Julie Atty

Major: Marketing Communication with a concentration in Creative Sports Marketing

Hometown: Farmington Hills, Michigan

Past life: In high school I played soccer year round, founded the guitar club, and spent most of my spare time working and practicing Vinyasa yoga.

Childhood ambition: When I was 7, I wanted to perform Mariah Carey’s “Dream Lover” on Star Search or be a contestant on The Price Is Right. I’m still holdin’ out.

Dream job: To work with Google, organizing the world’s information. Specifically with Google Books, digitizing libraries around the world. It’s revolutionary. I would love to be a b2b or media ambassador for that.

Inspiration: My parents. They sacrificed so I may have a better life. I love sharing my successes with them.

Favorite spot on Columbia's campus: The 618 South Michigan computer lab. It’s in the lower level down a flight of stairs; quiet and relaxing.

Favorite class: I’ve had so many remarkable classes and teachers at Columbia. Culture, Race, and Media taught by Professor Beau Beaudoin is the first class that comes to mind. The subject relates to media, work, and everyday life. Professor Beaudoin challenges students to think critically and the class is better for it. Highly recommended.

Insider secret: Jane Canepa. She teaches Special Events and Promotions at Columbia and is probably the most well connected person in Chicago. Know her and you know the entire city.

Most humbling experience: Having the honor and privilege to serve as executive vice president of communications on the Columbia College Marketing Association’s executive board. Being surrounded by that much talent hurts.

Best night in the dorms: Nickelodeon SNICK night in the 2 East 8th lounge. Over 100 of us watched cartoons, made s’mores, played MASH, and made Stick Sticklys. It was magical.

Music that puts you in the mood to get creative: Oldies—the Beatles, Tom Petty, the Velvet Underground, the Yardbirds, Buddy Holly, Sinatra, Dean Martin

Creative collaborator: While I was a resident assistant at the dorms, I did have a pretty kicking creative posse. Nikki Leonhardt (a TV major), Ashley Brown (a Music Business major), and Lauren Catey (a Fiction Writing major). We came together to pull off some of the most successful events in Residence Life. Our combined talents won us awards for the SNICK Nickelodeon TV Night and self-defense class programs.

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