’s campaign for UO Women’s Basketball celebrated the 50th anniversary of Title IX.

Learn About Title IX

series of three subway posters featuring black and white photos of Ukrainian women with bright yellow and blue text

Inspired by Ukraine

Advertising and Brand Responsibility Master’s students collaborated with creatives in Ukraine to help nonprofits support citizens during the war.

See the Projects

Campaigns for Real-World Clients

Advertising is really about problem solving. The fun part is the creativity that goes with it. These advertising projects are all excellent examples of SOJC students’ ability to problem-solve creatively to come up with an effective strategic campaign.

A Quiet Standout

A three-student team created a comprehensive advertising campaign for Allbirds, a relative newcomer to the footwear industry.

Review the Campaign

Go Do Anything

Student-run Allen Hall Advertising’s campaign for UO Women’s Basketball celebrated the 50th anniversary of Title IX.

Learn About Title IX

Inspired by Ukraine

Advertising and Brand Responsibility Master’s students collaborated with creatives in Ukraine to help nonprofits support citizens during the war.

See the Projects

students on the Media in Ghana trip pose with custom woven sashes

students and a professor using VR gear in the Oregon Reality Lab

Making a Difference

Students come to the SOJC because they want to tell stories that make a difference in the world. Whether they are seeking the truth as journalists, guiding brands toward responsibility in advertising and public relations, or studying the ways media affects our world, they are working to move society forward. Who better to guide and mentor them in these passions than the SOJC’s award-winning scholars and professionals?

SOJC in the Big Easy

Some of the most powerful stories are found in the aftermath of a big breaking-news story, after the mainstream media have left. In support of this principle, Associate Professor Ed Madison took a group of journalism students to New Orleans to tell its stories of trauma and resurrection. The five students interviewed local business owners and residents in search of stories and found plenty to tell. They published them in a multimedia publication called Big Easy Blues that pushed their abilities and helped prepare them to be professional journalists.

See the Students’ Journey to NOLA

Check Out Big Easy Blues

SOJC in the Big Easy

Some of the most powerful stories are found in the aftermath of a big breaking-news story, after the mainstream media have left. In support of this principle, Associate Professor Ed Madison took a group of journalism students to New Orleans to tell its stories of trauma and resurrection. The five students interviewed local business owners and residents in search of stories and found plenty to tell. They published them in a multimedia publication called Big Easy Blues that pushed their abilities and helped prepare them to be professional journalists.

See the Students’ Journey to NOLA

Check Out Big Easy Blues

Alumni Changing the World

There’s no shortage of SOJC alumni doing exceptional work, especially when it comes to supporting social change. These four profiles don’t tell the half of it, but they are inspiring examples of what our graduates do with their education and experience.

Rebecca Woolington ’09 Wins Pulitzer Prize

Madilyne Nguyen-Acosta '21 Is Sony's DEI Specialist

Maia Laperle ’21 Engages Communities with Podcasting

Maeve Connor ’22 Communicates for Social Change

Alumni Changing the World

There’s no shortage of SOJC alumni doing exceptional work, especially when it comes to supporting social change. These four profiles don’t tell the half of it, but they are inspiring examples of what our graduates do with their education and experience.

Rebecca Woolington ’09 Wins Pulitzer Prize

Madilyne Nguyen-Acosta '21 Is Sony's DEI Specialist

Maia Laperle ’21 Engages Communities with Podcasting

Maeve Connor ’22 Communicates for Social Change

Research for Good

As experts in an AAU R1 research university, SOJC’s faculty members and graduate students are committed to contributing to innovation in their fields and positive change in the world.

Games as Tools

Communication and Media Studies PhD student Waseq Rahman examines using games as communication tools for nonprofits worldwide.

Explore Waseq’s Research

Impacts of Police Body Cameras

Bryce Newell, media studies associate professor, researched the impacts of police body cameras on privacy and beyond.

Take a Closer Look

How Doctors Show Bias

Assistant Professor David Markowitz investigated how doctors’ language reflects their biases about vulnerable populations.

Review the Study

Research for Good

As experts in an AAU R1 research university, SOJC’s faculty members and graduate students are committed to contributing to innovation in their fields and positive change in the world.

Games as Tools

Communication and Media Studies PhD student Waseq Rahman examines using games as communication tools for nonprofits worldwide.

Explore Waseq’s Research

Impacts of Police Body Cameras

Bryce Newell, media studies associate professor, researched the impacts of police body cameras on privacy and beyond.

Take a Closer Look

How Doctors Show Bias

Assistant Professor David Markowitz investigated how doctors’ language reflects their biases about vulnerable populations.

Review the Study

a student in the Story Arc Workshop films with a video camera in a skateboard shop

A student holds a copy of Flux magazine outside of Allen Hall

Science Communication

Our lives are greatly impacted by science and how we communicate about it, from the global effects of climate change and the pandemic to individuals’ diet, finances, and mental health. Students and faculty in the SOJC’s Center for Science Communication Research (SCR) work to improve how we share research with the public and teach students evidence-based best practices through hands-on learning programs, research opportunities, and our new science communication minor.

Students as Scientists and Communicators

SOJC students and faculty often act as both scientists and communicators in the field, testing their big questions through research and reporting on scientific findings through multimedia and immersive media. Check out some of our students’ work from the past year.

two people wearing white hazmat suits inspect a property destroyed by fire

The Fire Story Podcast

Journalism students Noah Camuso and Eden McCall ask the question, “How do we live with fire?” The answers are in their podcast.

Follow the Fire Story

Tingyou Zou works at a laptop showing a chatbot designed to assist in smoking cessation

Delving into Research

SOJC doctoral students and faculty received research grants from SCR this year. Find out what three of them researched, their reasons for it, and their outcomes.

Meet the Researchers

Students as Scientists and Communicators

SOJC students and faculty often act as both scientists and communicators in the field, testing their big questions through research and reporting on scientific findings through multimedia and immersive media. Check out some of our students’ work from the past year.

The Fire Story Podcast

Journalism students Noah Camuso and Eden McCall ask the question, “How do we live with fire?” The answers are in their podcast.

Follow the Fire Story

Delving into Research

SOJC doctoral students and faculty received research grants from SCR this year. Find out what three of them researched, their reasons for it, and their outcomes.

Meet the Researchers

Faculty Advance the Science of Science Communication

As part of a major research university, the SOJC is committed to using research to push the communication field forward. SCR faculty ask big questions and find solutions to improve the science of science communication. And they take students out in the field to master evidence-based best practices.

The Science Story

The Science Story class teaches students how to cover climate change and its disastrous effects, like the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire.

Learn about Science Story

Ellen Peters wears a blue mask and stands in front of a banner that says Center for Science Communication Research

Rx to Explain Climate and Health

The health effects of climate change need to be better communicated, as SCR director Ellen Peters explains in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Connect Climate to Health

Danny Pimentel, wearing a turtle mask, instructs a student wearing a VR headset

Project Shell

Assistant Professor Danny Pimentel uses virtual reality to help people experience the perspective of a struggling turtle and spur environmental action.

See It from a Turtle’s View

Faculty Advance the Science of Science Communication

As part of a major research university, the SOJC is committed to using research to push the communication field forward. SCR faculty ask big questions and find solutions to improve the science of science communication. And they take students out in the field to master evidence-based best practices.

The Science Story

The Science Story class teaches students how to cover climate change and its disastrous effects, like the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire.

Learn about Science Story

Rx to Explain Climate and Health

The health effects of climate change need to be better communicated, as SCR director Ellen Peters explains in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Connect Climate to Health

Project Shell

Assistant Professor Danny Pimentel uses virtual reality to help people experience the perspective of a struggling turtle and spur environmental action.

See It from a Turtle’s View

Three SOJC Track Bureau students give thumbs up from Hayward Field

four students play the Gaia board game at SCR game night

Sports Communication and Media

SOJC students follow their passions to build careers in the interests that fuel them. At the UO—a university with a powerful athletic brand and world-class sporting events—students interested in sports communication and media have access to career-building opportunities many professionals dream about and a strong network of successful sports media alums.

SOJC Students Take on the Worlds

Thousands of people flocked to Eugene to welcome one of the largest sporting events on the planet, the World Athletics Championships Oregon22. The track-and-field competition, hosted at Hayward Field, was broadcast to over 200 countries and drew a global TV audience of 1 billion viewers. More than 75 SOJC students were among the international press and content creators covering the event, from Track Bureau reporters to sports documentary producers and animation artists who designed the opening credits.

See Their World-Class Work

Watch a Video About the Track Bureau

SOJC Students Take on the Worlds

Thousands of people flocked to Eugene to welcome one of the largest sporting events on the planet, the World Athletics Championships Oregon22. The track-and-field competition, hosted at Hayward Field, was broadcast to over 200 countries and drew a global TV audience of 1 billion viewers. More than 75 SOJC students were among the international press and content creators covering the event, from Track Bureau reporters to sports documentary producers and animation artists who designed the opening credits.

See Their World-Class Work

Watch a Video About the Track Bureau

Alumni Scoring Big in Sports Communication

For students who love sports and are called to be communicators, going to school in Track Town USA at a university with a robust athletics program offers great opportunities for hands-on learning and building a powerful portfolio. Many carve a path in sports communication in unexpected ways, including these three alumni.

John Strong ’07, the Voice of Soccer on Fox

Spencer Kupish ’18 Mentors Oregon Accelerator Students

Nate Jackson ’05, Oregon Sports Emcee

Alumni Scoring Big in Sports Communication

For students who love sports and are called to be communicators, going to school in Track Town USA at a university with a robust athletics program offers great opportunities for hands-on learning and building a powerful portfolio. Many carve a path in sports communication in unexpected ways, including these three alumni.

John Strong ’07, the Voice of Soccer on Fox

Spencer Kupish ’18 Mentors Oregon Accelerator Students

Nate Jackson ’05, Oregon Sports Emcee

three students sit at a table in the Allen Hall atrium

Nathan Wilk uses radio broadcast equipment

Journalism Innovation and Insights

The journalism industry has changed tremendously in the last 15 years. As part of one of the oldest accredited journalism programs in the nation, SOJC journalism faculty regularly research innovative journalism practices, evolve the curriculum, and invest in up-to-date equipment to prepare students to land jobs and succeed in an ever-changing field. One thing that never changes is teaching journalism majors how to be society’s watchdogs, always seeking and telling the truth.

Agora Journalism Center Report Assesses Oregon’s Information Ecosystem

Faculty and PhD students in the SOJC’s Agora Journalism Center conducted a study mapping the legacy and start-up news outlets producing local news around the state. The report reveals that Oregonians are unequally served by local news media, and some communities have few places to turn for truly local news. These findings raise concerns about the health of Oregon’s news and information infrastructure, but the report offers recommendations to keep Oregon on track.

Read the Report

Agora Journalism Center Report Assesses Oregon’s Information Ecosystem

Faculty and PhD students in the SOJC’s Agora Journalism Center conducted a study mapping the legacy and start-up news outlets producing local news around the state. The report reveals that Oregonians are unequally served by local news media, and some communities have few places to turn for truly local news. These findings raise concerns about the health of Oregon’s news and information infrastructure, but the report offers recommendations to keep Oregon on track.

Read the Report

Faculty Shaping the Journalism Profession

The SOJC’s faculty teaches the crucial foundations of journalism to students, but they also work to identify new practices to help the industry adapt to its changes and challenges. Find out how they’re helping students and the rest of the field continue to uncover the truth and tell meaningful stories.

Brent Walth Comes Full Circle

Journalism professor, Hall of Achievement inductee, and Pulitzer Prize winner Brent Walth ’84 teaches his students innovative approaches to investigative journalism.

Discover Solutions Journalism

Seth Lewis holds a copy of his book "News After Trump"

Seth Lewis Tracks Trump’s Impacts on Media

In journalism area director Seth Lewis’ new book, News After Trump, he and his co-authors detail four ways the media have changed since Donald Trump was president.

Learn What’s Changed