Public Relations · University of Oregon · Class of 2026 Graduate

Stories
that move
people.

I'm John Romero — a University of Oregon PR graduate with a passion for strategic communications, sports media, and audience engagement. I believe the best stories don't just inform — they connect, inspire, and move people to act.

John Romero in front of Lillis Business Complex at University of Oregon
3+
Years in PR
3
Real Client Campaigns
AH
Allen Hall PR Agency
UO
SOJC Graduate

Work that makes an impact

Capstone · Real Client · JCOM 471

Sullenberger Aviation Museum — Strategic PR Campaign

Developed a full strategic PR campaign for the Sullenberger Aviation Museum (Charlotte, NC) — a Smithsonian affiliate home to the Miracle on the Hudson aircraft. Led tactics development across three campaign tracks targeting airport travelers, families, and veterans, delivering a comprehensive $305 campaign plan that the museum loved.

Campaign StrategyNonprofit PRInfluencer OutreachSpring 2026
View Full Presentation ↗
PR Agency · Allen Hall

TrackTown USA — Prefontaine Classic 50th Anniversary

As an Account Executive at Allen Hall Public Relations, contributed to media outreach for the Prefontaine Classic's 50th anniversary at Hayward Field. Drafted targeted pitch emails to local and regional reporters to generate earned media coverage for one of track and field's most prestigious events.

Media PitchingEarned MediaReporter Outreach2024–2025
Internship · UO Athletics

Marketing & Fan Experience — Oregon Athletics

Supported marketing and promotional strategies to enhance the game-day experience for Oregon Athletics fans. Assisted with in-game promotions, on-field activities, and brand activation efforts to boost student participation and school spirit.

Brand ActivationEvent MarketingFan EngagementSummer 2023

Press releases & more

May 2026
Sullenberger Aviation Museum — Strategic PR Campaign
Capstone client campaign for a Smithsonian affiliate in Charlotte, NC. Three-track strategy targeting airport travelers, families, and veterans — delivered for under $305.
Capstone Campaign
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Sullenberger Aviation Museum — Strategic PR Campaign

University of Oregon School of Journalism & Communication · Spring 2026

The Sullenberger Aviation Museum (SAM) in Charlotte, NC — a Smithsonian affiliate and home to the Miracle on the Hudson aircraft — faced a critical awareness gap. Despite world-class exhibits, the museum was mistaken for an airport exhibit, perceived as niche, and operating on a tight $325K annual budget with under 10 staff.

Three Campaign Tracks
  • Airport Travelers — rideshare referral cards, QR codes, and TikTok/Reels targeting 50M+ annual CLT layover passengers
  • Families & Homeschool — MomTok influencer outreach, STEM Family Learning Days, and field trip curriculum guides
  • Veterans & Enthusiasts — personalized outreach packages, appreciation events, and ambassador spotlights

Delivered a full implementation-ready campaign for a total budget of just $305. The museum responded positively to the presentation.

Nov 2025
Duck Nest Launches PaddleOn — UO Mental Health App
Press release for UO's Duck Nest wellness center announcing the PaddleOn student mental health app launch.
Press Release
↓ Download
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Duck Nest Launches PaddleOn App to Help Ducks Stay Calm and Balanced

EUGENE, Ore.

The University of Oregon's Duck Nest has launched PaddleOn, a new mental health and wellness app designed to help students manage stress, stay organized, and find balance throughout the busy college year. Inspired by the calm and steady nature of ducks, the app gives students easy access to tools and resources that make taking care of their mental health simpler than ever.

College life is exciting but often overwhelming. According to the American College Health Association's 2024 report, 76.4% of college students experienced moderate or high stress in the past month.

The app features a Paddle Planner for scheduling, Quack Chats for peer and professional support, Duck Pond Meditations for stress relief, and Paddle On, Ducks — a goal-tracking feature to keep students motivated.

"At the Duck Nest, we're always looking for new ways to make resources more accessible for students." — Jordan Lee, Wellness Coordinator, Duck Nest
2025
Campaign Deconstruction: San Antonio Spurs "Fiesta" Brand Activation
A strategic breakdown of how the Spurs built lasting cultural relevance by embedding San Antonio's identity directly into their brand.
Campaign Analysis
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San Antonio Spurs "Fiesta" Brand Activation

Organization: San Antonio Spurs (NBA) · Ongoing Campaign

Instead of chasing trends, the Spurs chose to celebrate their identity — leaning into something no other NBA team could copy: San Antonio's culture. The Spurs embedded that cultural identity directly into their branding, making fandom feel like a form of self-expression.

Key Tactics
  • Fiesta-inspired City Edition jerseys and in-arena visuals tied to San Antonio culture
  • Limited-edition merch drops fans actually wanted to wear
  • Social storytelling centered on players, fans, and real community moments
Gen Z Takeaways
  • Culture-first branding and strong visual identity resonate deeply
  • Long-term storytelling outperforms one-off viral posts
Oct 2025
Leadership, Pressure, and Legacy: Seth "Scump" Abner in the Call of Duty League
An analysis of esports leadership, mental health, and career adaptability through the lens of one of competitive gaming's most recognized figures.
League Report · JCOM 383
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Seth "Scump" Abner — Leadership, Pressure, and Legacy in the Call of Duty League

Success in esports isn't just about mechanical skill — it's also about mental strength, leadership, and the ability to adapt. As the face of OpTic Gaming, Scump carried the weight of huge expectations from fans and teammates, creating a positive environment where his teammates could trust and rely on him.

After more than a decade of competing, Scump retired in early 2023, citing mental fatigue and burnout — reflecting a growing issue in esports. His openness about these challenges, and his continued impact as a content creator and broadcaster, shows how the skills players develop go beyond the game itself.

2024–25
Media Pitch Emails — Prefontaine Classic 50th Anniversary
Drafted targeted pitch emails to reporters to generate earned media coverage for the Prefontaine Classic's historic 50th anniversary at Hayward Field.
Media Outreach
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Prefontaine Classic 50th Anniversary — TrackTown USA

Allen Hall PR · Eugene, OR · 2024–2025

As an Account Executive at Allen Hall Public Relations, I collaborated with a student team on a media outreach campaign for TrackTown USA ahead of the Prefontaine Classic's 50th anniversary — one of the most prestigious track and field meets in the world, held at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

Work centered on drafting personalized pitch emails to local and regional reporters, making the case for why the 50th anniversary was a compelling story worth covering.

Content that connects

Where I've worked

June 2024 – Present
Student Office Assistant
University of Oregon — Sponsored Project Services
  • Organize and maintain project documentation; file correspondence and reports to appropriate records.
  • Prepare project reports and distribute to principal investigators and administrative stakeholders.
  • Draft and send follow-up communications regarding outstanding reports, certifications, and required project actions.
  • Support Microsoft Teams and email communications across multiple teams; track updates and coordinate tasks.
Jan 2024 – Mar 2025
Account Executive
Allen Hall Public Relations — Eugene, OR
  • Contributed to media outreach for the Prefontaine Classic's 50th anniversary, drafting targeted pitch emails to generate earned media coverage.
  • Developed social media content and managed media contact lists to promote TrackTown USA events at Hayward Field.
Aug – Sept 2023
Marketing & Fan Experience Intern
University of Oregon Athletic Department
  • Supported marketing and promotional strategies to enhance the game-day experience for Oregon Athletics fans.
  • Assisted with in-game promotions and on-field activities to increase student participation and school spirit.

05 — Contact

Open to opportunities,
conversations, & coffee.

B.S. in Public Relations, University of Oregon — June 2026. Always happy to talk PR, sports media, or creative strategy.

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