Main Navigation

  • Columbia College Chicago Wordmark
  • Open Menu
  • Academics
    • Back
    • Academics
    • Schools ›
      • Back
      • Audio and Music
      • Business and Entrepreneurship
      • Communication and Culture
      • Design
      • Fashion
      • Film and Television
      • Theatre and Dance
      • Visual Arts
    • Majors & Programs
    • Initiatives
    • Academic Calendar
    • Catalog
    • Library
    • Our Faculty
  • Admissions
    • Back
    • Admissions
    • Apply Now ›
      • Back
      • Freshman
      • Transfer
      • Graduate
      • International
      • Second Bachelor's
      • Returning Students
      • Nondegree Seeking
    • Admitted Students ›
      • Back
      • Undergraduate
      • Graduate
      • Orientation
    • Visit Us ›
      • Back
      • Campus Tours
      • Virtual Events
      • Graduate Events
    • Discover Columbia
    • Financial Aid
    • Scholarships
    • Student Counselors & Advocates
    • Summer at Columbia
    • Tuition
    • Veterans
  • Campus Life
    • Back
    • Campus Life
    • Housing
    • Living in Chicago
    • Student Spotlights
    • Student Organizations
    • Student Center
    • Health & Safety
    • Support Services
    • Events on Campus
    • Publications & Blogs
    • Manifest Urban Arts Festival
  • News
    • Back
    • News
    • Announcements
    • Media Mentions
    • Rankings & Awards
    • Events
    • 135th Anniversary
  • Careers & Alumni
    • Back
    • Careers & Alumni
    • Alumni Success
    • Career Center
    • Industry Opportunities
    • The Alumni Network
  • Give
  • Apply
  • Visit
  • More
      • Info for

      • Current Students
      • Faculty & Staff
      • Parents
      • Alumni
      • Donors
      • Employers
      • Careers at Columbia
      • Report a Concern
      • About Columbia

      • Facts
      • Mission & History
      • Board of Trustees
      • President
      • Provost
      • Academic Access & Excellence

      • MyColumbia
      • Canvas
      • Directory
  • Search Input Search Submit
Mobile Search Input
 
  • Academics

Alumni Spotlight

Columbia College Chicago alumni help shape the culture of our time. They perform on stage and screen. They start their own businesses. They dance, exhibit, design, produce, animate, compose, manage, write, and direct with the best. Here are a few of their stories.

 Join The Alumni Network

The Alumni Network is a dynamic community that actively shapes what's next through our creative practice, philanthropy, and leadership.
  • Photo

    From Columbia to the Kentucky Derby: Jacey Rhorer’s Journey in the Art of Hatmaking

    Apr 08, 2025

    Fashion Design alum Jacey Rhorer '00 is making her mark as the Official Milliner for the 2025 Kentucky Derby Festival.

  • man with headphones speaks in to microphone

    Columbia Alum Niko Gerentes '18 Voices Characters in DreamWorks Animated Short

    Mar 14, 2025

    Niko Gerentes ’18, a Columbia College Chicago alum, voices four distinct characters in the animated short “The Bad Guys: Little Lies and Alibis.”

  • head shot of molly williams

    Columbia Alum Molly Williams '13 Awarded Gates Cambridge Scholarship

    Mar 12, 2025

    Molly 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.

  • Photo

    Vibrant New Mural Pays Tribute to Columbia’s 135th Anniversary

    Mar 11, 2025

    Illustration alum Mac McGuire ‘24 creates her first major mural for Columbia College Chicago as the lead artist.

  • Photo

    Columbia College Chicago Theatre and Audio/Music Alumni and Faculty Nominated for Jeff Awards

    Mar 05, 2025

    Columbia 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.

  • photo of michelle brady with bookcase background

    Alum Turns Life Experiences Into Award-Nominated Stories

    Mar 05, 2025

    Alum Michelle Brady ’07, a military veteran and attorney, proves it’s never too late to return to the literary world.

  • Photo

    From Columbia College Chicago to CNN: Katherine Iorio’s Career Journey Toward an Emmy Award

    Feb 12, 2025

    Columbia 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.

  • Photo

    Alumni and Faculty Shine in Newcity Stage’s 'Players 2025'

    Jan 09, 2025

    The School of Theatre and Dance celebrates alumni and faculty featured in Newcity Stage's “Players 2025: The 50 People Who Really Perform for Chicago.”

  • person wearing sunglasses and hat playing saxophone

    Columbia College Chicago Alumni Share Their Stories, Work, and Advice

    Nov 19, 2024

    Columbia alumni, including a GRAMMY nominee and Disney animator, return to campus to inspire the next generation of creators with their expertise and unique perspectives.

  • group of students with their award

    Columbia College Chicago Film and TV Students and Alums Win Big

    Nov 07, 2024

    The 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.

  • man leans over piece of sculpture

    Chicago International Film Festival Spotlights Columbia Talent

    Oct 16, 2024

    The Chicago International Film Festival features the work of Columbia College Chicago alumni and students on screen and behind the scenes.

  • Photo

    Work of Columbia Alum and Adjunct Professor Shines on the Emmy-Winning Show FX’s ‘The Bear’

    Sep 19, 2024

    Adjunct 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.

  • Photo

    Grace Overbeke Explores Comedian Jean Carroll's Life and Career in ‘First Lady of Laughs’

    Sep 17, 2024

    Before "Hacks" and "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," there was the comedienne who started it all.

  • Photo

    Megan Hammond '22 Takes the Stage at Lollapalooza

    Aug 16, 2024

    Chicago-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.

  • Photo

    Columbia College Chicago Honors 24 Alums for ‘24 in 2024’

    Aug 12, 2024

    As 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 working on the "Curious Bunny" mural on the Student Center.

    Students Paint the Town: Columbia and Partners Expand Wabash Arts Corridor With New Murals

    Aug 01, 2024

    Columbia 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.

  • Photo

    Alum Patricia Kara’s New Book Offers Behind-The-Scenes Look at the Entertainment World

    Jul 02, 2024

    Patricia Kara '94 guides the next generation of talent through the intricacies of the entertainment realm in her new book, "Dream On...Now Deliver."

  • Photo

    Columbia Faculty, Alums Chosen for Walder Foundation's 2024 Platform Awards

    Jun 25, 2024

    The 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 Columbia

    The Levin Family Expands Student-Focused Funds to Support Columbia Students

    May 02, 2024

    As 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.

  • Argast performs Dan + Shay's "Speechless" on NBC's "The Voice."

    Ryan Argast '15 to Sing National Anthem at May 17 Cubs Game

    May 02, 2024

    On May 17, Ryan Argast '15 will sing the national anthem at Wrigley Field before the Cubs face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

  • Chuck Smith, Cristin Carole, Krystel V. McNeil, and A.C. Smith.

    From Columbia Stages to the Bright Lights: Theatre Alums Offer Industry Insights in Panel Discussion

    Apr 19, 2024

    Columbia's Theatre Department hosted an alumni talk featuring industry professionals who shared their experiences and advice with students.

  • Photo

    CineYouth Festival Leans on Columbia College Chicago Student Talent Behind the Scenes and on the Screens

    Apr 16, 2024

    The annual Chicago festival to screen films by Columbia students and alums, with Columbia students serving on the festival’s youth programming committee.

  • Faye Dunaway and Mara Hobel on the set of "Mommie Dearest." Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images.

    Theatre Alum A. Ashley Hoff to Release Revealing Book on 'Mommie Dearest'

    Apr 08, 2024

    Theatre 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.

  • young man and a woman in car

    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.

  • fashion window

    Drag Superstar Shea Couleé ’11 Returns to Columbia

    Feb 13, 2024

    Columbia College Chicago welcomed back Alum Shea Couleé ’11 for a panel discussion and reception unveiling Couleé-curated fashion exhibit window.

  • Photo

    Alum Brandon Faris '02 Part of Team Behind New Run-DMC Docu-Series

    Feb 09, 2024

    Professional pivot leads to career success for Columbia College Chicago alum, highlighting the creative versatility of our graduates.

  • shecky greene being interviewed

    Comic Legend and Columbia Alum Shecky Greene '47 Passes Away at 97

    Feb 02, 2024

    Before he became a consistent presence on the Las Vegas strip and late-night talk shows, Shecky Greene ’47 attended Columbia College Chicago.

  • peter berkos sitting in chair in front of bookcases

    Columbia Says Goodbye to Alum Peter Berkos '51

    Feb 02, 2024

    Academy Award Winning Sound Effects Editor Peter Berkos ’51 recently passed away, leaving behind a lasting legacy in television and film.

  • head shot of yihan lin

    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.

  • Photo

    Then, Now, Next—The Dance Center at Columbia College Chicago’s 50th Anniversary Season Offers Joy and Solace

    Jan 18, 2024

    The Dance Center at Columbia College Chicago celebrates the present moment in dance with a series of firsts.

  • group photo of film crew

    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.

  • Photo

    Columbia Grad Charlotte “Chuck” Gruman ’19 Awarded $30,000 Grant From 3Arts

    Dec 11, 2023

    Charlotte “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.

  • Photo

    Apollo Baldoz ’09 Created Visuals for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour

    Nov 13, 2023

    Apollo Baldoz ’09 was part of the design and animation team that created the visuals for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.

  • Photo

    Columbia Alum and AIDS Activist Danny Sotomayor '80 Subject of New PBS Documentary

    Nov 02, 2023

    The 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.

  • Photo

    Student Short Part of 29th Black Harvest Film Festival

    Nov 01, 2023

    Filmmaker Shiloh Tumo Washington ’22 will have his short screened on Nov. 4 and 11 at the Gene Siskel Film Center.

  • head shots of laurence minsky and scot westwater

    Columbia Professor, Alum Explore Conversational AI in New Book

    Aug 16, 2023

    Professor Laurence Minsky and Scot Westwater '99 delve into the evolving landscape of marketing, analyzing the power of Conversational AI in their new book.

  • Photo

    Columbia Alums Among the 2023 Emmy Nominees

    Jul 17, 2023

    The Television Academy recently announced its list of Emmy nominees for the 2022-2023 television season, with Columbia alums earning recognition for their outstanding work.

  • Andre/Casera

    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).

  • Photo

    Columbia Alums Have Films Showcased During Cannes Film Festival

    May 11, 2023

    The prestigious annual international festival presents important professional opportunities for filmmakers.

  • Photo

    MAM Alum Alissa Klaus on Art, Community, and Career Fulfillment

    May 08, 2023

    How centering professional growth on arts institutions led one Columbia College Chicago MAM alum to a rewarding career in museums.

  • head shot of jacob moooney

    Alum Jacob Mooney Lands Job at Pioneering Interactive Trading Card Company

    May 01, 2023

    Persistence pays off for Game Design Alum who now works at Wizards of the Coast.

  • Photo

    Dance Senior Tristen Sanborn on Tap, Teaching, and Taking on Life After Columbia

    May 01, 2023

    How navigating opportunities in Dance had led to happiness.

  • portrait of vashon jordan jr. outdoors in chicago

    Choose Chicago Names Alum Vashon Jordan Jr. '21 Artist of the Year

    Apr 27, 2023

    Visual Artist Vashon Jordan Jr. recognized for work that exemplifies spirit of Chicago.

  • rebecca martin outside with their dog

    Fashion Studies Alum's Internship Launches Career in Apparel Design

    Apr 24, 2023

    Alum and Designer Rebecca Martin BFA ‘19 now works in New York City on brands seen at Walmarts and Targets across the country.

  • Photo

    Alum George Chen on Building a Life in Development

    Apr 10, 2023

    How supporting the arts became a calling and a passion for one #Columalum.

  • photo of D'Zhari Bolden with her hands behind her head.

    Music Alum Performs With Beyoncé and Lizzo to Uplift Audiences

    Apr 03, 2023

    Columbia 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.

  • The red Jeff Awards logo on a white background

    Alumni, Faculty Shine at Jeff Awards

    Mar 30, 2023

    Columbia College Chicago Theatre alumni and faculty were honored at Chicago’s top theatre awards.

  • Photo

    Midwest Film Festival’s Emerging Filmmaker Night to Screen Columbia Alums’ Film

    Mar 21, 2023

    CTVA Alums Dalin Nelson and Rachel Toenies, who both graduated in 2021, will have their film Bliss shown on March 27.

  • Photo

    Dance and Cultural Studies Alum Brianna Heath '17 on the Importance of Listening to Your Genuine Self

    Mar 20, 2023

    Creating the space she needed to thrive led Columbia College Chicago Alum Brianna Heath on the adventure of a lifetime.

  • Photo

    Pinball Wizard Jessica Durbala '21 Launches Her First Game

    Mar 20, 2023

    Columbia 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.

  • mary kate ashe outside austin convention hall.

    Alum Mary Kate Ashe '19 Promotes Accessibility at SXSW

    Mar 20, 2023

    As an accessibility operations specialist at SXSW, Deaf Studies alum helps everyone make the most of the 10-day event.

  • Photo

    Instructor Jason Stephens on the Power and Possibility of Documentary Filmmaking

    Mar 13, 2023

    How creative exploration and a passion for finding the truth led to the success of the film Safe Place.

  • Photo

    MAM Alum and MFA Student Erica McKeehen on Choosing the Artist’s Life

    Mar 13, 2023

    How a purpose-driven approach has transformed McKeehen’s happiness and her future.

  • Photo

    Alum Ashley Brown '10 on Live Events, Tour Managing, and Business Building

    Mar 06, 2023

    How staying true to a love of events led to incredible success and her own production company.

  • Photo

    Instructor and Alum Vanessa Wright '02 on Filmmaking, Marketing, and Success at Cannes

    Feb 20, 2023

    How intention and community led to a life of advocacy and change-making.

  • Photo

    Award Season Shines Light on Talents of Columbia Alums

    Feb 06, 2023

    Films and shows nominated for prestigious awards are backed by the talents of Columbia alums.

  • NRF 2023: Student Program and Retail’s Big Show in New York City

    Columbia Alums Meet With Students at NRF 2023 in New York City

    Jan 23, 2023

    Columbia College Chicago alums working in fashion, advertising, PR, and marketing communication share their experiences and insights with current students

  • Michael Kurowski

    Theatre Alum Brings Columbia Learned Skills to Center Stage

    Jan 23, 2023

    Michael Kurowski ‘16 stars in production of “Big Fish” at The Marriott Theatre.

  • Photo of Columbia alum Staci R. Collins Jackson

    5 Questions with Columbia Alum and Trustee Staci R. Collins Jackson

    Dec 19, 2022

    The road to leading publicity for ‘Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever’

  • flat screen television graphic

    Make Columbia Part of Your Holiday Season: Watch Alum Movies and Shows 

    Dec 19, 2022

    Check out our list of 2022 Columbia-alum streaming projects

  • Photo

    DeAndre James Allen-Toole '15, MFA '17 Receives ASCAP Foundation Michelle and Dean Kay Award

    Dec 19, 2022

    Noted 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.”

  • Photo

    Screenplay by Alum Michael Burgner MFA '14 Makes 2022 Black List

    Dec 16, 2022

    Black List films have earned 54 Academy Awards since 2005, including four of the last 12 Best Picture Oscars.

  • art exhibit containing colorful woven pieces

    Fashion Design Alum Shaquita Reed ’18 Expresses Herself Using Different Mediums

    Dec 12, 2022

    Shaquita Reed shares her journey as a mixed media artist, fashion designer, teacher, and graduate student

  • Alum Calid Bowen ’10 on Building a Creative Life

    Alum Calid Bowen ’10 on Building a Creative Life

    Dec 12, 2022

    How 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

    Nine-Time GRAMMY Nominated Music Producer Alum Marcos Palacios ‘06 on Living His Dream

    Dec 12, 2022

    How the multi-platinum artist carved his own path

  • Photo

    Alum Cara Lawson's Whirlwind Year Results in Film Screening at Tribeca Festival and Enormous Gratitude

    Nov 14, 2022

    Selected 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.

  • portrait of parris fleming sitting down

    Tips for Musicians From Music Alum Parris Fleming  

    Nov 14, 2022

    Having 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, 2022

    Columbia alum Joseph Sikora ’98 on acting, performance reviews, and fostering safe spaces to create

  • Photo

    A Sound Education

    Oct 10, 2022

    Audiologist-turned-educator/podcaster Steve Taddei ‘13 credits his experiences at Columbia for launching his career and his calling.

  • Tyler Bradley headshot

    Tyler Bradley MAM ‘18 Takes Her Dreams to Infinity and Beyond

    Oct 03, 2022

    Since 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.

  • Photo of Luke Miller behind the camera in outdoor setting.

    Just Say 'Yes'

    Oct 03, 2022

    Alum Luke Miller ’05, director of photography for "Grace and Frankie," works his way through and up LA’s film and television industry.

  • Photo of James Jiang with his classmates at Columbia in an Animation class.

    A Game-Changer

    Sep 12, 2022

    Recent graduate James Jiang lands job in game industry after earning a degree in Computer Animation.

  • Photo of Kendall Polidori at her office

    Melding Passions Leads to a Career in Music Journalism

    Sep 02, 2022

    Alum Kendall Polidori ’21 reflects on discovering her career while at Columbia.

  • Photo of Alyssa Cinatl.

    Columbia Alum Finds Career Satisfaction as Chicago Mayor's Speechwriter

    Mar 21, 2022

    With a degree from Columbia in public relations, Alyssa Cinatl enjoys her role writing behind the scenes for Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

  • Photo

    Toy Monique Hawkins MFA ’17 Shares Her Journey With CTVA Students

    Mar 14, 2022

    Hawkins, 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.

  • To Be Replaced
    • Columbia College Chicago homepage Columbia College Chicago homepage
    • Columbia College Chicago Twitter Columbia College Chicago Facebook Columbia College Chicago Instagram Columbia College Chicago YouTube
    Contact Us
  • Academics
    • Schools
    • Majors & Programs
    • Academic Calendar
    • Our Faculty
    Request Info
  • Admissions
    • Application Requirements
    • Portfolios and Auditions
    • Financial Aid
    • Scholarships
    Apply
  • Campus Life
    • Housing
    • Living in Chicago
    • Support Services
    • Manifest
    Visit
  • News
    • Announcements
    • Rankings & Awards
    • Events
    • 135th Anniversary
    Report a Concern
  • Careers & Alumni
    • Alumni Success
    • Career Center
    • Industry Opportunities
    • The Alumni Network
    Give
INFO FOR
  • Students
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Parents
  • Alumni
  • Academics
  • Admissions
  • Campus Life
  • News
  • Careers & Alumni
  • © 2025 Columbia College Chicago
  • Directory
  • Site Map
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Consumer Information
  • About
  • Suggest an Edit
×