Meet our Advertising Program Alumni

A degree in advertising has helped our graduates forge career paths across the creative and media economy as art directors, conceptual writers, producers, brand strategists, and media analysts. They’ve gone on to write scripts for video game companies, lead projects for sports teams and Hollywood filmmakers, and develop ads for globally influential brands. Check out what some of our graduates are up to now:

Zaria Parvez stands with the Duolingo owl mascot, who wears an Elvis costume
The Wit Behind Duolingo’s Owl Is an SOJC Alum
Zaria Parvez, the witty social media maven behind Duolingo’s viral TikToks, started working at the company right after she graduated from the SOJC in 2020. It was the only job she applied for.
composite photo of Rachel Benner, Kyle Heiner, and Hannah Lewman
These SOJC grads went from Allen Hall to the Big Apple
Three Clark Honors College graduates from SOJC's class of 2018 say their theses helped them launch successful careers in the advertising industry.
portrait of Jacob Espinoza
How one advertising alum became a leadership mentor
When Jacob Espinoza graduated from the SOJC with an advertising degree, he didn’t take the typical post-graduation route, but said it helped him find something unexpected he loves to do.
portrait of Jacobi Mehringer
Jacobi Mehringer '16 creates work people want to steal
As part of an interview series with 100 creative directors, Mehringer talks about his creative process along with some specific challenges of making great work for others.
Travis Kim
Alumni Profile: Travis Kim ’18/’19 helps brands make a positive impact on society
The double Duck found learning the brand responsibility approach to advertising and building the confidence to articulate big issues has given him a distinctive advantage in his career.
Ryan Kang on the sidelines of a football game with his camera, next to the University of Oregon Duck
Alum Ryan Kang '16 turns his lens on the NFL
Ryan Kang developed his sports-photography eye at the UO. Now he’s getting all the angles as an NFL photographer.
Tommy Woods and Jacobi Mehringer sit on metal steps
Two SOJC advertising alumni succeed as a creative team at Wieden+Kennedy
A pair of SOJC alumni discovered a creative connection while pursuing their advertising degrees. Now they’re a professional dynamic duo at Wieden + Kennedy.
Rebecca Woolington, Corey G. Johnson and Eli Murray pose for a picture
Alumni Profile: Rebecca Woolington ’09 wins SOJC’s 15th Pulitzer for exposé of toxic business practices
Rebecca Woolington and colleagues at the Tampa Bay Times won a Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting on the toxic business practices of a Florida lead smelter. But she got her start writing for the Daily Emerald.
Spencer Kupish
Alumni Profile: Art director Spencer Kupish ’18 shares his branding expertise with The Oregon Accelerator
Spencer Kupish makes advertising gold by infusing fun into complex ideas for Xbox. He also mentors SOJC students.
Zaria Parvez takes a selfie with Duo, the (in)famous green Duolingo owl
Alumni Profile: Meet Zaria Parvez ’20, the creative genius behind Duolingo’s TikTok-famous owl
Advertising program alum Zaria Parvez is the “who” behind Duolingo’s mascot and TikTok sensation, Duo the owl.