Staying in touch with old friends and professors is also a way to stay in touch with The Media School. Whether you are a recent graduate, a retiree or a mid-career pro looking to manage the next media wave, your friends want to hear from you.
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Zach Osterman, IU sports reporter for The Indianapolis Star, co-authored "Unthinkable to Unstoppable," a book examining Indiana football's 2025 national championship season under coach Curt Cignetti. The book will be released Sept. 22. (August 2026)
Eric Bond published "But This Is Indiana...," his first book, reflecting on Indiana basketball culture and the Indiana Pacers' 2025 NBA Finals run. He drew on personal memories, family history, and his lifelong Pacers fandom to tell the story. (August 2026)
Cory Schouten joined CNBC as director of member strategy and engagement. He previously served as editor-in-chief of Crain's New York Business and held leadership positions at The Wall Street Journal. (August 2026)
Alec Miran died at the age of 69 in August 2026. Most recently retired from CNN, he spent four decades as a special events producer, helping coordinate coverage of presidential campaigns, political conventions, elections and major international news events. He remained involved in national political coverage after retirement and was recognized by Indiana University alumni records for his 40-year career at CNN.
Jessica Contrera joined The New York Times as a correspondent in the National desk's Mid-Atlantic bureau, covering Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and West Virginia. Previously, she spent more than a decade at The Washington Post, where she reported on topics ranging from Jan. 6 and the Parkland school shooting to investigative projects on child sexual abuse by police officers. (August 2026)
Dennis Green was named to the Radio Hall of Fame's 2026 induction class. He is the chief operating officer of Sun & Fun Media and Key Networks. (August 2026)
Michael Jeffries died on July 27, 2026 at the age of 85. He taught communications at several colleges and owned and published a weekly newspaper in Washington state. His career also included magazine publishing and public relations work for Caterpillar. A U.S. Navy veteran, Jeffries earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Indiana University and later completed a master's degree in instructional systems technology.
Gabe Pontones joined WFIE-TV in Evansville, Indiana, as a multimedia journalist. Previously, he reported for IU NewsNet and participated in IUSTV's sports coverage, including football, golf, track and field, and tennis. (August 2026)
Alayna Wilkening joined Car and Driver magazine as an intern and has contributed automotive coverage to Autoweek. She previously served as managing editor and creative director of the Indiana Daily Student. (August 2026)
Cali Lichter joined WTHR-TV in Indianapolis as a reporter. Previously, she covered crime and courts for 13 ON YOUR SIDE in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and hosted the streaming show "On the Docket." (August 2026)
