Artists, designers, and historians reframe the ways in which we view and interact with the world. Here are some of the latest examples of from Columbia students, faculty, and staff.
Norman Teague ’12 led the design of custom benches for the Obama Presidential Center with support from studio manager and designer Daniel Overbey ’17.
As part of Columbia College Chicago’s Renaissance Rising initiative, the college has appointed five deans to lead its eight schools beginning August 16, 2026.
Ahead of his June 3 AIGA Chicago conversation, Columbia College Chicago alum Christopher Jobson reflects on the interdisciplinary creative culture that helped shape contemporary art platform Colossal and Joy Machine gallery.
An award-winning Chicago Architecture Center tour explores Columbia College Chicago’s role in preserving architecture and shaping the South Loop.
Columbia College Chicago Associate Professor Julie Minbiole, PhD, has been named the next editor-in-chief of “The American Biology Teacher,” bringing her interdisciplinary approach to science education and scientific literacy to a national leadership role.
“Frankie,” a capstone animated short created by Columbia alums, has been selected for the 2026 New York International Children’s Film Festival.
Students from Columbia College Chicago will engage with entertainment industry leaders on the same lot where “Avatar,” “The Sound of Music,” and other great films were made.
Bruce Mau, one of the most influential voices in contemporary design, visited Columbia College Chicago for an immersive presentation that asked students to rethink how design engages the senses.
From the thousands of images she captured in 2025, Columbia College Chicago alum and staff photographer Julie Lucas ’96 curated 25 standout photos that show Columbia at its best.
From new leadership to standout student and alumni achievements, here are the stories that captured the most attention on Columbia’s website in 2025.
A Columbia class set Angie Belloso on a path to a full-time role in L’Oréal’s 2026 Management Trainee program.
Columbia College Chicago Interior Architecture student Eyerusalem Hagos has received the 2025 NEWH Scholarship sponsored by Tackett Hospitality, a competitive national honor in hospitality design.
Columbia College Chicago Animation professor John Losacco wins Best Animated Short Film in North America for “The Perfect Present.”
Columbia College Chicago students brought light, sound, and imagination to the city’s annual Arts in the Dark parade on State Street.
Associate professor of Interior Architecture Dave Broz presented research at the researchED Education Summit in Brisbane, Australia.
Columbia students and faculty are showcasing bold, community-focused projects in the 2025–26 Chicago Architecture Biennial
Senior Graphic Design major Angela Kalish turned a connection from the Adobe Creative Retreat into a high-profile commission, creating an illustration for Adobe’s back-to-school social media campaign.
The Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) recognized the story “Surviving the Housing Crisis,” which appeared in the Columbia College Chicago student-created interactive digital publication “In Flux.”
This summer, Columbia students participated in an immersive study abroad trip to Japan that sparked personal growth, cross-cultural collaboration, and new creative perspectives.
Faculty member Robin Whatley helped uncover North America’s oldest known pterosaur, a 209-million-year-old fossil that reshapes scientific understanding of prehistoric ecosystems.
Two student teams from Columbia College Chicago’s School of Design earned nominations for the 2025 International UX Awards in the New Talent category.
Columbia Animation students’ film “Hitchhiker” is winning national acclaim, earning awards at both the New York Short Animation Festival and Feel The Reel International Film Festival.
Luis Nasser’s new paper explores the thermodynamic roots of why harmony sounds pleasing to the ear.
Columbia College Chicago’s Animation program ranked #5 nationally among schools offering an Animation-related BA by "Animation Career Review."
Three interior architecture students were honored in “Metropolis” magazine’s 2025 Future100 list for their innovation and design excellence.
Four seniors from Columbia’s UX/UI design program are addressing a longstanding gap in the beauty industry with Braid, an educational app offering extensive resources on textured hair care.
Columbia College Chicago students from six majors collaborated to create “In Flux,” an innovative interactive magazine that addresses real-world issues through bold storytelling and cutting-edge design.
CampusNav, an app prototype developed by a UX Design student team, helps Columbia College Chicago students navigate campus and access key resources.
"The Power of Persistence" gala showcases student innovation, teamwork, and determination, all while raising funds for scholarships supporting student success.
The School of Design has been awarded a $75,000 Illinois Innovation Voucher grant to fund a student-led project developing an educational game focused on college and early career development.
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.
Columbia College Chicago kicks off the new academic school year with a renewed spirit and excitement to welcome freshmen and transfer students to its South Loop campus on September 3.
Columbia College Chicago keeps its campus vibrant during summer with initiatives like Blues Camp, Design Your World, and Summer at Columbia, offering local youth immersive experiences in music, design, and media while fostering their creative futures.
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.
Angie Belloso, Brianna Jennes ’24, and Breyona Smith ’24 just had the trip of a lifetime to London, snagging second place at L'Oréal Brandstorm.
You don’t have to be a race enthusiast to enjoy the interactive activities produced by Columbia students in preparation for the NASCAR Chicago Street Race.
Columbia students come together to produce and promote an end-of-year showcase of student fashion designs.
Spring 2024: Columbia College Chicago Highlights
This is everything attendees need to know before Columbia College Chicago’s Manifest Arts Festival: Breakthrough 2024.
Higher education leaders Nivine Megahed, president of National Louis University, and Raymond E. Crossman, president of Adler University, will be honored at the college’s 2024 Commencement ceremonies
Columbia College Chicago’s annual Manifest Arts Festival is a student-driven tradition that showcases the work of talented creatives across disciplines. Meet the team who is making Manifest into a reality.
As the U.S. winners, students Angie Belloso, Breyona Smith, and Brianna Jennes earn an all-expense paid trip to London for the next stage of the international competition.
Led by dedicated faculty, Columbia students journeyed to Austin for immersive experiences, collaborative projects, and valuable networking opportunities, reinforcing the institution's commitment to practical education and student success.
During Women's History Month, we honor female-identifying artists who make ShopColumbia a unique shopping experience in the heart of Columbia College Chicago’s campus.
Columbia College Chicago students got together in their Communication Department courses to discuss the details of the biggest night in advertising
Columbia students hosted a pop culture extravaganza that showcased student art, event-planning savvy, and love of cosplay.
Columbia students are collaborating to present the inaugural Musical Theatre Dance Concert.
Apollo Baldoz ’09 was part of the design and animation team that created the visuals for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.
Columbia College Chicago, in partnership with award-winning actress and playwright Regina Taylor, launched a community-based project series called Black Album Mixtape.
A range of performances and experiences showcasing student and faculty artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
Professor Laurence Minsky and Scot Westwater '99 delve into the evolving landscape of marketing, analyzing the power of Conversational AI in their new book.
Students at Columbia College Chicago learn the art and business of design thanks to partnership with gift bag seller and marketing firm.
The award provides ten $15,000 scholarships and one full-tuition scholarship to students transferring from Chicago-area community colleges to Columbia College Chicago.
‘Animation Career Review’ announces 5th annual rankings in Illustration, with Columbia College Chicago topping the list.
The Spring 2023 campaign targets prospective students across the United States.
Student team from Columbia College Chicago wins innovation competition by leveraging new technologies to promote brand.
Why leaning into connections and fostering relationships is more important than ever.