From Columbia to the Kentucky Derby: Jacey Rhorer’s Journey in the Art of Hatmaking
Apr 08, 2025Fashion Design alum Jacey Rhorer '00 is making her mark as the Official Milliner for the 2025 Kentucky Derby Festival.
Columbia Alum Niko Gerentes '18 Voices Characters in DreamWorks Animated Short
Mar 14, 2025Niko Gerentes ’18, a Columbia College Chicago alum, voices four distinct characters in the animated short “The Bad Guys: Little Lies and Alibis.”
Columbia Alum Molly Williams '13 Awarded Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Mar 12, 2025Molly Williams, who earned her BA in Fiction Writing at Columbia College Chicago, will pursue a PhD at the University of Cambridge, focusing on Victorian literature and ecological ethics.
Vibrant New Mural Pays Tribute to Columbia’s 135th Anniversary
Mar 11, 2025Illustration alum Mac McGuire ‘24 creates her first major mural for Columbia College Chicago as the lead artist.
Columbia College Chicago Theatre and Audio/Music Alumni and Faculty Nominated for Jeff Awards
Mar 05, 2025Columbia College Chicago alumni and faculty from the schools of Theatre and Dance and Audio and Music have earned nominations for the Jeff Awards, which celebrate excellence in Chicago theatre.
Alum Turns Life Experiences Into Award-Nominated Stories
Mar 05, 2025Alum Michelle Brady ’07, a military veteran and attorney, proves it’s never too late to return to the literary world.
From Columbia College Chicago to CNN: Katherine Iorio’s Career Journey Toward an Emmy Award
Feb 12, 2025Columbia College Chicago Journalism alum Katherine Iorio ’13 wins Emmy for CNN's breaking news coverage of the Israel-Hamas War as part of CNN's team that covered outbreak of Israel-Hamas conflict.
Alumni and Faculty Shine in Newcity Stage’s 'Players 2025'
Jan 09, 2025The School of Theatre and Dance celebrates alumni and faculty featured in Newcity Stage's “Players 2025: The 50 People Who Really Perform for Chicago.”
Columbia College Chicago Alumni Share Their Stories, Work, and Advice
Nov 19, 2024Columbia alumni, including a GRAMMY nominee and Disney animator, return to campus to inspire the next generation of creators with their expertise and unique perspectives.
Columbia College Chicago Film and TV Students and Alums Win Big
Nov 07, 2024The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences presents award to Columbia students for “Behind His Eyes” and the Chicago International Film Festival honors a documentary made by Columbia alums with an Audience Choice Award.
Chicago International Film Festival Spotlights Columbia Talent
Oct 16, 2024The Chicago International Film Festival features the work of Columbia College Chicago alumni and students on screen and behind the scenes.
Work of Columbia Alum and Adjunct Professor Shines on the Emmy-Winning Show FX’s ‘The Bear’
Sep 19, 2024Adjunct Professor Lisa Korpan ’19 reflects on her pride in working as art director on FX’s “The Bear,” the impact of her Columbia education, and how her experience informs her teaching.
Grace Overbeke Explores Comedian Jean Carroll's Life and Career in ‘First Lady of Laughs’
Sep 17, 2024Before "Hacks" and "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," there was the comedienne who started it all.
Megan Hammond '22 Takes the Stage at Lollapalooza
Aug 16, 2024Chicago-based singer-songwriter Megan Hammond '22, known professionally as m.e.h., took the stage at Lollapalooza’s Chicago Made Music Showcase on Sunday, August 4.
Columbia College Chicago Honors 24 Alums for ‘24 in 2024’
Aug 12, 2024As a kickoff to Columbia College Chicago’s 135th Anniversary, the college is honoring 24 distinguished alumni across all disciplines as part of “24 in 2024,” a college-wide initiative that celebrates Columbia alumni and their career accomplishments.
Students Paint the Town: Columbia and Partners Expand Wabash Arts Corridor With New Murals
Aug 01, 2024Columbia College Chicago, in strategic partnership with Behr Paint, The Home Depot, and One Summer Chicago, is transforming the Wabash Arts Corridor with vibrant new murals.
Alum Patricia Kara’s New Book Offers Behind-The-Scenes Look at the Entertainment World
Jul 02, 2024Patricia Kara '94 guides the next generation of talent through the intricacies of the entertainment realm in her new book, "Dream On...Now Deliver."
Columbia Faculty, Alums Chosen for Walder Foundation's 2024 Platform Awards
Jun 25, 2024The Walder Foundation has named three Chicago-based performing artists, including two Columbia College Chicago alumni and one faculty member, as recipients of its prestigious 2024 Platform Awards.
The Levin Family Expands Student-Focused Funds to Support Columbia Students
May 02, 2024As founding members of the Family Advisory Council, Heidi and Steven Levin have made a generous gift to Columbia College Chicago to deepen the impact of the Levin Family Fund.
Ryan Argast '15 to Sing National Anthem at May 17 Cubs Game
May 02, 2024On May 17, Ryan Argast '15 will sing the national anthem at Wrigley Field before the Cubs face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
From Columbia Stages to the Bright Lights: Theatre Alums Offer Industry Insights in Panel Discussion
Apr 19, 2024Columbia's Theatre Department hosted an alumni talk featuring industry professionals who shared their experiences and advice with students.
CineYouth Festival Leans on Columbia College Chicago Student Talent Behind the Scenes and on the Screens
Apr 16, 2024The annual Chicago festival to screen films by Columbia students and alums, with Columbia students serving on the festival’s youth programming committee.
Theatre Alum A. Ashley Hoff to Release Revealing Book on 'Mommie Dearest'
Apr 08, 2024Theatre alum A. Ashley Hoff's forthcoming book, "With Love, Mommie Dearest," offers an insider's account of the making of the iconic 1981 film and its enduring cultural impact, with events planned for Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago.
Award-Winning Columbia Faculty Film Now Available On-Demand
Apr 02, 2024“Good Guy with a Gun,” written and directed by John Mossman, former adjunct professor of instruction at Columbia College Chicago, and produced by Kevin Cooper, an associate professor at Columbia, was recently purchased by Freestyle Digital Media and is now available on demand.
Drag Superstar Shea Couleé ’11 Returns to Columbia
Feb 13, 2024Columbia College Chicago welcomed back Alum Shea Couleé ’11 for a panel discussion and reception unveiling Couleé-curated fashion exhibit window.
Alum Brandon Faris '02 Part of Team Behind New Run-DMC Docu-Series
Feb 09, 2024Professional pivot leads to career success for Columbia College Chicago alum, highlighting the creative versatility of our graduates.
Comic Legend and Columbia Alum Shecky Greene '47 Passes Away at 97
Feb 02, 2024Before he became a consistent presence on the Las Vegas strip and late-night talk shows, Shecky Greene ’47 attended Columbia College Chicago.
Columbia Says Goodbye to Alum Peter Berkos '51
Feb 02, 2024Academy Award Winning Sound Effects Editor Peter Berkos ’51 recently passed away, leaving behind a lasting legacy in television and film.
Alum Filmmaker's Short Selected for Inclusion at Berlin Film Festival
Jan 23, 2024“Shi Ri Fan Gu” (“Sojourn to Shangri-La”), a film by Yihan Lin MFA ’21, makes its international debut in February.
Then, Now, Next—The Dance Center at Columbia College Chicago’s 50th Anniversary Season Offers Joy and Solace
Jan 18, 2024The Dance Center at Columbia College Chicago celebrates the present moment in dance with a series of firsts.
Alum-Made Documentary About Mushers and Their Sled Dogs Now Streaming on PBS, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV+
Jan 12, 2024“Musher,” a film made by Columbia College Chicago alums, follows four women and their dogs as they prepare for an annual race in the upper peninsula of Michigan.
Columbia Grad Charlotte “Chuck” Gruman ’19 Awarded $30,000 Grant From 3Arts
Dec 11, 2023Charlotte “Chuck” Gruman ’19 feels lucky. Gruman won an unrestricted $30,000 cash grant as one of 10 Chicago-based artists honored at the 2023 3Arts Awards in November. 3Arts is a nonprofit organization that helps artists like Gruman build their careers in performing, teaching and visual arts.
Apollo Baldoz ’09 Created Visuals for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour
Nov 13, 2023Apollo Baldoz ’09 was part of the design and animation team that created the visuals for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.
Columbia Alum and AIDS Activist Danny Sotomayor '80 Subject of New PBS Documentary
Nov 02, 2023The WTTW documentary was written, directed, and produced by WTTW Producer and Columbia Alum Daniel Andries and edited by Adjunct Faculty Member and Alum Sharon Zurek ’76.
Student Short Part of 29th Black Harvest Film Festival
Nov 01, 2023Filmmaker Shiloh Tumo Washington ’22 will have his short screened on Nov. 4 and 11 at the Gene Siskel Film Center.
Columbia Professor, Alum Explore Conversational AI in New Book
Aug 16, 2023Professor Laurence Minsky and Scot Westwater '99 delve into the evolving landscape of marketing, analyzing the power of Conversational AI in their new book.
Columbia Alums Among the 2023 Emmy Nominees
Jul 17, 2023The Television Academy recently announced its list of Emmy nominees for the 2022-2023 television season, with Columbia alums earning recognition for their outstanding work.
Columbia Faculty and Alum to Be Featured on ABC7 Chicago’s Juneteenth Special
Jun 16, 2023“Our Chicago: Freedom Music,” a celebration of freedom expressed through the music of Chicago’s Black community, will feature Adjunct Faculty Member Andre Daniels (aka Add-2) and Alum CaSera Heining ’17 (aka DJ Ca$h Era).
Columbia Alums Have Films Showcased During Cannes Film Festival
May 11, 2023The prestigious annual international festival presents important professional opportunities for filmmakers.
MAM Alum Alissa Klaus on Art, Community, and Career Fulfillment
May 08, 2023How centering professional growth on arts institutions led one Columbia College Chicago MAM alum to a rewarding career in museums.
Alum Jacob Mooney Lands Job at Pioneering Interactive Trading Card Company
May 01, 2023Persistence pays off for Game Design Alum who now works at Wizards of the Coast.
Dance Senior Tristen Sanborn on Tap, Teaching, and Taking on Life After Columbia
May 01, 2023How navigating opportunities in Dance had led to happiness.
Choose Chicago Names Alum Vashon Jordan Jr. '21 Artist of the Year
Apr 27, 2023Visual Artist Vashon Jordan Jr. recognized for work that exemplifies spirit of Chicago.
Fashion Studies Alum's Internship Launches Career in Apparel Design
Apr 24, 2023Alum and Designer Rebecca Martin BFA ‘19 now works in New York City on brands seen at Walmarts and Targets across the country.
Alum George Chen on Building a Life in Development
Apr 10, 2023How supporting the arts became a calling and a passion for one #Columalum.
Music Alum Performs With Beyoncé and Lizzo to Uplift Audiences
Apr 03, 2023Columbia College Chicago Alum D’Zhari Bolden ’17 describes her experiences working with two of music’s biggest superstars and her passion for making music that makes people feel good.
Alumni, Faculty Shine at Jeff Awards
Mar 30, 2023Columbia College Chicago Theatre alumni and faculty were honored at Chicago’s top theatre awards.
Midwest Film Festival’s Emerging Filmmaker Night to Screen Columbia Alums’ Film
Mar 21, 2023CTVA Alums Dalin Nelson and Rachel Toenies, who both graduated in 2021, will have their film Bliss shown on March 27.
Dance and Cultural Studies Alum Brianna Heath '17 on the Importance of Listening to Your Genuine Self
Mar 20, 2023Creating the space she needed to thrive led Columbia College Chicago Alum Brianna Heath on the adventure of a lifetime.
Pinball Wizard Jessica Durbala '21 Launches Her First Game
Mar 20, 2023Columbia College Chicago Computer Animation alum plays pivotal role in developing new pinball game that uses animation, storytelling, and a creative design to engage players and collectors.
Alum Mary Kate Ashe '19 Promotes Accessibility at SXSW
Mar 20, 2023As an accessibility operations specialist at SXSW, Deaf Studies alum helps everyone make the most of the 10-day event.
Instructor Jason Stephens on the Power and Possibility of Documentary Filmmaking
Mar 13, 2023How creative exploration and a passion for finding the truth led to the success of the film Safe Place.
MAM Alum and MFA Student Erica McKeehen on Choosing the Artist’s Life
Mar 13, 2023How a purpose-driven approach has transformed McKeehen’s happiness and her future.
Alum Ashley Brown '10 on Live Events, Tour Managing, and Business Building
Mar 06, 2023How staying true to a love of events led to incredible success and her own production company.
Instructor and Alum Vanessa Wright '02 on Filmmaking, Marketing, and Success at Cannes
Feb 20, 2023How intention and community led to a life of advocacy and change-making.
Award Season Shines Light on Talents of Columbia Alums
Feb 06, 2023Films and shows nominated for prestigious awards are backed by the talents of Columbia alums.
Columbia Alums Meet With Students at NRF 2023 in New York City
Jan 23, 2023Columbia College Chicago alums working in fashion, advertising, PR, and marketing communication share their experiences and insights with current students
Theatre Alum Brings Columbia Learned Skills to Center Stage
Jan 23, 2023Michael Kurowski ‘16 stars in production of “Big Fish” at The Marriott Theatre.
5 Questions with Columbia Alum and Trustee Staci R. Collins Jackson
Dec 19, 2022The road to leading publicity for ‘Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever’
Make Columbia Part of Your Holiday Season: Watch Alum Movies and Shows
Dec 19, 2022Check out our list of 2022 Columbia-alum streaming projects
DeAndre James Allen-Toole '15, MFA '17 Receives ASCAP Foundation Michelle and Dean Kay Award
Dec 19, 2022Noted for his eclectic style, Allen-Toole — who earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Columbia College Chicago — wrote the music for the neo-western film “God’s Country.”
Screenplay by Alum Michael Burgner MFA '14 Makes 2022 Black List
Dec 16, 2022Black List films have earned 54 Academy Awards since 2005, including four of the last 12 Best Picture Oscars.
Fashion Design Alum Shaquita Reed ’18 Expresses Herself Using Different Mediums
Dec 12, 2022Shaquita Reed shares her journey as a mixed media artist, fashion designer, teacher, and graduate student
Alum Calid Bowen ’10 on Building a Creative Life
Dec 12, 2022How a Master of Arts Management in the Music Business set the stage for a successful multidimensional career
Nine-Time GRAMMY Nominated Music Producer Alum Marcos Palacios ‘06 on Living His Dream
Dec 12, 2022How the multi-platinum artist carved his own path
Alum Cara Lawson's Whirlwind Year Results in Film Screening at Tribeca Festival and Enormous Gratitude
Nov 14, 2022Selected for Rising Voices — which promotes stories by BIPOC filmmakers — Alum Cara Lawson '14 seizes unique storytelling opportunity and sees the helpful side of the film industry.
Tips for Musicians From Music Alum Parris Fleming
Nov 14, 2022Having toured with numerous artists, including Harry Styles and Tony Allen, Alum Parris Fleming ‘14 knows how to play the trumpet and much more. He recently shared his lessons learned with Columbia students.
Joseph Sikora: From Stage and Screen to Behind the Scenes
Nov 07, 2022Columbia alum Joseph Sikora ’98 on acting, performance reviews, and fostering safe spaces to create
A Sound Education
Oct 10, 2022Audiologist-turned-educator/podcaster Steve Taddei ‘13 credits his experiences at Columbia for launching his career and his calling.
Tyler Bradley MAM ‘18 Takes Her Dreams to Infinity and Beyond
Oct 03, 2022Since completing Columbia's Arts Management (MAM) program, Bradley has continued to grow her business, found success in various roles at Disney, and now has advice for students with the same determination.
Just Say 'Yes'
Oct 03, 2022Alum Luke Miller ’05, director of photography for "Grace and Frankie," works his way through and up LA’s film and television industry.
A Game-Changer
Sep 12, 2022Recent graduate James Jiang lands job in game industry after earning a degree in Computer Animation.
Melding Passions Leads to a Career in Music Journalism
Sep 02, 2022Alum Kendall Polidori ’21 reflects on discovering her career while at Columbia.
Columbia Alum Finds Career Satisfaction as Chicago Mayor's Speechwriter
Mar 21, 2022With a degree from Columbia in public relations, Alyssa Cinatl enjoys her role writing behind the scenes for Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
Toy Monique Hawkins MFA ’17 Shares Her Journey With CTVA Students
Mar 14, 2022Hawkins, Vice President of Development and Scripted Programming for BET Networks and BET Studios, recently visited campus to talk with students about her career in film and what she's been up to since her time at Columbia.
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