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.
The film, created by a team of Columbia College Chicago filmmakers, continues its award-winning festival run by taking home a People’s Gold Telly.
Audio engineer Mary Mazurek MFA ’11, PhD, president of Columbia College Chicago’s National Alumni Board, reflects on her own educational and career path and the value of mentorship.
Journalists Jake Wittich ‘17, managing editor of “Windy City Times,” Anna DeShawn, founder of E3 Radio, and guest speakers share their expertise in a six-week program on community journalism at Columbia College Chicago.
Veteran script supervisor Mia Wicklund MAM ’12 returned to Columbia College Chicago to help prepare students to confidently step onto set in a key film production role.
Filmmaker Daniel Pico ’02 says the incentive gives new momentum to his film, a once-stalled project now headed toward production.
The Columbia College Chicago alum’s short screened at the festival while the pitch for his feature film won $275,000 in film production resources.
“Traces of Home,” produced by Associate Professor Dan Rybicky, wins the Grand Jury Prize at DOC NYC, while “The Game Camera,” produced by Associate Professor Carolina Posse and created with Columbia talent, receives several festival awards.
Celebrated artist and activist Tonika Lewis Johnson ’03 returns to Columbia College Chicago to reflect on receiving the “genius grant” and the work that brought the recognition.
The Chicago Journalists Association recognizes Jake Wittich ’17, managing editor of “Windy City Times,” for coverage of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community and the media outlet’s digital revitalization.
Columbia alumni Alexander Knox ‘15 and Bryant Von Woodson II ‘18 are leading creative innovation at Coach, blending fashion, culture, and storytelling.
Alum and adjunct faculty member Eric Rutherford ’17 takes the Columbia College Chicago Gospel Choir to the Union Tabernacle Baptist Church for an authentic musical experience in the Englewood community.
Columbia College Chicago alum and actor Aayisha Ruby Gold ’13 returns to NBC’s “Chicago P.D.” and reflects on the craft, courage, and connection that shape her work.
Columbia alum Jess McDermott ‘24, who majored in Public Relations with a minor in Music Business, brought her client, the musician GUNNAR, to campus for a masterclass.
Columbia’s theatre and dance alumni shared stories of resilience, artistry, and activism with the next generation of creative professionals.
Musical Theatre alum Chase Infiniti ’22 was cast alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in Paul Thomas Anderson’s upcoming film “One Battle After Another."
Michelle West, assistant director and adjunct professor at Columbia College Chicago’s Semester in LA program, wrote, directed, and produced the very personal film in collaboration with Columbia alums and faculty.
Make plans to watch “American Parent” and “Dawn Dusk”— two films rooted in personal storytelling and backed by Columbia College Chicago talent.
Fashion Design alum Jacey Rhorer '00 is making her mark as the Official Milliner for the 2025 Kentucky Derby Festival.
Niko Gerentes ’18, a Columbia College Chicago alum, voices four distinct characters in the animated short “The Bad Guys: Little Lies and Alibis.”
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.
Illustration alum Mac McGuire ‘24 creates her first major mural for Columbia College Chicago as the lead artist.
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.
Alum Michelle Brady ’07, a military veteran and attorney, proves it’s never too late to return to the literary world.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
The Chicago International Film Festival features the work of Columbia College Chicago alumni and students on screen and behind the scenes.
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.
Before "Hacks" and "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," there was the comedienne who started it all.
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.
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.
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.
Patricia Kara '94 guides the next generation of talent through the intricacies of the entertainment realm in her new book, "Dream On...Now Deliver."
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.
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.
On May 17, Ryan Argast '15 will sing the national anthem at Wrigley Field before the Cubs face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Columbia's Theatre Department hosted an alumni talk featuring industry professionals who shared their experiences and advice with students.
The 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'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.
“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.
Columbia College Chicago welcomed back Alum Shea Couleé ’11 for a panel discussion and reception unveiling Couleé-curated fashion exhibit window.
Professional pivot leads to career success for Columbia College Chicago alum, highlighting the creative versatility of our graduates.
Before he became a consistent presence on the Las Vegas strip and late-night talk shows, Shecky Greene ’47 attended Columbia College Chicago.
Academy Award Winning Sound Effects Editor Peter Berkos ’51 recently passed away, leaving behind a lasting legacy in television and film.
“Shi Ri Fan Gu” (“Sojourn to Shangri-La”), a film by Yihan Lin MFA ’21, makes its international debut in February.
The Dance Center at Columbia College Chicago celebrates the present moment in dance with a series of firsts.
“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.
Charlotte “Chuck” Gruman ’19 feels lucky. Gruman won an unrestricted $30,000 cash grant as one of 10 Chicago-based artists honored at the 2023 3Arts Awards in November. 3Arts is a nonprofit organization that helps artists like Gruman build their careers in performing, teaching and visual arts.
Apollo Baldoz ’09 was part of the design and animation team that created the visuals for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.
The WTTW documentary was written, directed, and produced by WTTW Producer and Columbia Alum Daniel Andries and edited by Adjunct Faculty Member and Alum Sharon Zurek ’76.
Filmmaker Shiloh Tumo Washington ’22 will have his short screened on Nov. 4 and 11 at the Gene Siskel Film Center.
Professor Laurence Minsky and Scot Westwater '99 delve into the evolving landscape of marketing, analyzing the power of Conversational AI in their new book.
The Television Academy recently announced its list of Emmy nominees for the 2022-2023 television season, with Columbia alums earning recognition for their outstanding work.
“Our Chicago: Freedom Music,” a celebration of freedom expressed through the music of Chicago’s Black community, will feature Adjunct Faculty Member Andre Daniels (aka Add-2) and Alum CaSera Heining ’17 (aka DJ Ca$h Era).
The prestigious annual international festival presents important professional opportunities for filmmakers.
How centering professional growth on arts institutions led one Columbia College Chicago MAM alum to a rewarding career in museums.
Persistence pays off for Game Design Alum who now works at Wizards of the Coast.
How navigating opportunities in Dance had led to happiness.
Visual Artist Vashon Jordan Jr. recognized for work that exemplifies spirit of Chicago.
Alum and Designer Rebecca Martin BFA ‘19 now works in New York City on brands seen at Walmarts and Targets across the country.
How supporting the arts became a calling and a passion for one #Columalum.
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.
Columbia College Chicago Theatre alumni and faculty were honored at Chicago’s top theatre awards.
CTVA Alums Dalin Nelson and Rachel Toenies, who both graduated in 2021, will have their film Bliss shown on March 27.
Creating the space she needed to thrive led Columbia College Chicago Alum Brianna Heath on the adventure of a lifetime.
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.
As an accessibility operations specialist at SXSW, Deaf Studies alum helps everyone make the most of the 10-day event.
How creative exploration and a passion for finding the truth led to the success of the film Safe Place.
How a purpose-driven approach has transformed McKeehen’s happiness and her future.
How staying true to a love of events led to incredible success and her own production company.
How intention and community led to a life of advocacy and change-making.
Films and shows nominated for prestigious awards are backed by the talents of Columbia alums.
Columbia College Chicago alums working in fashion, advertising, PR, and marketing communication share their experiences and insights with current students
Michael Kurowski ‘16 stars in production of “Big Fish” at The Marriott Theatre.
The road to leading publicity for ‘Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever’
Check out our list of 2022 Columbia-alum streaming projects
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.”
Black List films have earned 54 Academy Awards since 2005, including four of the last 12 Best Picture Oscars.