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Alumni

kate wisel

Adjunct Professor Kate Wisel MFA '17

Author. Adjunct Professor.

Kate Wisel wanted to become a professor so she could empower students the same way that her mentor empowered her.Read More
solome skaff

Solome Skaff ‘04

Author. Pastor. Life Coach

Solome Skaff MFA '04 wrote LifeCare, a personal guide that helps people process through the difficulties of life.Read More
kendra allen

Kendra Allen BA ’17

Author. Poet.

Kendra Allen, BA ’17, declared herself a Nonfiction major and hasn’t looked backRead More
Demo Magazine
Notable Alumni
Get Involved
  • nick olson

    Nick Olson BA ’14

    Author. Editor-in-Chief.

    Atmosphere Press will publish Olson's first novel within the next yearRead More
  • sahar mustafah

    Sahar Mustafah ’13

    Author. Teacher.

    The Beauty of Your Face has been named a Most Anticipated Book of 2020 by Marie Claire, Bustle, Real Simple, and Literary Hub.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Kazuko Golden MFA ’14

    Kazuko Golden MFA ’14

    Educator. Filmmaker. Activist.

    As a filmmaker, Kazuko Golden sheds light on the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II. Read More
  • Thumbnail of Behzad Dabu ’08

    Behzad Dabu ’08

    Actor. Thespian. Storyteller.

    Behzad Dabu charms audiences from Chicago stages to primetime television. Read More
  • Ali Cedroni

    Ali Cedroni ’16

    Sound Artist. Editor. Programmer.

    By day, sound designer Ali Cedroni edits voice-overs at Jellyvision. By night, she’s a freelance sound professional for video games, music, and film.Read More
  • chris terry

    Chris Terry MFA ’12

    Author. Copywriter. Punk Rocker.

    Chris Terry learned the benefits of producing as much work as possible while studying at Columbia. Read More
  • kelly

    Kelly Forsythe MFA ’11

    Poet. Publicist. Historian.

    Poet Kelly Forsythe finds inspiration in historical events.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Frank Waln ’14

    Frank Waln ’14

    Rapper. Performer. Activist.

    Rapper and activist Frank Waln ’14 hopes to help other Native youth find their purpose.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Jason Lazarus MFA ’03

    Jason Lazarus MFA ’03

    Artist. Curator. Renegade.

    Photographer-meets-pop-artist Jason Lazarus is out to smash expectations.Read More
  • Photo of Agnes Hamerlik

    Agnes Hamerlik ’12

    Designer. Visionary. Maverick.

    Fashion designer Agnes Hamerlik racks up awards while creating unique, avant-garde apparel.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Christina Stevens ’10

    Christina Stevens ’10

    Interpreter. Traveler. Educator.

    The power of actor and ASL interpreter Christina Stevens is in her hands. The ASL-English Interpretation grad travels the country entertaining deaf and hearing students alike.Read More
  • geling yam

    Geling Yan MFA ’99

    Novelist. Screenwriter. Luminary.

    Award-winning novelist Geling Yan draws inspiration from her native China.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Roma Shah ’08

    Roma Shah ’08

    Wholesaler. Globetrotter. Fashionista.

    Working for one of fashion’s most iconic brands, Roma Shah is on the fast track to success.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Hettie Barnhill ’06

    Hettie Barnhill ’06

    Dancer. Choreographer. Sensation.

    Broadway dancer Hettie Barnhill lights up the stage and performs community work.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Sondra Mayer ’98

    Sondra Mayer ’98

    Actress. Choreographer. Trainer.

    Weapon-wielding theatre alumna Sondra Mayer found a new outlet for acting at Columbia College Chicago.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Paul Broucek ’74

    Paul Broucek ’74

    Chairman. Composer. Producer.

    Paul Broucek has produced music for legendary films such as Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings, and he credits Columbia with building the foundation for that success.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Marlon West ’85

    Marlon West ’85

    Animator. Supervisor. Hotshot.

    Animator Marlon West satisfies his inner child with a thriving career at Disney.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Mary Mitchell ’91

    Mary Mitchell ’91

    Journalist. Advocate. Legend.

    Award-winning journalist Mary Mitchell fearlessly advocates for the voiceless at the Chicago Sun-Times.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Jeremy Lemos ’99

    Jeremy Lemos ’99

    Engineer. Musician. Traveler.

    Sound engineer Jeremy Lemos sacrifices sleep to produce pitch-perfect music for the masses.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Lena Waithe ’06

    Lena Waithe ’06

    Actress. Writer. Superstar.

    With a historic Emmy win and a Showtime series, Lena Waithe is taking over television. Read More
  • Thumbnail of Nikola Dokic ’08

    Nikola Dokic ’08

    Rocker. Engineer. Guitarist.

    Recording engineer Nikola Dokic works with alt-rock star Billy Corgan at Pumpkinland 2.Read More
  • Aidy Bryant

    Aidy Bryant ’09

    Actress. Writer. Superstar.

    Aidy Bryant talks about cutting her teeth on the Chicago improv scene and landing her dream job on Saturday Night Live.Read More
  • Thumbnail of John Hellerman ’95

    John Hellerman ’95

    Marketer. Professional. Connector.

    John Hellerman has become a titan of marketing by specializing in strategic communications for vital professional services like law and financial firms.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Kym Mazelle ’86

    Kym Mazelle ’86

    Singer. Songwriter. Trailblazer.

    Recording artist Kym Mazelle credits Columbia with providing a rock-solid foundation to succeed in a tough business.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Lana Bramlette ’97

    Lana Bramlette ’97

    Jeweler. Entrepreneur. Go-getter.

    This jewelry designer counts Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Rihanna and Kate Hudson among her celebrity fans.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Tony Merevick ’12

    Tony Merevick ’12

    Journalist. Editor. Executive.

    Journalist Tony Merevick builds on a long background in LGBT news coverage at his New York writing jobs. Read More
  • Thumbnail of Andrew Nelles ’08

    Andrew Nelles ’08

    Photographer. Journalist. Globetrotter.

    Photographer Andrew Nelles recounts his days covering American troops in Afghanistan.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Rob Colletti ’11

    Rob Colletti ’11

    Comedian. Actor. Producer.

    From the Comedy Studies program to the Broadway stage, Rob Colletti just wants to make people laugh.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Brian Dettmer ’97

    Brian Dettmer ’97

    Paper Artist. Sculptor. Vanguard.

    Artist Brian Dettmer transforms the pages of old books into new masterpieces.Read More
  • Spotlight photo of Lee Bey

    Lee Bey ’88

    Journalist. Critic. Torchbearer.

    Lee Bey’s journalism background prepared him for a wild career ride as an influential architecture critic, Chicago’s chief design adviser, and thoughtful civic engagement leader.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Michele McMinn MFA ’06

    Michele McMinn MFA ’06

    Architect. Bridge-builder. Conservationist.

    Michele McMinn focuses on environmentally and culturally conscious designs in her job as an interior architect.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Kevin Bolander ’13

    Kevin Bolander ’13

    Programmer. Developer. Draftsman.

    Kevin Bolander builds futuristic, large-form touchscreen displays for Coca-Cola and other leading companies.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Michael Bonomo ’99

    Michael Bonomo ’99

    Designer. Director. Innovator.

    Michael Bonomo helps mastermind interior spaces for fast-paced, edgy clients.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Ebonne Just ’10

    Ebonne Just ’10

    Marketer. Strategist. Reporter.

    Ebonne Just’s PR team has responded to some of the most high-profile celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Cardi B.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Jay Bonansinga MA ’88

    Jay Bonansinga MA ’88

    Writer. Director. Collaborator.

    Jay Bonansinga brings The Walking Dead to life with a series of spin-off novels.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Rachel Russell ’13

    Rachel Russell ’13

    Advocate. Organizer. Dancer.

    Rachel Russell channeled her passion for dance into nonprofit pursuits.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Sara Anwar ’06

    Sara Anwar ’06

    Event Planner. Networker. Businesswoman.

    After working for Sean “Diddy” Combs, this graduate found her calling for event planning at the National Basketball Association.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Hannah Kardux ’13

    Hannah Kardux ’13

    Businesswoman. Networker. Executive.

    Fashion Business alumna Hannah Kardux’s fashion internship turned into a full-time dream job.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Lauren McKeague ’07

    Lauren McKeague ’07

    Entrepreneur. Trendsetter. Networker.

    This entrepreneur worked days in visual merchandising and nights dreaming up her own store—and her hard work paid off with her clothing shops, Pink Slip Boutique and Parker James.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Nicholas Sagan MFA ’11

    Nicholas Sagan MFA ’11

    Painter. Musician. Instructor.

    Nicholas Sagan puts a 21st century spin on his classical training in painting and music.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Stacey Stormes MFA ’09

    Stacey Stormes MFA ’09

    Dancer. Storyteller. Instructor.

    Interdisciplinary artist Stacey Stormes uses her own body in “exploring contradictions in skin” through photography, printmaking, video, installation and interactive media.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Ramah Malebranche MFA ’10

    Ramah Malebranche MFA ’10

    Frontman. Guitarist. Outdoorsman.

    This music instructor and ensemble frontman brings a decidedly two-world perspective to his artistic work. Read More
  • Thumbnail of Jordan Dinwiddie ’13

    Jordan Dinwiddie ’13

    Advertiser. Copywriter. Creator.

    Jordan Dinwiddie’s first ad campaign involved LeBron James, the Cavaliers—and the entire city of Cleveland.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Greg Harris ’06

    Greg Harris ’06

    Photographer. Curator. Exhibitor.

    Greg Harris came to Columbia College Chicago to pursue photography—and found an unexpected passion for the museum world.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Brad Chmielewski ’05

    Brad Chmielewski ’05

    Animator. Editor. Storyteller.

    This storyteller runs his own company, which produces Telly Award-winning videos for clients pitching everything from smarter wallets to wholesale wine.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Cody Estle ’11

    Cody Estle ’11

    Director. Risk-taker. Go-getter.

    By taking risks and hustling hard, prolific director Cody Estle thrives in the Chicago theatre scene.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Benjamin Dauer ’99

    Benjamin Dauer ’99

    Designer. Composer. Collaborator.

    A product designer with Facebook in New York City, this alumnus gained diverse, creative experience through a variety of exciting opportunities around the world.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Ricky Johanet ’12

    Ricky Johanet ’12

    Copywriter. Marketer. Comedian.

    Ricky Johanet turned an ambitious collection of in-school internships into real industry success.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Jacky Schiestel MAM ’04

    Jacky Schiestel MAM ’04

    Entrepreneur. Dynamo. Leader.

    Arts Management alum Jacky Schiestel uses her creativity and innovative spirit as a human resources business partner at Google.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Susan Alexandra ’07

    Susan Alexandra ’07

    Jeweler. Designer. Boss.

    Susan Alexandra brings joy with her vibrant, hand-painted jewelry.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Derek Bahr ’10

    Derek Bahr ’10

    Guitarist. Songwriter. Performer.

    Guitarist Derek Bahr travels the country, playing guitar for some major country music stars.Read More
  • jessie ann foley

    Jessie Ann Foley MFA ’12

    Novelist. Award-winner. Dynamo.

    Jessie Ann Foley's first novel, "The Carnival at Bray," launched her career as an award-winning writer.Read More
  • Thumbnail of E.J. Hill ’11

    E.J. Hill ’11

    Performer. Artist. Provocateur.

    E.J. Hill found his true calling in performance art.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Hale Ekinci MFA ’11

    Hale Ekinci MFA ’11

    Artist. Designer. Professor.

    Artist Hale Ekinci tackles tough political topics with a lighthearted touch.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Jeremiah Barber ’06

    Jeremiah Barber ’06

    Videographer. Performer. Sculptor.

    Jeremiah Barber sparked his passion for performance at Columbia College Chicago.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Leonardo Salvaggio MFA ’14

    Leonardo Salvaggio MFA ’14

    Artist. Initiator. Globetrotter.

    Interdisciplinary Arts and Media alum Leonardo Selvaggio’s art goes beyond the white cube.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Jamillah James ’05

    Jamillah James ’05

    Curator. Detective. Champion.

    Jamillah James, a member of the first class of Art History graduates at Columbia College Chicago, puts her skills to use as curator at the ICA LA.Read More
  • Thumbnail of John Bosher ’06 and Chris Charles ’07

    John Bosher ’06 and Chris Charles ’07

    Producers. Screenwriters. Entrepreneurs.

    Former Columbia classmates John Bosher and Chris Charles co-founded production company Throughline Films, which has developed more than a dozen films and TV series since its 2012 inception.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Kyle Heller ’08

    Kyle Heller ’08

    Developer. Producer. Pioneer.

    Kyle Heller's video advertising platform, Cinematique, changed the world of shopping.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Sam Kirk ’05

    Sam Kirk ’05

    Artist. Entrepreneur. Activist.

    Sam Kirk changed course from advertising pro to full-time artist in 2010—and she hasn’t looked back. Read More
  • hafizah

    Hafizah Geter MFA ’10

    Poet. Editor. Feminist.

    Hafizah Geter found her voice through contemporary poetry. Now, her life centers around it. Read More
  • Thumbnail of Rebecca Young ’15

    Rebecca Young ’15

    Developer. Designer. Knitter.

    Designer, developer, programmer: introducing Rebecca Young.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Collin Schiffli ’09

    Collin Schiffli ’09

    Director. Networker. Luminary.

    Collin Schiffli left Columbia with tons of filmmaking connections. Years later, those same people helped him make his first feature film. Read More
  • Thumbnail of Nimah Kelly ’15

    Nimah Kelly ’15

    Artist. Gamer. Networker.

    As a character artist, Game Art alum Nimah Kelly pays attention to the tiniest details. Read More
  • Thumbnail of Chris Bennett ’09

    Chris Bennett ’09

    Architect. Designer. Scholar.

    As a student, Chris Bennett was inspired by legendary architect Jeanne Gang. Now, he works for her studio. Read More
  • Thumbnail of Natalie Krick MFA ’12

    Natalie Krick MFA ’12

    Photographer. Investigator. Revisionist.

    Photography MFA alum Natalie Krick teamed up with her mother to interrogate cultural perceptions of women in her award-winning photography collection Natural Deceptions.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Jess Dugan MFA ’14

    Jess Dugan MFA ’14

    Interviewer. Photographer. Advocate.

    Photography MFA alum Jess Dugan highlights the lives and relationships of the trans and LGBT communities through portraiture.Read More
  • Anahid Ghorbani MFA ’17

    Anahid Ghorbani MFA ’17

    Activist. Chronicler. Photographer.

    2017 Dammeyer Fellow and Photography MFA alum Anahid Ghorbani uses photography to create visual narratives of marginalized people.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Carter Howard ’17

    Carter Howard ’17

    Engineer. Musician. Problem-solver.

    As an acoustics and vibration consultant, Acoustics alum Carter Howard figures out which spaces create the best sounds.Read More
  • Ben MIlls

    Ben Mills ’10

    Analyst. Designer. Engineer.

    Ben Mills reads between the lines to understand what customers need. Read More
  • Thumbnail of Raven Feagins ’15

    Raven Feagins ’15

    Storyteller. Advocate. Writer.

    Raven Feagins gives a voice to underrepresented communities through her work at the AIDS Foundation Chicago.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Mauro Fiore ’87

    Mauro Fiore ’87

    Cinematographer. Risk-taker. Innovator.

    Cinematographer Mauro Fiore worked his way up in Hollywood until he won an Oscar for the blockbuster hit Avatar. Read More
  • Thumbnail of Declan Quinn ’79

    Declan Quinn ’79

    Cinematographer. Innovator. Storyteller.

    Declan Quinn made cinema history as cinematographer for Leaving Las Vegas. Read More
  • Thumbnail of Michael Goi ’80

    Michael Goi ’80

    Cinematographer. Networker. Groundbreaker.

    Cinematographer Michael Goi made his name in television, working for shows like Glee, American Horror Story, and My Name is Earl. Read More
  • Thumbnail of Janusz Kaminski ’87

    Janusz Kaminski ’87

    Cinematographer. Trailblazer. Visionary.

    Janusz Kaminski has been Steven Spielberg’s go-to cinematographer for more than 25 years Read More
  • Thumbnail of Jeffrey Jur ’77

    Jeffrey Jur ’77

    Cinematographer. Chameleon. Award-winner.

    Emmy award-winning cinematographer Jeffrey Jur discusses five of his most memorable projects. Read More
  • Thumbnail of Rashid Johnson ’00

    Rashid Johnson ’00

    Fine Artist. Director. Culture Maker.

    Acclaimed artist Rashid Johnson turns the focus on black identity.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Don’t Fret

    Don’t Fret

    Street Artist. Chicagoan. Man of Mystery.

    Anonymous street artist Don’t Fret captures Chicago’s gritty spirit through his murals, wheat pasting, and installations. Read More
  • Thumbnail of Katie Baker ’08

    Katie Baker ’08

    Producer. Manager. Award-winner.

    Podcasts aren’t just Katie Baker’s work: they’re her passion.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Blair Kuhlman ’13

    Blair Kuhlman ’13

    Artist. Designer. Gamer.

    User experience/user interface (UX/UI) designer Blair Kuhlman has a passion for games with an independent spirit. Read More
  • Thumbnail of EJ Baker ’12

    EJ Baker ’12

    Producer. Gamer. Programmer.

    As an associate producer at Riot Games, EJ Baker works on the production of set design for large-scale esports events at venues around the world.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Christian Sprenger ’07

    Christian Sprenger ’07

    Filmmaker. Award-Winner. Cinematographer.

    Christian Sprenger's considerable skills have already earned him an Emmy and two nominations.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Robert Teitel ’90 and George Tillman Jr. ’91

    Robert Teitel ’90 and George Tillman Jr. ’91

    Directors. Producers. Storytellers.

    From Soul Food to Barbershop to The Hate U Give, the partnership between Robert Teitel and George Tillman Jr. continues to create fascinating films.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Rose Hamill ’16

    Rose Hamill ’16

    Manager. Leader. Communicator.

    Stage manager Rose Hamill ’16 handles the unseen work that makes success possible at Broken Nose, which won the Chicago Emerging Theatre Award in 2018.Read More
  • Thumbnail of Yasmine Austria ’15

    Yasmine Austria ’15

    Helper. Communicator. Advocate.

    As an ASL interpreter with FEMA, Yasmine Austria ’15 helps people in need following natural disasters. Read More
  • Allison Schein ’08

    Allison Schein ’08

    Historian. Protector. Audio Archivist.

    At the Studs Terkel Radio Archives, Allison Schein helps digitize and protect Chicago’s storytelling history.Read More
  • Dan Englund

    Dan Englund ’15

    Interpreter. Advocate. Educator.

    At Columbia College Chicago, Dan Englund cultivated a deep appreciation for Deaf culture. Read More
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