Nick Olson BA ’14
Author. Editor-in-Chief.
Atmosphere Press will publish Olson's first novel within the next yearRead More
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
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
Behzad Dabu ’08
Actor. Thespian. Storyteller.
Behzad Dabu charms audiences from Chicago stages to primetime television. Read More
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 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 Forsythe MFA ’11
Poet. Publicist. Historian.
Poet Kelly Forsythe finds inspiration in historical events.Read More
Frank Waln ’14
Rapper. Performer. Activist.
Rapper and activist Frank Waln ’14 hopes to help other Native youth find their purpose.Read More
Jason Lazarus MFA ’03
Artist. Curator. Renegade.
Photographer-meets-pop-artist Jason Lazarus is out to smash expectations.Read More
Agnes Hamerlik ’12
Designer. Visionary. Maverick.
Fashion designer Agnes Hamerlik racks up awards while creating unique, avant-garde apparel.Read More
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 Yan MFA ’99
Novelist. Screenwriter. Luminary.
Award-winning novelist Geling Yan draws inspiration from her native China.Read More
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
Hettie Barnhill ’06
Dancer. Choreographer. Sensation.
Broadway dancer Hettie Barnhill lights up the stage and performs community work.Read More
Sondra Mayer ’98
Actress. Choreographer. Trainer.
Weapon-wielding theatre alumna Sondra Mayer found a new outlet for acting at Columbia College Chicago.Read More
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
Marlon West ’85
Animator. Supervisor. Hotshot.
Animator Marlon West satisfies his inner child with a thriving career at Disney.Read More
Mary Mitchell ’91
Journalist. Advocate. Legend.
Award-winning journalist Mary Mitchell fearlessly advocates for the voiceless at the Chicago Sun-Times.Read More
Jeremy Lemos ’99
Engineer. Musician. Traveler.
Sound engineer Jeremy Lemos sacrifices sleep to produce pitch-perfect music for the masses.Read More
Lena Waithe ’06
Actress. Writer. Superstar.
With a historic Emmy win and a Showtime series, Lena Waithe is taking over television. Read More
Nikola Dokic ’08
Rocker. Engineer. Guitarist.
Recording engineer Nikola Dokic works with alt-rock star Billy Corgan at Pumpkinland 2.Read More
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
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
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
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
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
Andrew Nelles ’08
Photographer. Journalist. Globetrotter.
Photographer Andrew Nelles recounts his days covering American troops in Afghanistan.Read More
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
Brian Dettmer ’97
Paper Artist. Sculptor. Vanguard.
Artist Brian Dettmer transforms the pages of old books into new masterpieces.Read More
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
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
Kevin Bolander ’13
Programmer. Developer. Draftsman.
Kevin Bolander builds futuristic, large-form touchscreen displays for Coca-Cola and other leading companies.Read More
Michael Bonomo ’99
Designer. Director. Innovator.
Michael Bonomo helps mastermind interior spaces for fast-paced, edgy clients.Read More
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
Jay Bonansinga MA ’88
Writer. Director. Collaborator.
Jay Bonansinga brings The Walking Dead to life with a series of spin-off novels.Read More
Rachel Russell ’13
Advocate. Organizer. Dancer.
Rachel Russell channeled her passion for dance into nonprofit pursuits.Read More
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
Hannah Kardux ’13
Businesswoman. Networker. Executive.
Fashion Business alumna Hannah Kardux’s fashion internship turned into a full-time dream job.Read More
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
Nicholas Sagan MFA ’11
Painter. Musician. Instructor.
Nicholas Sagan puts a 21st century spin on his classical training in painting and music.Read More
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Ricky Johanet ’12
Copywriter. Marketer. Comedian.
Ricky Johanet turned an ambitious collection of in-school internships into real industry success.Read More
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
Susan Alexandra ’07
Jeweler. Designer. Boss.
Susan Alexandra brings joy with her vibrant, hand-painted jewelry.Read More
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 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
E.J. Hill ’11
Performer. Artist. Provocateur.
E.J. Hill found his true calling in performance art.Read More
Hale Ekinci MFA ’11
Artist. Designer. Professor.
Artist Hale Ekinci tackles tough political topics with a lighthearted touch.Read More
Jeremiah Barber ’06
Videographer. Performer. Sculptor.
Jeremiah Barber sparked his passion for performance at Columbia College Chicago.Read More
Leonardo Salvaggio MFA ’14
Artist. Initiator. Globetrotter.
Interdisciplinary Arts and Media alum Leonardo Selvaggio’s art goes beyond the white cube.Read More
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
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
Kyle Heller ’08
Developer. Producer. Pioneer.
Kyle Heller's video advertising platform, Cinematique, changed the world of shopping.Read More
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 Geter MFA ’10
Poet. Editor. Feminist.
Hafizah Geter found her voice through contemporary poetry. Now, her life centers around it. Read More
Rebecca Young ’15
Developer. Designer. Knitter.
Designer, developer, programmer: introducing Rebecca Young.Read More
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
Nimah Kelly ’15
Artist. Gamer. Networker.
As a character artist, Game Art alum Nimah Kelly pays attention to the tiniest details. Read More
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
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
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
Activist. Chronicler. Photographer.
2017 Dammeyer Fellow and Photography MFA alum Anahid Ghorbani uses photography to create visual narratives of marginalized people.Read More
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 ’10
Analyst. Designer. Engineer.
Ben Mills reads between the lines to understand what customers need. Read More
Raven Feagins ’15
Storyteller. Advocate. Writer.
Raven Feagins gives a voice to underrepresented communities through her work at the AIDS Foundation Chicago.Read More
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
Declan Quinn ’79
Cinematographer. Innovator. Storyteller.
Declan Quinn made cinema history as cinematographer for Leaving Las Vegas. Read More
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
Janusz Kaminski ’87
Cinematographer. Trailblazer. Visionary.
Janusz Kaminski has been Steven Spielberg’s go-to cinematographer for more than 25 years Read More
Jeffrey Jur ’77
Cinematographer. Chameleon. Award-winner.
Emmy award-winning cinematographer Jeffrey Jur discusses five of his most memorable projects. Read More
Rashid Johnson ’00
Fine Artist. Director. Culture Maker.
Acclaimed artist Rashid Johnson turns the focus on black identity.Read More
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
Katie Baker ’08
Producer. Manager. Award-winner.
Podcasts aren’t just Katie Baker’s work: they’re her passion.Read More
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
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
Christian Sprenger ’07
Filmmaker. Award-Winner. Cinematographer.
Christian Sprenger's considerable skills have already earned him an Emmy and two nominations.Read More
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
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
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
Historian. Protector. Audio Archivist.
At the Studs Terkel Radio Archives, Allison Schein helps digitize and protect Chicago’s storytelling history.Read More
Dan Englund ’15
Interpreter. Advocate. Educator.
At Columbia College Chicago, Dan Englund cultivated a deep appreciation for Deaf culture. Read More