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

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

Pinball Wizard Jessica Durbala '21 Launches Her First Game

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.

Art History Assistant Professor Onur Öztürk on Architecture, Decolonization, and Our Intertwined World

How new ways of thinking about art and art history inform our world.

Alum Mary Kate Ashe '19 Promotes Accessibility at SXSW

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

SXSW: Columbia College Chicago Students Experience the Ultimate Field Trip

Columbia students go where tech, film, music, education, and culture converge and benefit from real-world experiences in the entertainment and media industries.

Instructor Jason Stephens on the Power and Possibility of Documentary Filmmaking

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

Assistant Professor Dave Pabellon on Design, Equity, and Communities of Protest

Why leaning into connections and fostering relationships is more important than ever.

‘Listening to Indigenous Voices’ Series Kicks Off

Columbia College Chicago’s cross-disciplinary series highlights Indigenous contributions, impact, and history.

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

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

Columbia and DePaul Students Plan and Host Communications Career Conference

Two chapters of the Public Relations Student Society of America come together to connect students with communications professionals.

Student Explores Video Game Storytelling and Wins Gold

Mathew Rosario, a Navy veteran and Creative Writing major, taps into his past to create an award-winning narrative.

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

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

Adams Brings Journalism Skills to ECW Classroom

Journalist and new English and Creative Writing faculty member Joshua Adams follows his passions for teaching, writing to the Columbia College Chicago classroom.

New Faculty Member Brings Expertise in Virtual Production to Columbia

Associate Professor James Brust joins Columbia to equip students with in-demand skills in virtual production and emerging technologies.

Trip to Ghana Emphasizes Importance of Music, Culture, and Connection

Associate Professors Robert Hanserd and Rami Gabriel visited Ghana as part of their collaborative research on culture, identity, and diaspora.

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

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

Dancer Vi McMahon on Art, Activism, and Thriving (Not Surviving)

How creating art in space has the potential to transform our world.

Ellen Winters Reynolds' Second Act as Professional Vocalist and Teacher

A love of music leads to a life-changing career shift for Ellen Winters Reynolds, an adjunct faculty member at Columbia College Chicago.

'Refracting Histories' Exhibit Challenges Art Legacies

The Museum of Contemporary Photography exhibit reveals the contributions of overlooked makers as well as discrimination that maintains the status quo.

Advertising Innovator Brings His Passion for Branded Entertainment to Columbia

Assistant Professor Tom Eslinger pitches branded entertainment to Columbia students.

Cinema and Television Arts Students Forge Friendships While Creating Films

Georgia Lee, Liberty Thomas, and Marissa Traver set their sights on careers in film and television production and find friendships along the way.

HHSS Associate Professor Co-Authors Groundbreaking Book 'Five Hundred African Voices'

Associate Professor Robert Hanserd explores previously unknown African slave ship survivor tales in “Five Hundred African Voices.”

Business and Entrepreneurship Student Hunter Meisel Carves Her Own Path

Sophomore Hunter Meisel on the importance of connection, community, and taking the leap.

Efroymson Creative Writing Series Welcomes First Artist of 2023

Columbia College Chicago hosts poet Huascar Medina.

Chicago Reporter Names Hugo Balta Executive Editor

Adjunct faculty member and Columbia parent Hugo Balta hopes new role at "The Chicago Reporter" brings opportunities to Columbia students.

Fashion Studies Associate Professor Justin Dougan-LeBlanc Pushes Boundaries

Trained as an architect, Columbia College Chicago’s Justin Dougan-LeBlanc takes on challenges in both fashion and art.

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

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

Semester in LA Amplifies Opportunities for Audio Arts and Acoustics Student

Driven by a love of music and travel, Raina Villareal ventures to LA to meet sound professionals and explore sound engineering careers.

Theatre Alum Brings Columbia Learned Skills to Center Stage

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

Columbia Holds Sixth Annual Hip-Hop Festival

The Fresh Connect festival at Columbia College Chicago celebrated the school and city’s rich hip-hop history for the sixth year

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

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

Anchor and Reporter Paige Barnes ’21 Found Stories Worth Telling at Columbia

Alum Paige Barnes ’21 recalls how her experiences at Columbia paved the way to her current roles as morning anchor and reporter at WSBT in northern Indiana and southwest Michigan

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

Check out our list of 2022 Columbia-alum streaming projects

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

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

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

How the multi-platinum artist carved his own path

Columbia Hosts First Student-Programmed Gala to Raise Money for Scholarships

Spearheaded by the Columbia College Chicago Board of Trustees, “Unleashed 2022” features eleven interactive showcases of student work, cocktails, and dinner followed by a performance of the institution’s award-winning gospel ensemble.

Transfer Student Trisa Colon on Building a Future as a Returning Learner

How strategy and scholarships led one student to reinvent her career path and follow her dreams.

Student Event Producer Iridian Fierro on Scholarships and Achieving Her Dreams

Iridian Fierro is an Arts Management graduate student on two activation teams for the 2022 Scholarship Fundraiser.

Student Finds Inspiration and Motivation Through Event Collaboration

Partnering with other creatives to plan Columbia’s upcoming “Unleashed 2022” scholarship fundraising event presents new possibilities for Senior Sean Miller.

Singer and Music Instructor G. Thomas Allen Celebrates Second GRAMMY Nominated Project

“When you do what you love, it doesn’t feel like work,” says Allen.

Animation Offers Unexpected Professional Opportunities for Assistant Professor John Losacco

New full-time faculty member John Losacco worked as an arcade game animator for years before realizing that teaching animation could be just as fun.

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

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.

Tips for Musicians From Music Alum Parris Fleming  

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. 

Theatre Major Edgar "Cléo” Flores on Life in Theatre and Areas of Opportunity

Edgar Flores on their journey to directing, performing, and finding new paths to an equitable future.

Cultivating Creativity at Columbia: A Student Finds His Place

Advertising major Christian Navas flexes his creativity in multiple mediums and finds like-minded creatives at Columbia College Chicago.

Joseph Sikora: From Stage and Screen to Behind the Scenes

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

The Science of Sound: As Told by a Renaissance Man

Professor of Instruction Dave Dolak shares his passion for creating instruments and how students can put their creativity first in STEM.

Columbia Votes Prepares Students for Midterm Elections

Columbia Votes! also collaborated with Jones College Prep on a new student voter registration initiative.

Columbia Students Shoot Fashion Editorial at the Hilton Hotel

Photography students worked with ONE Management Modeling on fashion editorial shoot with the interior of the Hilton Chicago as a backdrop.

Making the Intangible Tangible: Filmmaker and Associate Professor Carolina Posse Helps Turn Ideas Into Films

A Columbia associate professor and alum, Carolina Posse journeys from South America to Chicago to make movies and transform students into filmmakers.

Frights and Fiction: How Columbia Teaches Horror in Creative Writing

Columbia’s English and Creative Writing faculty share their top picks in horror and sci-fi just in time for Halloween.

Professor Steeped in the Art and Science of Sound Calls on Students to Imagine Possibilities

Columbia Professor David Worrall — composer, sound artist, and researcher — shares his own experiences exploring data-driven avenues for artistic expression and scientific discovery and encourages students to find their own path.

Wilfredo Rivera on the Importance of Bringing the Authentic Self to Theatre and the Arts

Columbia Theatre faculty member talks about the importance of equitable representation and building bridges to understanding in musical theatre.

Alumni Reach Historic Milestone

A historic milestone was set by the alumni community.

New Columbia Program offers Certification for Emerging Theatre and Television Careers

Columbia's Intimacy for Stage and Screen Certificate program provides an in-depth, year-long education in coordination, choreography, and advocacy for theatrical intimacy and performance. 

Finding the Right Fit

Aspiring to help build a more inclusive-fashion industry on the business side, senior Miranda Prater discovers her perfect fit at Columbia.

Columbia Interior Architecture Students Reimagine Chicago

Columbia courses use Chicago as a focal point for students studying Interior Architecture.

National Transfer Student Week

In honor of National Transfer Student Week, we interviewed five Columbia students about their transfer experience.

Wilfredo Cruz on his Latest Book, 'Latinos in Chicago: Quest for a Political Voice'

Associate Professor of Humanities, History, and Social Sciences Wilfredo Cruz is ready to spark a conversation about the lesser-known history of Chicago politics. 

A Sound Education

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

Meg Konieczka Is Out of Their Shell

Theatre student Meg Konieczka on how acting gave their dreams direction

Kate Apostolacus Knows Where She’s Going

New Jersey native Kate Apostolacus sets out on the path to find herself and does just that at Columbia College Chicago.

Just Say 'Yes'

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

Dance Over Everything

Columbia student tells us why she chose Dance over a pre-med education and how it’s paying off.

Juggling Act

Associate Professor Bill Guschwan enjoys many roles, including juggler, mental wellness advocate, and teacher of game design and programming

Bold Images and Bold Dreams: Peter Fitzpatrick and the Centro Romero Community Gallery Project

As Special Advisor for Community Engagement in the Office of the Provost, Peter Fitzpatrick is dedicated to elevating the creative ideas of Chicago’s youth.

Remembering Jazz Great Ramsey Lewis

Scott Hall, professor and coordinator of contemporary musicianship and jazz at Columbia, reflects on his collaborations with Ramsey Lewis and the legacy Lewis leaves behind.

English and Creative Writing Department presents the 2022-2023 Efroymson Creative Writing Reading Series

The series attracts prestigious, award-winning fiction writers, poets, and nonfiction writers, and this year will feature guest speakers Adrian Matejka, Vievee Francis, Huascar Medina, and Terese Mailhot.

A Game-Changer

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

Toya Wolfe MFA ’15 discusses her debut novel, "Last Summer on State Street"

On Saturday, September 10, Chicago Writers Association board member and author Sandy Colbert will interview Wolfe, as well as, Eric Charles May, author of Bedrock Faith and associate professor of creative writing at Columbia.

Melding Passions Leads to a Career in Music Journalism

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

Paul D’Amato on the Best Color Photography Darkroom in Chicago, Teaching at Columbia, and his Midway Project

Photography Professor Paul D’Amato tells us about his Columbia experience and latest photography project.

Language Without Barriers

How technology has created opportunities for Columbia’s ASL community to connect with other Deaf performers around the world.

International Student Seizes Opportunities After Emerging From COVID-19 Isolation

A native of Poland, Ksymena Pawlowicz leverages each and every opportunity at Columbia to realize her professional and personal ambitions.

A Passion for Philosophy, Piping Plovers, Punk, and Pedagogy

Associate Professor Ann Hetzel Gunkel on her journey to shaping Columbia’s Humanities program.

Dave Pabellon on Being a Design Practitioner and Why He Chose Columbia

Columbia faculty member talks about design, maintaining human connection, and dismantling privilege and power structures as an artist

Raising Hearing Awareness Among Future Sound Professionals

Although Benj Kanters will be retiring soon from his position as associate professor in Audio Arts and Acoustics, he will continue to teach his signature “Studies in Hearing” course at Columbia and dedicate his professional activities to hearing conservation.

Making Chemistry Shine at Columbia

Associate Professor Keith Kostecka on his intrinsic role in Columbia’s science community and beyond.

Practitioner-in-Residence David Broz Challenges Students to Imagine a Better Future

How architecture and design can change the world

The Beautiful City Project Partners with the Columbia Theatre Department to Raise Funds for Nonprofit

Columbia Theatre Department to take part in cabaret performance benefiting local nonprofit chapter.

Digging Up Creativity: Spencer Hellert Shows Students the Way to Geology Through Art

Professor Spencer Hellert, PhD, makes sure her students know all the possible STEM career opportunities for creatives. From paleoart to science education, there is always a need for artists in the field of science.

Carlo Treviso BA ’05 Publishes Historical Thriller "Siciliana"

Inspired by a dramatic 13th century uprising, Treviso uses the craft of storytelling to transform perceptions of Sicily and Sicilian culture.

Jess T. Dugan MFA '14 on How Artistic Expression Can Empower Authenticity

Dugan's photography has long engaged with concepts of personhood, identity, and relationships.

Associate Professor David Gerding on the Future of Technology

Our world is at civic and ideological crossroads. The students and leaders of the Interactive Arts and Media Department search for new ways forward that will benefit the next generations.

Music Instructor and Saxophonist Sharel Cassity on the Transformative Magic of Jazz

Making bold choices in music transformed Cassity’s life. Here’s how.

Breaking the Mould: Society Catches up with Deaf Performers

“CODA” star and Deaf actor Troy Kotsur’s recent Best Supporting Actor Oscar took his career to new heights. It also inspired new conversations on the world of possibilities open to Deaf performers.

Columbia Longtime Faculty Member Talks Olfactory Art, Teaching and Practicing Art and Art History

Dr. Debra Riley Parr on her Columbia experience and latest projects

Master of Arts Management Alum Works to Shape a Better World

Activist and musician Crispin Torres MA '20 on combining passions and growing Better World Collaborative from the ground up.

A Pull Towards Dance Plus a Well-Rounded Curriculum Equals Success

Dance student Joy Holder expresses gratitude and passion while reflecting on her academic career at Columbia.

Columbia Alum Finds Career Satisfaction as Chicago Mayor's Speechwriter

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

Practitioner-in-Residence Typhanie Monique Coller on the Beauty of Imperfection

Typhanie Monique Coller knows firsthand how passion and drive can take projects from humble beginnings to the world stage.

Photographer Clarissa Bonet Finds Magic in Light and Shadow

Bonet’s latest work, Clarissa Bonet: Chasing Light, is currently exhibited at the Catherine Edelman Gallery in Chicago.

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

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.

Columbia College Chicago Announces Spring 2022’s B-Series Dance Festival

Columbia’s underground dance festival to take place March 18-19.

Kate Schaefer Leads Fashion Students Through Roads Less Traveled

Associate Professor Kate Schaefer ensures students stay on top of the fashion industry’s latest advancements to help ensure their professional success.

Columbia Photography Student Shares Her Passion for Her Craft

Corinne Pompey tells us about the first photo she ever shot, exhibiting at the Museum of Science and Industry, and her favorite projects.

AAA Student Ella Pinceloup on Happy Surprises in Audio Arts

At Columbia, student finds like-minded women in audio and discovers new corners of the audio industry.

Music Instructor G. Thomas Allen on Mastering the Craft

GRAMMY-nominated vocalist and Columbia instructor G. Thomas Allen builds student skill and fosters the growth of community.

Cinema and Television Producing MFA Student Taylor Mason Explores Social Justice Through Filmmaking

Taylor Mason shares what inspires her writing and filmmaking, merging it with advocacy, and what's to come after Columbia.

Award-Winning Instructor Cecil McDonald MFA ’08 on How Photography Can Free Us

Central to his work is the idea that people and their histories can inform and free each other. Here’s how.

Associate Professor Robert Hanserd Presents: Humanities, the Archives Alive Series, and a Lesson in Collaboration

Associate Professor of Humanities, History, and Social Sciences, Robert Hanserd, discusses some of the cross-departmental events he is participating in this semester.

Fashion Studies Alum Lillian Mooney ’21 Stays True to Her Goals

Now working for a luxury jeweler, Lillian Mooney describes her transformative experiences at Columbia and shares advice with students.

Fashion, the Future, and the Creation of NoRal Apparel

For LaRon Hickerson, known as Ron DuWayne, BFA Fashion Design ‘03, community has been at the heart of all of his creations. He sat down with us to talk about the road he took to creating NoRal Apparel, his pathbreaking menswear brand.

Taking the Dance Path

Columbia faculty member Keesha Beckford on her dance influences, favorite music to dance to, latest projects, and great advice for those pursuing dance.

MoCP at Columbia Presents Exhibit Advocating for Solidarity Among Global Artists of Color

Exhibit to feature two exhibition concepts as one

Associate Professor Aviya Kushner on her NEA Fellowship, winning Best Poetry Book for WOLF LAMB BOMB

Kushner discusses the beginnings of her latest poetry collection, her fellowship through the National Endowment for the Arts, and how she continues to learn from her own teachings in the classroom.

Columbia Kicks Off Spring Theatre Productions with Cabaret

The musical Cabaret to be performed at the Courtyard Theatre

Columbia Photography Professor on Her Passion for the Art of Photography

Kelli Connell shares how she got hooked on photography, her favorite projects, and advice for students pursuing the craft.

From Escapism to Glorious Reality: Alum Brittney Sherman’s Path to Producing

With the help of mentors and Columbia College Chicago instructors, CTVA Alum Brittney Sherman ’08 found guidance that helped her carve out her own path.

World Radio Day: A Time to Celebrate Columbia’s Student-Led Radio Station

For four decades, WCRX has offered hands-on learning opportunities for Columbia’s creative community.

Professor Dawoud Bey on His Approach to the Craft of Photography

Professor Dawoud Bey talks about intentionality in photography and using photography to examine both history and the present.

Marcus Norris BMus ’14 on Composing, Breaking Barriers, and the Next Steps Forward

Norris describes the cathartic effect of his music as an experience akin to journaling. But slowly, over time, it became clear that his music was going to be more than a private experience—it was his path forward in life. 

English and Creative Writing Department presents the 2022 Efroymson Creative Writing Reading Series

The series attracts prestigious, award-winning fiction writers, poets, and nonfiction writers, and this year will feature guest speakers Cooper Lee, Samuel Ace, and Dawnie Walton.

Alum Ramon Alvarez-Smikle on Leadership in the Business of Music

Ramon Alvarez-Smikle '13 talks about the path that led him to becoming Senior Vice President, Head of Urban Digital Marketing at Interscope Records.

Art and Art History Faculty Member on Art, Papermaking, and the Unique Columbia Experience

Melissa Potter tells us about papermaking at Columbia, connecting with students, and her most recent projects.

Alum Christian Sprenger on Building a Life in Cinematography

Cinematographer Christian Sprenger ’07 is known for his work on Baskets, GLOW, Atlanta, Last Man on Earth, Reservation Dogs, and Station Eleven.

Columbia faculty member and alum Eric May: Chicago Public Library's latest One Book, One Chicago author

English and Creative Writing Professor Eric May discusses his 2014 debut novel, “Bedrock Faith,” after it was selected for the 20th anniversary of the Chicago Public Library's One Book, One Chicago program.

Columbia’s Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Marketing Campaign Features the Artwork of Two Alums

Columbia highlights the artistry of its alums in a marketing campaign that features an alum’s illustration work, commissioned by the college, and an alum’s public art installation.

CTVA Alumni to Have Film Shown at NYC Indie Theatre Film Festival

"One Woman Hamlet", co-directed by Cinema and Television Arts alums Kseni Avonavi, MFA ’19, and Ayesha Abouelazm MFA ’17, will be screened at the 2022 NYC Indie Theatre Film Festival, February 10-20, 2022.

Two Columbia College Chicago Fashion Students Win Fashion Scholarship Fund Awards

Fashion Merchandising Junior Calista DSouza and Fashion Merchandising Senior Ben Sill have been awarded highly competitive scholarships from the Fashion Scholarship Fund, launching their emerging careers to new heights.

AAA Alum Patrick Tumulty on Pivoting to Chase the Dream

For Patrick Tumulty '20, classes like Audio Theory and Systems, Science of Acoustics, and Intro to Audio Programming, which applied math and science to audio, were not courses that he anticipated enjoying. And yet, he did.

Faculty, Alum on Her Full Circle Experience at Columbia College Chicago

Melissa Pinney tells us about her favorite projects and being named the latest Diane Dammeyer Fellow

Yulia Yrkoski on Illustration and Staying True to Yourself

Illustration student Yulia Yrkoski talks about their Columbia experience, revolutionizing the industry

Audio Engineering Student Kimberly Liwanag on Living the Journey

Audio Engineering Student Kimberly Liwanag has built a sustainable support system within her Audio Design & Production program, one defined by individuals committed to supporting her evolution as an artist.

Ksenia Rychtycka ’93 Publishes Poetry Chapbook, "A Sky Full of Wings"

Ksenia Rychtycka ’93 discusses her new chapbook and how her experience at Columbia helped her become a published author.

Executive Producer Brian Smego ’97 on Building His Dream Career

By the time he graduated from Columbia's Cinematography program, Smego was an agency producer hiring directors to shoot some of the biggest names in advertising.

Ju’Juan Day MFA ’20 Self Publishes First Poetry Collection, Footsteps

Day discusses his new poetry collection about the day-to-day experiences of a Black adolescent male transitioning into maturity, and how his time at Columbia helped him publish this work.

Imprisoned Journalist Danny Fenster ’09 is Coming Home

Journalist Danny Fenster ’09 was released into the custody of former U.S. diplomat Bill Richardson after being sentenced to 11 years in Myanmar prison.

Associate Professor and Scientist Michelle Rafacz Helps Launch BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies

As coordinator of Columbia's Environmental Studies minor, and in part, Rafacz has also been instrumental on launching the new BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies.

The Many Paths Forward with Audio Arts and Acoustics: Alum Jackie Loupakos ’19 on Life After Columbia

As her skills and experiences evolved while a student at Columbia, Loupakos became interested in working in sound for film. After taking Audio for Visual Media I with Michael Coyle, Loupakos knew that she wanted to explore sound design and recording.

Fashion Studies Student Ben Sill on Building an Entrepreneurial Mindset

Since his second year at Columbia, Fashion student Ben Sill has been dedicated to making the most of his time with experts in the field.

Columbia Faculty Bring Their Dance Movement and Skills to a Chicago Hip-Hopera

Columbia Dance faculty tell us about their work in “The Rosina Project”

Associate Professor Wilfredo Cruz on Teaching Social Sciences

Cruz teaches various courses in sociology, including Introduction to Sociology, Social Problems in American Society, Race and Ethnic Relations, Marriage and Family, and The Sociology of Sport and Social Inequality.

Kristin Crowley ’06 on the Road to Becoming an Investigative Reporter

Broadcast Journalism alum Kristin Crowley '06 has advice for anyone with a passion for investigative journalism.

Creative Writing MFA student Laura Hawbaker on Living Life for the Story

Laura Hawbaker spent several years traveling and living around the world, writing, teaching, and tutoring, and received a master’s degree in linguistics. After a while, Hawbaker realized she wasn’t being as creative as she would like, so she decided to attend Columbia College Chicago’s Creative Writing MFA program.

Drawing Her Way to Disney: Alum Jennifer Nelson ’08 on Animation and Producing

Throughout her time at Columbia, Jennifer Nelson '08 kept her eye on her goal, which was eventually working in television. She continued to stretch professionally, representing the institution at Cannes Film Festival in 2008 and landing an internship at Nickelodeon.

Fine Arts Student on Her Love of Art and Her Columbia Experience

Aleida Zapata talks about access to fine art and expanding her craft through embracing new technologies

Columbia College Chicago Gifted Sabina Ott Art Collection

A collection of artworks by former Columbia faculty member to be archived, displayed at the College

Jesi Nelson MFA ’15 selected for the Universal Composers Initiative

Alum Jesi Nelson '15 started her career determined to help represent the female and BIPOC communities. Earlier this year, she was named one of eight composers selected for the Universal Composers Initiative and the first female and first BIPOC composer to be hired by Lucas Arts to score a Star Wars project.

Angel Kristi Williams, MFA ’15, Wants You to Know You Don’t Need Permission

CTVA alum Angel Kristi Williams MFA '15 is dedicated to her work, she is also a dedicated mentor to other creatives, and teaches screenwriting at the Maryland Institute College of Art as well as master classes at Johns Hopkins University.

Sarah Miller ’19 Puts Her Deaf Studies BA to Use at Motion Light Lab

Miller graduated in May 2019 and was selected the commencement speaker for her graduation ceremony. She was the first Deaf commencement speaker in the history of Columbia.

John and Theresa Guleserian on Making Movies and Building Community

For John and Theresa, the road to professional and personal success has been driven by their ability to create the community they want to work in.

Associate Chair Sean Andrews Helps Launch New Cultural Studies BA Program

Andrews has spearheaded Columbia’s recent Cultural Studies BA program update as the Co-Chair.

Simone Tobias, Instructor teaching Patternmaking and Construction, on Fashion, Design and her Beginnings

"Carve your own path but do so with sensibility for the finite resources, empathy for others, curiosity of the world around you, and meaningful creativity."

How Drawing After Work Steered Columbia Student to a New Career Path

Camille Estrada Willaford talks about publishing their comic in a well-known comics magazine

William Meiners MFA '96 Publishes First Book, 'Though the Odds Be Great or Small'

'Though the Odds Be Great or Small' is about Notre Dame's 1957 Comeback Season and the Year That Changed College Football.

IAM Alum Fred Boursier '08 on Getting the Most out of Life

For today’s college students, Boursier has a bit of advice: “Find what renews you, find people who believe in what you do, and find people you like to work with. Workplaces change, but finding people you like to be around and trust will get you more of what you want from life.” 

Filmmaker Thavary Krouch, MFA ’13, Wants You to Know You are a Success

After graduating in 2013, Krouch dove into the world of filmmaking. She now works as the Independent Film Coordinator for the City of Chicago, where she gets to pay forward the mentorship and support that she received early on in her career.

English and Creative Writing Department Introduces New Literary magazine, Allium, A Journal of Poetry & Prose

Allium will replace the department’s three genre-specific journals, Columbia Poetry Review (poetry), Hair Trigger (fiction), and Punctuate (non-fiction), becoming the department’s first multi-genre print and online publication.

Columbia College Chicago Announces 2021-22 Art Now! Lecture Series

Columbia’s Art Now! Lecture Series to kick off

Fashion Expert Flora Brunetti is Back: On Teaching, Mentoring, and Taking Good Risks

Adjunct Instructor Flora Brunetti talks about her life teaching in both Chicago and New York, her perspective on navigating COVID, and her advice for students interested in carving out their own paths to success. 

Aleksei Borovikov MFA ’22 Gets Class and Passion Projects Noticed in Film Festivals

When Borovikov started at Columbia, he was nervous. English wasn’t his first language, and he didn’t know its linguistic quirks. However, his time at the College has helped Borovikov enhance his work.

Taz Johnson ’19 on Audio Arts and Acoustics and Persevering through the Pandemic

Johnson has been working successfully as a freelance audio engineer since 2015, taking many of the skills he learned at Columbia with him along the way.

Journalist Danny Fenster ’09 Detained in Myanmar

Story updated July 2 to reflect the most recent information available related to Fenster's detainment.

Pax Helgesen ’15 on the Road to Creating Audio for Games

Pax Helgesen ’15 has carved out a successful career in sound design. Now, he's here to pay it forward.

Photography Alum, Guggenheim Fellow on How Columbia Helped Shape and Inform Her Practice

Sama Alshaibi talks about how her experiences at Columbia helped shape her career and the projects she has been most passionate about

“Artists and Models” Exhibition: Students Across Campus Tell the Story of the South Side Community Art Center

Students from across Columbia brought the South Side Community Art Center’s administrative archives to life through a recent exhibition

Association for Popular Music Education is Breaking New Ground at Columbia

This year's APME conference will be a hybrid event, featuring sessions with musicians and experts in popular music education, keynote speakers from various disciplines, and a virtual student showcase.

Cartoons That Make You Think: Political Cartoon Contest 2021 Winners Announced

Winners of the 2021 Paula Pfeffer and Cheryl Johnson-Odim Political Cartoon Contest have been announced.

Columbia Student-Run “Hokin Honors” Exhibit Returns in Virtual Format

Columbia College Chicago’s student art exhibit to open online for second consecutive year

Assistant Professor David Antognoli on Game Design, Mentorship, and Serious Games

Interactive Arts and Media Assistant Professor David Antognoli tells us how serious games can bend the rules and create new worlds.

Graduate Students are Ready to Showcase Their Work in this Year’s Manifest

As we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Manifest, we wanted to highlight a few MFA students to learn more about their Columbia experiences, how they’ve been cultivating their work to showcase in this year’s Manifest and how each finds inspiration to pursue their art.

Sarah Uhlarik ’17 Returns to Columbia For Interaction Design MA and Gets Noticed

Sarah Uhlarik has gone from pastry chef to graphic designer with help from Columbia

Adjunct Professor Kate Wisel MFA ’17 on Chasing Her Dreams

Wisel wanted to become a professor so she could empower students the same way that her mentor empowered her.

Elsa Brydalski on How Graphic Design Keeps Her Sharp and Creative

On the road to self-discovery, Columbia student Elsa Brydalski finds that Graphic Design was exactly what she was looking for.

Associate Professor Jeanne Petrolle’s Story of Writing, Adventures and the Bible

‘You could do [writing] for a living.’ “That had never occurred to me. ... But the minute he said it, I knew it was for me,” said Petrolle.

Honorary Degree Recipient and Renowned Playwright and Actor Regina Taylor HDR ’11 to Speak at Columbia Social Justice Initiative Event

Faculty member Dr. Khalid Long to interview Regina Taylor on Zoom Monday, April 12 from 2-3PM as part of Columbia’s Social Justice Initiative

Sheryl Williams on Performing, Intimacy for the Stage, and Eliminating the Stigma of Mental Health in the Arts

Columbia College Chicago student Sheryl Williams tells us about the joys of working on stage and the importance of mental health in theatre.

Get Ready to Register for Summer and Fall 2021 Semesters

Registration for the Summer 2021 and Fall 2021 semesters will open for students beginning Monday, April 5. 

Introducing Columbia's Newly Tenured Faculty

Congratulations to the five new additions to Columbia's tenured faculty ranks: Christopher Arnold, MFA, Design; Olga Goldenberg, PhD, Humanities, History, and Social Sciences; Robert Hanserd, PhD, Humanities, History, and Social Sciences; Anne Libera, BS, Theatre; Kubilay Uner, MFA, Music.

Theatre Department Uses Acting Pods for Enhanced Socially Distanced Performances

Columbia’s Theatre students rehearse and perform in physical pods helping bring performances to life during social distancing.

Assistant Professor Gabriela Díaz de Sabatés on Women’s Life Stories

Díaz de Sabatés took a Women's Life Stories course and it changed her life

How the ASL Department Tackled Teaching COVID-19

This year, American Sign Language has been in the spotlight due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adjunct Instructor Demetrio Maguigad on Solving Problems with Social Media

Communication Instructor Demetrio Maguigad on the promise and potential of social media.

For the Love of the Music: Instructor Stuart Greenspan on Living a Full Life

Stuart Greenspan knows what it is to devote your life to music and to live limitlessly. This is his story.

Filmmaker Kseni Avonavi, MFA ’19, on the Path of Persistence

Obstacles aplenty lay before filmmaker Kseni Avonavi on the path to her dreams. This is her story of resilience, persistence, and success.

Assistant Professor Melissa Gamble Questions the Rules

Assistant Professor Melissa Gamble on asking the hard questions, and why asking them pays off.

Dance Department, Fashion Studies Faculty Member Win Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Teaching Activism Awards

Columbia College Chicago announces awardees for its first ever DEI Teaching Activism Awards.

Associate Professor Gerald Adams Shares His Passion of Geology with Students

Adams realizes that many students coming into his classes may have had painful science classes while in high school and actively works to give them a better experience.

Postcards from the Pandemic: Photographing a Virus

Columbia Photography students collaborate with Skylark Editions to document the pandemic

Christopher Rohrbeck ’19 Uses Science to Inform His Films

Rohrbeck was able to tie his Biology minor to his Cinema and Television Arts major while at Columbia.

The Museum of Contemporary Photography: A Hidden Gem

Over the last two decades the art of photography has evolved, and so has the Museum of Contemporary Photography. Celebrating its 45th year, the MoCP has mastered its ability to harness the power of art and imagery to create social change.

Social Justice Through the Lens

The Museum of Contemporary Photography and Columbia community members on the importance of visibility and the impact of photography on social justice

Columbia College Chicago Hosts 4th Annual Black Arts Festival

Black Arts Festival 2021 synthesizes the past and present to inform visions of an empowered future.

Community at the Heart of Columbia: Musician Hannah Pope Takes the Plunge

How mentorship, a community support, and a healthy dose of courage helped one student leap from her small town to big stages in Chicago.

A One-of-a-Kind Ride: Associate Professor Peg Murphy on Communication at Columbia College Chicago

For Associate Chair and Associate Professor Peg Murphy, applied creativity has always been at the heart of her interests.

Transfer Student Vashon Jordan Wants You to Take the Leap

From Kennedy-King to Columbia College Chicago, Vashon Jordan has followed his dreams of using art to make a better world.

Alum Andrew Hulva ’15 on Music, Audio Engineering, and Working in Silicon Valley

How Audio Arts and Acoustics Alum Andrew Hulva combined his passions to forge a unique career in his chosen field.

Professor Teresa Prados-Torreira Named President of American Humor Studies Association

Prados-Torreira is a cultural historian with a range of interests that include American and Cuban history.

Assistant Professor Guy Villa Jr. on Design, Teaching, and His Latest Award-Winning Design Projects

Columbia Assistant Professor of Instruction tells us about how he got into Design, his latest projects, and how those projects inform his teaching.

From a Kids Camp at Columbia College Chicago to a BFA in Dance

Dance student Kennedy Ward tells us how an art camp and a fateful invitation to Links Hall brought her to Columbia.

Teena Sloane-Hendricks ’20 Continues Legacy at Columbia With Her Children

The first time Teena was on campus, in 1984, she knew that she would return – and encourage her future children to do so too.

Associate Professor Heather Minges Wols on Her Love of Teaching, Students, and Research

Minges Wols fell in love with teaching at Columbia during her very first course.

For Fashion Student Amaiya Sims, Winning the NRF Next Generation Scholarship is Just the Beginning

Award-winning Fashion student Amaiya Sims on going all-out for the dream.

“It Will Give You a Sense of Purpose in Life:” Sam Roe on the Burden and Brilliance of Investigative Reporting

Sam Roe is best known as a pathbreaking and Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist who has decades of experience in his field. He is also an adjunct instructor in Communication at Columbia College Chicago.

Kellee Terrell on Becoming a Filmmaker: The Joyful Upside of Taking the Hard Road

Filmmaker, screenwriter, and director Kellee Terrell would have been justified in walking away after witnessing the inside of an industry that, although improving, remains rife with white, male, cisgender homogeneity. But instead, she made a different choice. She made the choice to persevere. This is what happened next.

Naomi Washer MFA Nonfiction ’15 Publishes First Novel Subjects We Left Out

The book is scheduled to be published in March 2021.

Darby Gustafson Tells Us How a Few Elective Courses Changed His Trajectory

Art and Art History student Darby Gustafson talks about moving into the Fine Arts program and his current projects.

Alive and Kicking: Journalism, Storytelling, and the Fight for a Better World

Associate Professor Curtis Lawrence, watching the events unfolding at the Capitol on January 6th, 2021, felt a familiar grim disappointment in the threads of racism and ignorance woven through the storming of a prominent symbol of the democracy.

Elizabeth Moss BFA ’14 Combined Passions in Illustration and Science to Follow Her Dreams

Moss loved her illustration classes and professors but felt that something was missing. She found what she was looking for in the Science and Math Department.

Jessica Borowski ’10 on Persevering for the Dream in Acoustics

Audio Arts and Acoustics Alum Jessica Borowski had to fight for what she wanted. Here's how she landed her dream job in a competitive field.

CTVA Alum Richard Song ’17 on Building His Business

Richard Song sat down with us to talk about building a life beyond cultural assimilation and how his business, Eleven04, has taken off.

Students Excel When Following Passions in Columbia Core Curriculum

Students often find courses within the Columbia Core that fuel their passions. In fact, there are courses that fill up every semester as students choose how they want to fulfill their general education requirements.

Tomas Videla, MFA ’19, on Building a Life from His Love of Music

For Tomas Videla, music was always a part of his life, but he never imagined that he’d be scoring the soundtrack for the upcoming HBO documentary about Tiger Woods.

Columbia Student Talks About Her Passion for Illustration

Illustration student Mary Lee Fenner tells us about her passion for art, promoting illustration and design, and her latest projects

Five Things to Check Out Online During Columbia's Winter Break

While campus may be quiet these next few weeks, there is plenty happening online at Colum.edu. Here are some ideas to keep you entertained and informed virtually until next semester.

Associate Professor Carmelo Esterrich to publish Star Wars Multiverse in 2021

Star Wars Multiverse is part of a series of books that Rutgers University Press called Quick Takes: Movies and Popular Culture.

Columbia College Chicago Students Tap Dance Through the City, Spread Holiday Cheer

Columbia’s Theatre students showcase their skills in a fun holiday video

CTVA Alum Dennis Avelar ’05 Publishes Debut Novel

For Dennis Avelar ’05 the path towards self-publishing his first novel, The Blue Q: The World as I See It, started nearly twenty-five years ago.

Columbia College Chicago Faculty, Alums Receive Jeff Awards

Four Columbia faculty members, alums honored with 2020 Equity Jeff Awards

CTVA Faculty Member Ruth Leitman on Documentary Work, Empowerment through Film, and Working with the Columbia Community

CTVA faculty member Ruth Leitman co-designed the Interdisciplinary Documentary field with CTVA faculty member Eric Scholl and regularly teaches courses in nonfiction writing, distribution, and production.

Music Transfer Student and Pianist Brooke Wyatt is Welcomed into the Fold

Brooke Wyatt is a Music Performance student working towards her BA. As a transfer student, she has a unique insight into the opportunity for both academic and professional advancement at Columbia. Here, she shares her journey thus far.

Alum Emma Young ’20 on the World of Pop Performance

Artist Emma Young discusses music, songwriting, and the community that has supported her growth.

Associate Professor Kristin Pichaske on Teaching, Documentary Filmmaking, and Mentorship

Cinema and Television Arts Associate Professor Kristin Pichaske discusses her unique path to success as a documentary filmmaker.

Illustration Major and Environmental Studies Minor Shane Tolentino Combines Passions to Follow Her Dreams

For Shane Tolentino, Columbia became home not only because of the community she built here, but because the institution was well-poised to offer opportunities to live, study, and aspire expansively.

Russell Gunn on the Trumpet and Building a Life in Music

Music Artist-in-Residence Russell Gunn discusses mentorship, community building, and the importance of saying "yes" to opportunity.

Jessie Ann Foley MFA ’12 Publishes Fourth Book, You Know I’m No Good

Foley discusses her new book and how her time at Columbia helped her become a writer

Business and Entrepreneurship Faculty Member Inspires Students to Redefine Marketing, Become Creative Change Agents

Jennifer Sadler’s experience as a critical race scholar and marketing professional helps students turn a critical lens toward marketing

Instructor Ryan Black Explores the Wide World of Audio Engineering

Audio Arts and Acoustics Instructor Ryan Black on how a small investment in your future can make all the difference.

Jerakah Greene ’20 Follows Their Passion to Hometown Following Graduation

Jerakah Greene ’20 has been awarded a position in the Tulsa Service Year program.

Ryan Trembath ’07 Writes First Book About Signature Shoes

When the COVID-19 pandemic caused Illinoisans to quarantine, Ryan Trembath ’07 used the opportunity to follow a lifelong dream – to write a book.

Dara McClure on Directing, Writing, and the Beauty in Adversity

CTVA student Dara McClure breaks boundaries as a director, storyteller, and content creator.

Alum Kelan Smith ’20 on Theatre and His New Role in New Faces Sing Broadway 1987

Columbia alum Kelan Smith tells us about his favorite projects and his most current role at Porchlight Music Theatre

Oula Yassine '20 and the Advent of the Culture Collection

Fashion alum Oula Yassine discusses how her time at Columbia helped her develop her unique style and advance her career.

Associate Professor Dan Rybicky on Filmmaking, Teaching, and Living Intentionally

Dan Rybicky, known for his award-winning and critically acclaimed films, discusses building a balanced creative life and acting as a mentor and resource for his students at Columbia

Chicago Film History Class Create PSAs to Help Chicago's Oldest Camera Store Following Chicago Riots

Associate Professor Jeffrey Spitz's students have been tasked with bringing a film character back to life to help Central Camera recover and reopen.

Columbia Faculty Member and Alum Nominated for Tony Awards

Faculty member Heather Gilbert and alumnus, former faculty member David Cromer nominated for Tony Award

Columbia Faculty Member Roasts Coffee, Serves Knowledge

Associate Professor Clayton Smith tells us about teaching Business and Entrepreneurship while running a new business

Fashion Alum Javy Solano '17 on Developing his Brand and Moving Forward with Confidence

Javy Solano, who earned his BFA in Fashion Design in 2017, discusses how he built his life around alternative themes.

Trevor Lisa MFA Fiction ’22 Wins 2019 Writer’s Studio Student Prize and Shares his Experiences at Columbia

Digital Careers in the New Normal

At Columbia College Chicago, experts in social media and digital strategy come together to offer an opportunity for students to learn how to marshal emerging technology for multi-faceted careers in the field of communication.

Luther Hughes BA ’16 Has Been Awarded Numerous Prizes in 2020

Hughes has recently been awarded the 2020 Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowship and the 2020 92Y Discovery Poetry Prize

Columbia Faculty Member Nominated for Tony Award

Faculty member Heather Gilbert nominated for a Tony Award for her lighting design work

Caroline Harris MFA ’21 Publishes Short Story "Alchemist's Coffee" in Showbear Family Circus

Harris shares her insights on Columbia’s Fiction MFA program and how her education has helped her get published

Lupita Diaz Donato on Becoming Herself Through Music

Lupita Diaz Donato is a senior in the Music Department (BMus ‘21), studying Composition and Production. We sat down with her to talk about her evolution as an artist, experience at Columbia, and plans for the future.

Emma Knapp Talks Photography: Influences, Projects, and Constantly Evolving

Columbia College Chicago student tells us about how she became interested in photography and its endless possibilities.

Juliana Ravelli MFA ’21 Wins Multiple Writing Awards and Scholarships

Since joining Columbia College Chicago’s MFA Nonfiction program, Ravelli has been awarded StoryStudio’s Stories Matter Foundation Masters Award, a scholarship to attend three master classes in the Kweli International Literary Festival, and two of her essays have been published.

Alum Moves from Columbia Student to Columbia Artist in Virtual Residence

Columbia Dance alumna Kierah King hasn’t missed a beat

Big Dreams: Assistant Professor David Christopher Krause Creates Bold New Worlds

David Christopher "Big" Krause has found a passion in carefully crafting environments for the stage and screen. Here, he discusses his role as an entrepreneur, mentor, and Assistant Professor in Cinema and Television Arts.

Associate Professor Erin McCarthy Captures Oral Histories of COVID-19

McCarthy and Columbia’s archivists created a project entitled Capturing Quarantine, where students interview each other remotely to document their experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eric Rutherford ’17 on Music, Songwriting, and Fulfilling Dreams

Music alum Eric Rutherford, who earned his BMus in Contemporary, Urban, and Popular Music in 2017, has recently been profiled by InTune magazine. A songwriter and band leader originally from Detroit, Eric has been persistent in his pursuit of producing jazz, classical, pop, and blues music. He sat down with Kevin JP Hulihan from InTune to discuss his career path. You can read their conversation here:

Christian Cook ’19 Publishes First Novel, “I Hate Gray”

Christian Cook's ’19 first novel has been published by Leeds Press Corp.

Columbia Renegades Coach Begins First-Ever Quidditch Scholarship to Help Promote Diversity

Tad Walters shares his vision for the diverse and inclusive future of quidditch.

Art and Art History Faculty Member on Documenting Difficult Times

Faculty member Marc Fischer talks about documenting life during quarantine and the importance of performing wellness checks through art

An Expert in Her Field: Associate Professor Katie Paciga on COVID-19, Children, and Screen Time

Paciga’s work focuses on early childhood education and development and examines the relationships between media objects and children’s language and literacy development.

Adjunct Instructor and Academy Award Nominee John Hancock on Fearlessness, Directing, and the Next Chapter

Humble beginnings led to recognition at the Academy Awards for John Hancock.

Columbia Faculty Member Wins Awards for Broadway Show

Theatre faculty member Heather Gilbert honored for her work in lighting design

From a Wild Zapper to Assistant Professor: How Matthew Andersen Found His Way to Columbia

While teaching at Columbia, Assistant Professor Matthew Andersen connects American Sign Language to the arts.

Game Developer Autumn Scruggs '20 on the New World of Game Developing

Game developer Autumn Scruggs has a creative spirit, prodigious technological skill, and a powerful will. Here, she discusses her path to success.

Ears Wide Open: Perfecting the Art of Listening in Creative Communities

Assistant Professor and music technologist Visda Goudarzi and Assistant Professor Florian Hollerweger discuss their "Listening to the City" courses.

For Director Carl Seaton '94, the Fight Goes On

Carl Seaton '94 on directing, producing, and how stories can change a life.

Columbia Student Uses Art to Record History, Erase Boundaries

Columbia Student Josué Romero sees art as a tool to address pain and to heal

Missy Hernandez on Mentorship, Power, and Recognizing your Worth

Assistant Professor Missy Hernandez discusses her path as a filmmaker, writer, content creator, and mentor.

Columbia Dance Faculty Move in Sync with the Changing Educational Landscape

Faculty members find innovative ways to teach and learn the art of dance during COVID-19

Taking a Look at the Man Behind the Lens

Philip Dembinski ’08 on his love of photography and his favorite shoots

Inside Columbia's State of the Art Digital Print Center

The Digital Print Center (DPC), a new state-of-the-art, two-story print shop, opened on campus last spring at 623 S. Wabash.

From Happy Accidents to the Manhattan School of Music

Michael Hilgendorf, BM '20, on song-writing, solos, and his love of playing guitar.

Fashion’s Take on COVID-19

Since the start of COVID-19, masks have evolved from paper to durable cloth to silks and satins, cottons, and high-performance innovative fabrics. They're fundamental to getting dressed and being out in public.

Sahar Mustafah MFA Fiction ’13 Publishes New Novel, The Beauty of Your Face

The Beauty of Your Face has been named a Most Anticipated Book of 2020 by Marie Claire, Bustle, Real Simple, and Literary Hub.

Interdisciplinary Alumnus Leo Selvaggio Uses Art in his COVID Experiments for the Common Good

Leonardo Selvaggio MFA ’14 discusses his work creating COVID Experiments and his hopes to provide essential workers with personal protection equipment.

Weihua Li Focuses on Teaching and Research While at Columbia

Math takes planning, effort, and inspiration

Alexis Kirkpatrick BA ’22 Publishes Story “Mr. Forget- Me-Not?"

Kirkpatrick took a Writing Horror class assignment and has been able to get it published in an anthology, Tales of the Lost Volume Two: Stories To Get Lost In.

Nick Olson BA ’14 Publishes first Novel, Here’s Waldo

Atmosphere Press will publish the novel within the next year

Wesley Reno on Audio Arts and Acoustics and the Next Steps Forward

Wesley Reno on engineering, his internship at Electrical Audio, and working in the era of COVID-19

Life in the Fashion Lab

Fashion Studies Chair Colbey Reid and Associate Chair Allison Leahy lead the Fashion Lab, a course providing Columbia students with the opportunity to produce research and insights for industry leaders

Columbia College Chicago’s Record Label Partners with Global Distribution Company

Columbia’s AEMMP record label partners with Ingrooves to further distribution

Jenny Boully Awarded 2020 Guggenheim Fellowship

Associate Professor of English and Creative Writing Jenny Boully has been awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship on the basis of prior achievement and exceptional promise.

Dr. Stephen Asma Finds the Thing that Goes Bump in the Night

For Asma, studying the world of monsters is a way to engage with the darkest corners of our own assumptions, conventions, prejudices, and reactions.

DJ Niéna Drake Rocks the Hustle: On Success, Making it, and Mentorship

Alum Niéna Drake discusses her path from Columbia to succeeding in media, art, and the world of DJing.

Alexandra Yetter Pivots to Find Her Beat

Journalism student Alexandra Yetter on The Columbia Chronicle, landing internships, and finding editorial success

Alumna Sets Up Columbia Scholarship in Honor of Parents

Columbia College Chicago alum sets up scholarship for Marketing students in honor of her parents

Columbia Recruits and Welcomes Students Amid COVID-19

Columbia College Chicago’s Admissions Department shifts gears to keep prospective and incoming students excited about Columbia despite COVID-19

Alumna Tailyn Kaster '08 Finds Herself in the Spotlight, and Uses it to Advocate Communications Access for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community

Tailyn Kaster translates Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds COVID-19 press conferences

Columbia Contributes: The Faces of Moving Forward

In the face of COVID-19, the Columbia community has come together to keep our culture anchored and to keep us moving forward. This is our story.

Maggie O'Keefe Will Fight For You

Democratic Committeewoman Maggie O'Keefe, Theatre '11, discusses politics, working in the community, and serving the 40th Ward.

We Will Survive: Paria Izadmehr on Art, Resilience, and COVID-19

Columbia graduate student talks about science, design, and turning to art during a time of global crisis

The Art of the Uplift: How Creatives Restore Community

“I can feel this in my bones. It’s devastating for the world, for every one of us, and this is just the beginning unfortunately.” – Joan Giroux, Professor of Art and Art History

Mia Elliott Has the Answers: On Producing Movies that Matter

Cinema and Television Arts student Mia Elliott on the road to becoming a producer

Alumni Jeff Hoffmann Sells Thesis to Simon and Schuster

Hoffmann's first novel, “Other People’s Children” will be published in 2021.

Meeting the Voice on the Radio: Jennifer Keiper Speaks Out

Jennifer Keiper, BFA ’92, MFA ’94, on anchoring, mentoring, and climbing to great heights

Columbia College Chicago Collective Impact Series: Piven Theatre Presents on Workshop Impacting the Lives of Incarcerated Women

As part of its Collective Impact Series, Columbia College Chicago hosts a presentation by Piven Theatre Workshop on using theatre to impact the lives of women incarcerated at Cook County Jail.

Adjunct Instructor and Grammy Nominee Mary Mazurek Talks Audio Trailblazing

Mary Mazurek on working for a Big Three recording studio, overcoming obstacles as an engineer, and *that* Grammy nomination

Alumna Kendra Allen Lands Two-Book Deal From Ecco

Kendra Allen, BA ’17, declared herself a Nonfiction major and hasn’t looked back

Communication Chair Suzanne McBride Talks Covering Politics

Suzanne McBride leads Columbia students interested in politics on the journey of a lifetime

Sydne Horton Doesn't Fit the Bill, Sydne Horton Writes the Bill

Writer, director, and all-around go-getter Sydne Horton talks making movies that matter

Detours to Success: Michelle Harmon on taking the Back Road to Happiness

Sometimes the detour you take leads on an alternate route to happiness and fulfillment

Associate Professor Katie Paciga Clearly Practices What She Preaches

Humanities, History and Social Sciences Associate Professor Katie Paciga teaches early childhood literacy at Columbia College Chicago

Something is Strange in Crestfall, Idaho

Crestfall is a remote town, in a remote place, inhabited by a curious cast of characters. They are interesting, lovable, and unique. And they keep dying of not-so-natural causes...

Columbia College Chicago Looks to the Future at Black Arts Festival

Black Arts Festival is celebrating its third consecutive year at Columbia this February 20-22.

Delvin McCray '16: From Switching Majors to Making it to the Fashion Majors

Columbia College Chicago alum Delvin McCray reflects on how he moved into the world of fashion, the roads to Project Runway and Paris Fashion Week

Darrell Jones Dances His Way to Success

Faculty member Darrell Jones talks dance and upcoming projects.

CTVA Alum Joseph Mireles on Writing for The Magicians

Joseph Mireles went from being a volunteer waiter to being a writer on one of SyFy's most popular shows. Here's how.

Zen and the Art of Audio Preservation

Columbia College Chicago adjunct faculty member and alum Joseph Tessone is an expert in all things audio. Here, he discusses his work as President and Lead Engineer at Mystery Street Recording Company.

Columbia College Chicago’s Window Fashion Exhibit Turns Heads on Michigan Avenue

Columbia’s Fashion Studies Department makes their fashion exhibit accessible to passers-by.

Dan Dinello on Children of Men

Professor Emeritus Dan Dinello of CTVA discusses themes of nationalism, xenophobia, and gendered violence in Children of Men.

DJ Ca$h Era, '17, Takes Chicago

DJ Ca$h Era on building skills in DJing, radio, and the art of pivoting to find long-term success.

MFA Creative Writing/Fiction Alumnus Solome Skaff ‘04 Publishes Book, LifeCare

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

Danny Kravitz Walks the Walk: On Life, Mentorship, and the Road to The Marksman

Cinema and Television Arts faculty member Danny Kravitz discusses his upcoming movie "The Marksman," starring Liam Neeson.

Jonathan Castillo’s Photography is Taking Him Places

Columbia College alumnus Jonathan Castillo tells us how photography landed him in Chicago and on the pages of The New Yorker.

Keith Walker is Just Getting Started

Director of photography, documentarian, entrepreneur, and Columbia alumnus Keith Walker sits down to talk about his life, his work, and what comes next.

Jim DeRogatis Has Been “Writin' the same stories over and over and over again*” Resulting in Lifetime’s Docuseries “Surviving R. Kelly”

Associate Professor Jim DeRogatis featured in docuseries dedicated to R. Kelly abuse allegations and culture of complicity

Associate Professor Michelle Yates Receives Illinois Arts Council Agency Grant for Documentary Rebel Bells

Humanities, History, and Social Sciences Associate Professor Michelle Yates produces first short film

Columbia College Chicago Adjunct Professor and MFA Alum Kate Wisel Publishes Thesis Project

Kate Wisel is the author of Driving in Cars with Homeless Men, winner of the 2019 Drue Heinz Literature Prize, selected by Min Jin Lee.

Civic Media Wednesday: A New Free Evening Workshop Series at Columbia College Chicago

Assistant Professor Yonty Friesem, together with five colleagues, is one of nine 2019-2020 Academic Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programming Grant awardees for the upcoming Civic Media Workshop Series.

Columbia College Chicago Film Student Produces Award-Winning Film, “Burning Cane,” Now Available on Netflix

Columbia College Chicago Student Mose Mayer produced "Burning Cane," which is now available on Netflix

New Murals Added to the Wabash Arts Corridor

WAC showcases several new murals from local and international artists.

Shining a Light on Broadway

Theatre Design Associate Professor Heather Gilbert discusses her award-winning work in the Broadway play The Sound Inside.

Congratulations to All of Our Graduates

Columbia College Chicago celebrated the class of 2019 at this year's Commencement ceremonies.

2018 Year in Review: Shape What’s Next

A look back at some the past year’s highlights and accomplishments by Columbia College Chicago’s creative and scholarly community.

Video: "Birmingham, Alabama, 1963: Dawoud Bey/Black Star" at MoCP

Photography Professor and MacArthur Fellowship recipient Dawoud Bey discusses his current exhibition, which runs through July 7 at Columbia's Museum of Contemporary Photography.

Commencement 2019 Celebrated Graduates and Distinguished Honorary Degree Recipients

Columbia College Chicago honored nearly 1,800 graduating students and three honorary degree recipients.

Jim DeRogatis and His New Book Make the Case Against R. Kelly

Jim DeRogatis discusses how his decades of reporting led him to his new book, "Soulless: The Case Against R. Kelly."

A Philosopher and a Psychologist Discuss "The Emotional Mind"

Co-authors Stephen Asma and Rami Gabriel, in conversation with Colbey Reid, discuss their new book which explores how emotions are the largest part of the human mind.

Columbia’s Newly Tenured Faculty

This year’s newly tenured faculty members share more about themselves and their work.

"It's About the Girls": Journalist Jim DeRogatis Takes on R. Kelly

Music critic, journalist, and faculty member Jim DeRogatis details his decades-long journey uncovering the story behind R. Kelly and his alleged victims.

Intersectionality at the Heart of the 4th Annual Chicago Feminist Film Festival

Co-directors Michelle Yates and Susan Kerns reflect on some of the films that make this year’s festival “the best yet.”

The Next Generation of Philanthropy

With the new Tonika Johnson Scholarship for Photography, Tonika Johnson ’03 gives back to Columbia with purpose. Congratulations to first year student Nyia Sissac, the inaugural winner of the scholarship.

Video: From Page to Screen: "On the Basis of Sex"

Former faculty member Daniel Stiepleman, the screenwriter of the Ruth Bader Ginsburg biopic "On the Basis of Sex," recalls finding his voice and getting his big Hollywood break with the help of Karen Loop, associate dean of Los Angeles programs.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Story from Page to Screen

Former faculty member Daniel Stiepleman, the screenwriter of the Ruth Bader Ginsburg biopic "On the Basis of Sex," recalls finding his voice and getting his big Hollywood break with the help of Karen Loop, associate dean of Los Angeles programs.

Confronting the Legacy of Whiteness

Chair of the Humanities, History, and Social Sciences Department C. Richard King discusses his vision for the department and how his scholarship applies to his new role.

At the Forefront of Fashion Studies

Lauren Downing Peters and Justin LeBlanc join the Fashion Studies Department to advance the department’s mission toward a curriculum focused on innovation and inclusion.

Red Clay Dance Collaborates Across Continents

Led by alum Vershawn Sanders-Ward ’02, the TransAtlantic Project brings Chicago’s Red Clay Dance and Uganda’s Keiga Dance Company together at the Dance Center Nov. 8-10.

Columbia College Chicago "In the News" 2018

Columbia’s students, alumni, and faculty filled the headlines over the last academic year with top rankings, historic achievements, and continued engagement with art and activism.

Highlights from Theatre Reunion Weekend

Columbia welcomes alumni and supporters for a reunion celebration at the newly renovated Getz Theater Center. Mayor Rahm Emanuel proclaims October 19, 2018, as Columbia College Chicago Theatre in Chicago.

Dan Rybicky's Documentary on the National Healthcare Crisis

Student Yasmeen Qahwash writes about Cinema and Television Arts Associate Professor Dan Rybicky's new film "Accident, MD," now streaming on Vimeo.

A Space for Storytelling

Sez Me: The Columbia Story Hour (and a Half) brings a Chicago sensibility to the new live storytelling series on campus.

Cultivating a World of Dance

The Dance Department’s Practitioner-in-Residence Qudus Onikeku brings a global and anti-disciplinary approach to Columbia students.

Columbia Creates Video to Help Families Keep 'Focus on Children'

In collaboration with the Circuit Court of Cook County’s Domestic Relations Division, Cinema and Television Arts students and faculty fuse documentary and public service.

What is the ‘Collective Impact’ of Making Art for a Community?

Inaugural Series brings artists to Columbia for a year of art-making and discussion.

Graphic Novel Captures a World on the Brink

Illustration alum Nick Drnaso’s "Sabrina" is the first-ever graphic novel to be longlisted for the Man Booker Prize.

Animating Empathy Through Tiny Details

Interactive Arts and Media Associate Professor K-J Mathieson discusses her award-winning animated short film “Corky.”

Imagining the Future of Fashion

After a semester full of accolades, the Fashion Studies Department is looking to the future of fashion through sustainability.

What Are You Working On?

We asked a handful of faculty and staff what projects they’ll be working on over the summer.

FSSI Event Continues to Raise Funds

The Faculty and Staff Scholarship Initiative event exceeded expectations and continues to raise funds for students in need.

Commencement 2018 Celebrates Graduates and Distinguished Honorary Degree Recipients

Columbia College Chicago honored more than 2,000 graduating students and four honorary degree recipients.

2017 Year in Review

A look back at the achievements, highlights, and innovations of faculty, students, and alumni of Columbia College Chicago in the past year.

The Origins of Joan Giroux’s 'eco monopolies'

Joan Giroux discusses her ongoing 'eco monopolies' project, the focus of her residency in the Commons at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.

Afrofuturism Then, Now, and 'In Their Own Form'

The MoCP's new exhibition brings an opportunity to revisit the roots of Afrofuturism.

The New Frontier: Augmented and Virtual Realities

Industry leaders bring their expertise to Columbia’s new online courses.

How Would You Define Chicago Hip-Hop?

With the launch of Columbia’s Hip-Hop Studies minor, members of Columbia and the Hip-Hop community share their perspectives on what makes Chicago Hip-Hop unique.

Haystack and Columbia Craft a Community

Haystack Mountain School of Crafts partners with Columbia to offer fellowships for students of color exploring the haptic arts.

Columbia’s Newly Tenured Faculty

This year’s newly tenured faculty members share more about themselves and their work.

One Photograph at a Time: The Ruttenberg Legacy Continues

Biff and Buzz Ruttenberg’s stewardship continues their parents’ legacy of supporting the Museum of Contemporary Photography.

Columbia Students Stand Up and Say #Enough

Students participate in the nationwide walkout to protest the lack of action around gun control.

When Process Takes the Stage

As the Dance Center nears the end of its 44th season, it celebrates another year of dynamic performances by exploring process in a festival running March 29-April 7.

Hidden Treasures in Columbia’s Archives

The College Archives and Special Collections finds and shares Columbia’s legacy of art, activism, and everything in between.

Celebrating Faculty Publications

The annual Publication Celebration showcases a compelling range of work by Columbia's faculty and recognizes their 2017 publishing achievements.

Film Narratives We Need Now

The third annual Chicago Feminist Film Festival showcases the diverse experiences audiences want to see on screen. March 7-9 at Columbia College Chicago.

Challenge Accepted: Columbia Alum and Trustee Raises the Bar

Jeremy Efroymson MFA ’98, Vice President of the Efroymson Family Fund, discusses how a $1 million challenge grant will bolster support for the creative work and success of Columbia students.

A Wealth of Talent: Faculty and Staff Fundraise for Students

The Faculty and Staff Scholarship Initiative (FSSI) group volunteers their time and talents to support the next generation of creative professionals.

A Dancer and Her Tools: Onye Ozuzu’s “Project Tool”

Onye Ozuzu performs at the Chicago Cultural Center with award-winning work and a plan for survival.

Black Arts Festival Looks Back to 1968 and Moves Forward

Alivia Blade ’17 and Bri Heath ’17 bring the 2018 Black Arts Festival to Columbia—the first of its kind in 50 years.

New Faculty Bring Dynamic Intersectional Work to School of Media Arts

Columbia welcomes three new assistant professors to the School of Media Arts who are "pushing their fields forward."

Focusing in on a Movement

Photographer for the Hillary Clinton campaign, and most recently the Women’s March in Chicago, Sarah Matheson ’16 is always ready with her camera.

Body Positive and Fashion Forward

In her new television show 'The Perfect Fit,' Communication Assistant Professor Shannelle Armstrong-Fowler brings body positivity to bridal fashion.

Columbia Recommends

Columbia staff and faculty members share the books, podcasts, and TV shows they can’t get enough of.

Launching the New Hip-Hop Studies Minor

The Fresh Connect event brought communities together to celebrate the launch of the new Hip-Hop Studies minor.

Who is Chicago for?

Associate Professor Joan Giroux and Assistant Professor René King guide students’ exploration of Chicago through its urban planning and activism.

What We Can Still Learn from Harold Washington

Associate Professor Alton Miller imparts lessons from the charismatic and revered mayor to his "Big Chicago" students.

Linguistic Diversity and ASL

American Sign Language (ASL) Associate Professor Diana Gorman Jamrozik believes students who take ASL courses are part of a “revolution” in Deaf awareness.

Authoring Chicago's Past and Present

First-semester students in Sam Weller's "Big Chicago" course find inspiration in the city and tap into their own stories.

Columbia's First #GivingTuesday

#GivingTuesday highlights the support of Columbia’s community and the direct impact generosity has on Columbia students.

Remembering Harold Washington

Alton Miller, Prexy Nesbitt, and the Columbia community had strong ties to 1983 Honorary Degree Recipient and Chicago’s first African-American mayor Harold Washington.

Here's the Score: Showcasing Alumni Compositions

Hot off the heels of being named a top music program in the country for the second year in a row, a Masters in Music Composition for the Screen alumni showcase reveals the collaboration process between composers and filmmakers.

Development and Alumni Relations: Columbia's Frontline

Meet Columbia’s new fundraising team, whose diverse professional backgrounds bring new energy and vision to build a culture of engagement and giving.

Crafting the New Activism

Faculty member Shannon Downey’s viral embroidery balances traditional crafts with internet activism.

Monsters of Our Making

Professor Stephen Asma’s “Big Chicago” course rethinks monsters and our capability of being monstrous.

The Curious Space Between Death and Desire

Evolution, cultural studies, and Chicago history provoke curiosity in the "Big Chicago" course taught by Robin Whatley and Ames Hawkins.

Columbia In The News: Highlight Reel 2016-17

Watch highlights from the Columbia faculty, staff, students, and alumni who made headlines in 2016-17.

90s Pilsen Through Akito Tsuda's Lens

After more than two decades, the Pilsen community welcomes back Photography alum Akito Tsuda ’93 to celebrate his book and exhibition, "Pilsen Days."

Tonika Johnson: Photographing 'Everyday Rituals'

Tonika Johnson ’03 creates new narratives of Englewood and other Chicago neighborhoods through art-making.

An Anti-Racist Institution

A year of Undoing Racism workshops show Columbia’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Get Reel: Authenticity in Chicago Filmmaking

Cinema and Television Arts Associate Professor Karla Fuller explores authorship in filmmaking in the “Big Chicago” course, Chicago Film History.

ASL Turns 25

In its 25th year, Columbia’s American Sign Language (ASL) Department continues to reflect the evolution of Deaf culture.

Interrogating Pop Culture Through Dance

Raquel “Rocky” Monroe weaves dance scholarship and pop culture studies in her “Big Chicago” Dance, Sex, and Popular Culture course.

The Critical Art of Criticism

In Jim DeRogatis’ “Big Chicago” course, first-year students learn from a music critic, an investigative reporter breaking national stories, and a Chicagoan.

Teaching Beyond the Syllabus

2017 Excellence in Teaching Award winners Ann Gunkel and Kristi Bramlett present on what makes their pedagogies unique.

The Work Behind WAC

A student-produced exhibition will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the new South Loop murals.

Commencement 2017 Celebrates Graduates and Distinguished Honorary Degree Recipients

Columbia College Chicago honors more than 2,200 graduating students and six honorary degree recipients.

Community Spaces By Design

Joan Giroux and René King collaborate to teach Interior Architecture students how to design spaces with a real-life impact.

Scoring for the Screen

Composer-in-Residence Miriam Cutler and Kubilay Uner, director of the Music Composition for the Screen MFA, discuss how they prepare student-composers for their industry.

Celebrating the Dammeyer Fellowship

Ervin Johnson’s Dammeyer Fellowship culminated in a weekend-long exhibition at Ravenswood’s Gallery 19.

The Fast Pace of Digital Learning

Digital Learning opens up new opportunities for Columbia.

See It All with 360 Video

Television Associate Professor Mat Rappaport’s course in 360 video expands the boundaries of content creation.

Photography Faculty Member Brad Temkin Wins Guggenheim

Photography faculty member Brad Temkin talks about what it means for him to win the prestigious award.

Beyond the Badge

Get to know some of Columbia's long-time and beloved campus security staff.

In Good Company

Years of collaborative relationships converge in Photography faculty member Cecil McDonald Jr.’s debut monograph.

The Future of Their Disciplines: Columbia’s Newly Tenured Faculty

Columbia’s eight newly tenured faculty members share more about themselves and their work.

Storytelling and Curiosity at the Faculty Showcase

A preview of Tania Richard's and Fo Wilson’s upcoming presentations at the April 26 Faculty Showcase.

The Next Movement: Hip-Hop and the B-Series

Dance visiting lecturer Kelsa Robinson on how Columbia’s B-Series can reintroduce audiences to underground dance and hip-hop.

Move Over Moodle, Canvas is Coming

Columbia’s new LMS will create more collaborative and effective classroom time through its ease of mobile use.

Meet Columbia's New VP of Development and Alumni Relations

Shawn Wax, Columbia's new VP of Development and Alumni Relations, discusses what he's most looking forward to at the college and why he admires Chicagoans.

The World is Watching: Ai Weiwei at the MoCP

Ai Weiwei’s first solo show in Chicago opens at the Museum of Contemporary Photography on April 13.

The New Faculty Showcase

Andrew Causey and Anne Marie Mitchell will present their recent scholarship at the first of many cross-departmental showcases.

A Summer Well Spent

Columbia launches new pre-collegiate summer programs aimed at students wanting to jump-start their education.

Just Bead It

Stephan Wanger ’94 recycles thousands of Mardi Gras beads into gigantic, detailed mosaics—and teaches others to do the same through his nonprofit, Bead Town.

A Seat at the Table

Recent alumni return to Columbia to discuss their post-graduation journeys as successful Black professionals.

Chicago Point Zero

The intersection of feminism and social practice is at the center of Columbia’s upcoming exhibition.

Why We Need 'truth talk' Now

Assistant professor of English Nicole Spigner writes on the impetus for Columbia’s 'truth talk' series and the need to address police brutality as a community.

Students First

New Dean of Students John Pelrine talks about how he envisions working with students and the larger Columbia community.

It's Good to Hear Your Voice

Columbia partners with Lyric Opera to bring major industry leaders like Renée Fleming and Michelle Williams into the classroom.

Columbia is a Feminist

Opening March 1, the Chicago Feminist Film Festival is screening what Hollywood won’t.

Dean Rasinariu on the New School of Graduate Studies

Dean Corey on a Bold New Core Curriculum Proposal

Dean Freedman on SMA's Investment in Change and Creating New Opportunities

A Letter (and a Recipe) from Ames on Faculty Engagement and Communication

Dean Ozuzu on SFPA’s Reimagining of Creative Practice

Moving Curriculum Forward

Provost Wearden on curricular enhancements and recent academic appointments.

Investing in Our Mission

Columbia’s new Senior VP of Business Affairs and CFO shares his insights on Chicago, the college and how he views his role in changing the world.

New Wave Journalism

With the increasing tension between the current White House administration and the media, how will the next generation of mulitimedia journalists tell their stories?

A Curator in The Making

MFA student America Salomon's first foray into curating reveals a surprising body of work.

Past, Present, Future: A Closer Look at Chicago Magazine's Recent Profile on Columbia

Chicago Tonight invited President Kim to provide context and insight on Chicago Magazine’s recent profile about Columbia. There's more to the story...

Care Package

ColumbiaCares is a fund created by and for students to provide assistance during financial emergencies.

An Activist Marches Forward

HHSS adjunct faculty member Rozell “Prexy” Nesbitt shares his insights on activism in and out of the classroom.

Be Here Now

First-year students map their Chicago experience in associate professor Sam Weller’s City of Stories class.

Diversifying the Writer's Portfolio

The Creative Writing Department proposes a new undergraduate curriculum that would go into effect Fall 2017.

Braving the Cold for a Cause

Columbia students bring awareness to veteran homelessness by participating in the 24-hour SleepOut.

800 Years and Counting

The Annual Service Award Celebration honors the faculty and staff who have worked at Columbia for 10 or more years.

From One Place to Another

Art and Art History faculty member Mat Wilson's approach to an upcoming CTA installation about immigration is personal and political.

Under the Covers

Associate professor of Design Ivan Brunetti reveals his creative process behind illustrating covers for 'The New Yorker.'

You Don't Say...

Staff member Edward Thomas-Herrera makes audiences laugh and squirm with his performances, and his latest endeavor took on added meaning during this election season.

Classroom Stories: The Day After

Provost Wearden addresses the Chairs Council; Columbia students and faculty share their classroom experience the day after the 2016 election.

A Chance at Change

Our conversation with three Columbia students as they reflect on their experience before and after voting in their first presidential election.

Find Your Calling: The New 60-second Columbia Video Spot

President Kim Appoints 2016-17 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee is comprised of individuals whose experience and expertise ensure a wide range of perspectives will be brought to bear in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion at Columbia College Chicago.

We're Laughing With You: Part 2

Theatre assistant professor Anne Libera talks about creating the first ever BA in Comedy Writing and Performance and why the next Tina Fey is probably here at Columbia.

Faculty Perspective on Politics this Election Year

Columbia faculty members weigh in on how they facilitate the discussion of politics in the classroom.

On Curriculum Change, Openness and Responsiveness

Senior Vice President and Provost Stan Wearden shares his vision on curriculum change and outlines the process.

Nine Things to Know About "Nollywood"

Iké Udé's bold exhibition at the MoCP merges photography, art history, cinema and fashion.

Comedy, Truth, Distance and Poop: Part 1

Theatre assistant professor Anne Libera talks about comedy theory, re-thinking safe spaces and the joys (and dangers) of comedy during an election year.

Our Kind of Happening

Neysa Page-Lieberman and Shannon Bourne showcase the vitality of the Columbia arts community at the 4th annual Wabash Arts Corridor Crawl.

Language Arts

Associate Professor Dr. Jim Van Manen explores the intersection of visual art and Deaf Culture in preparation for the "In the Eyes of Deaf Artists III" exhibition.

Campus Spaces 2.0

The Getz Theatre is set for a major makeover while Columbia completes renovations on two campus spaces.

Stepping Inside Chicago Video Game History

A part of Chicago’s video game history since the 90s, Josh Tsui ’91 wants to preserve that history in "Insert Coin: Inside Midway’s 90s Revolution."

The Current Climate

Artist and Photography professor Judy Natal shares moments that shaped her work in preparation for her keynote address at the Chicago Climate Festival.

Onye Ozuzu on Undoing Racism

"If race is a drama that human beings wrote, what part do I play in the performance of it?"

Latinx Campeón

Latino Cultural Affairs Coordinator Rogelio Becerra-Ramirez discusses the challenges and opportunities in supporting Latinx students and defining new identities.

On the Radio

Students, staff, alumni and faculty showcase their talents and collaborate on Columbia’s new radio ad.

Art Beyond the Walls

Alum Ervin Alex Johnson ’12 amplifies the intersection between social media, activism and art in his #InHonor exhibition.

Provost Stan Wearden Shares Insight, Optimism on the Year Ahead

Old Brand New

Columbia College Chicago launches a brand strategy.

Let's Get to Work

Associate Dean of Career Development and Industry Relations Erik Friedman talks jobs.

Five Takes from Sharon Wilson-Taylor

Newly appointed Vice President of Student Affairs Sharon Wilson-Taylor, Ph.D, shares some insights into her vision for Columbia students.

Space Odyssey

Director of Graduate Studies for Art and Art History and Associate Professor Paul Catanese’s "Visible from Space" is on view at the Chicago Cultural Center.

Filmed On Location

Chicago shapes the career of Hollywood producer and alum Bob Teitel ’90.

The Musicology of Rosita Sands

Newly appointed Chair of Music, Rosita Sands, EdD, shares her personal journey with music and education, and connects that experience with Columbia’s path ahead.

Ahead of the Game

Columbia brings two game-based exhibitions to DEPS galleries this fall.

2016 Commencement Leaves Graduating Students Inspired

The class of 2016 was treated to a host of student performances and dynamic speeches.

Manifest's Memorable 2016 Festivities

More than 2,000 graduating students showcased their work throughout the daylong festival.

Bill Wolf Elected Board of Trustees Chair

The trustee member was elected to succeed Richard Kiphart at the final 2015-16 academic year board meeting.

Commencement 2016 Celebrates Graduates and Distinguished Honorary Degree Recipients

Columbia College Chicago honors more than 2,000 graduating students and five honorary degree recipients

Lighting Up the Steppenwolf Stage

Columbia College Chicago alumna Caroline Neff joins the Steppenwolf Theatre acting ensemble.

A Permanent Collection

The Art Institute of Chicago acquires four fabric pieces by professor Michael Olszewski of Fashion Studies.

Diane Dammeyer's Generous Pledge Funds Photography Fellowship Focused on Social Issues

Fellowship creates new partnership between Columbia College Chicago and Heartland Alliance.

Big Walls Rise in the Wabash Arts Corridor

Wabash Arts Corridor Big Walls showcases 18 new murals from local and international artists.

A Heart for Václav Havel Comes to Columbia College Chicago

Consulate General of the Czech Republic to present sculpture and commemorate Havel's life and work.

Graduating Students Showcase Their Accomplishments at Manifest

Chicago's largest student-run arts festival celebrates Columbia's class of 2016.

Robert Green Appointed Vice Provost for Digital Learning

Former CFO and AVP of Operations for Berklee College of Music's Berklee Online will oversee expansion of Columbia's online course offerings.

Onye Ozuzu Named Dean of School of Fine and Performing Arts

Dance professor, dancer and choreographer Onye Ozuzu named Dean of School of Fine and Performing Arts.

Columbia to Cover MAP Grants for 2015-16 Academic Year Due to State Budget Impasse

Illinois legislature leaves students without 2015-16 MAP funding and uncertainty remains for MAP grant recipients for 2016-17; college helps prepare students for upcoming academic year.

Ten For Tenure

Congratulations all around to our ten newly tenured faculty members!

Robert Tenges Appointed Assistant Provost

Former Executive Director of Sherwood Community Music School appointed Assistant Provost of Continuing and Community Education.

Suzanne McBride Appointed Chair of the Department of Communication and Media Innovation

Associate Chair Suzanne McBride appointed Chair of the recently formed Department of Communication and Media Innovation.

Alex Wroblewski Named Student Photographer of the Year by White House News Photographers Association

Journalism student Alex Wroblewski (BA ’16) is named the 2016 Student Still Photographer of the Year by the White House News Photographers Association.

MoCP at 40 Celebrates Impressive Photography Collection

The Museum of Contemporary Photography celebrates 40th anniversary with MoCP at 40.

Keri Walters Named Registrar

Former Assistant Provost for Academic Services Keri Walters is appointed Registrar.

Student Center Program Completed

Columbia College Chicago’s finalized student center program reveals a student-driven vision.

Ames Hawkins Appointed Inaugural Faculty Fellow

Department of English Associate Chair Ames Hawkins is appointed as Columbia College Chicago’s first Faculty Administrative Fellow.

Peter Cook Named Chair of American Sign Language Department

Associate Professor and acclaimed storyteller Peter Cook has been promoted to chair of the Department of American Sign Language.

Students Rally for Illinois MAP Funding

Columbia College Chicago students join city-wide rally to call on Illinois legislators about promised higher education state grants for students.  

Jimmy Chamberlin and Terry Diamond Join Board of Trustees

Columbia College Chicago welcomes music technology entrepreneur Jimmy Chamberlin and KDCW Ventures co-founder and partner Terry Diamond to the Board of Trustees.   

Miller Muhammad Becomes New Counseling Services Director

New Counseling Services director E. Cordelia Miller Muhammad encourages students to put mental health on par with academics.

New Career Center for Students to Launch in 2017

A new Career Center is currently in development, aiming to better help students connect with internships, career advising, industry leaders, and more.

New Music Technology Program to Launch Fall 2016

Columbia College Chicago’s newest interdisciplinary degree synthesizes technological know-how with research and aesthetic inquiry.

Columbia Conversations: Town Hall Recap

President Kwang-Wu Kim and Provost Stan Wearden outlined Columbia’s past, present and future in connection with the Strategic Plan at the Town Hall meeting on January 29.

President Kim Appoints Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee is comprised of individuals whose experience and expertise ensure a wide a range of perspectives will be brought to bear in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion at Columbia College Chicago.

Carrie Hanson Named Chicagoan of the Year in Dance

The Chicago Tribune recognized Dance part-time faculty member Carrie Hanson as 2015 Chicagoan of the Year in dance, spotlighting her politically charged work with her dance company The Seldoms.

Two Faculty Members Nominated for Grammy Awards

Associate professor Ilya Levinson and adjunct faculty member Jonathan McReynolds recognized in classical and gospel music categories.

Howard Sandroff Shares Historic Interview with Late Composer Pierre Boulez

Audio Arts & Acoustics professor Howard Sandroff reflects on his friendship with late composer Pierre Boulez after unearthing a stowed-away 1994 interview.

Sabina Ott Recognized for Exceptional Work as Artist, Educator

Professor and Guggenheim Fellow Sabina Ott built her life around her artistic philosophy—and she’s having a great year.

John Hildreth Named Chicago Improv Fest Artistic Director

Theatre professor John Hildreth brings his Chicago improv expertise to a new gig as the Chicago Improv Fest's artistic director.

DEPS' Unique Approach to Art Spaces

Columbia College Chicago’s Department of Exhibitions, Performances & Student Spaces is featured on "Culture Spots" national video series for its multi-faceted approach to art spaces.

Student Center: This Time It’s Different

Student Center enters historic programming phase and draws on wide community of campus voices.

DEMO Magazine Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Magazine commemorates 10 years of highlighting alumni accomplishments with special A-to-Z issue

Holly Jolly Trolley Rides In For the Holidays

WCRX and the Radio Department hosts the Holly Jolly Trolley Food Drive for the Greater Chicago Food Depository on Dec. 10.

Alumni Aiming High

President Kim joins more than 60 alums for a New York City Alumni Reception at CNN to help foster stronger connections between alumni and campus community.

Alumni Gamers Level Up

Four Columbia alumni thrive in the booming game design industry.

Gene Siskel Film Center Brings Back Professor’s Documentary

Associate Professor Dan Rybicky’s film Almost There taps into Chicago tradition of storytelling.

CA+S Welcomes Selma Producer Paul Garnes

Cinema Art + Science welcomes Selma Executive Producer Paul Garnes to connect with students at the 2015 Written Image Award Ceremony.

Reading on the Rails

Creative Writing alumna Danielle Wilcox partners with Chicago Transit Authority to bring art publication to Red Line riders.

Mighty Writers

The Department of Creative Writing positions itself to be the flagship program in Chicago following merger of Fiction, Nonfiction and Poetry.

Attracting Prospective Students

With more than 3,000 in attendance, the Fall Open House makes an impression.

Student Documents Aftermath of Paris Attacks

Journalism graduate student Michael Esparza reports from Paris for WGN-TV while documenting the aftermath of the attacks.

College Targets Fall 2018 for New Student Center

New student center enters planning and development phase.

What Might a Columbia Education Mean?

The College Assembly and the Universal Learning Outcomes Committee invite all to discuss recommendations for college-wide learning outcomes.

Scholarship Established For Students With Unpaid Internships

New $175,000 initiative will allocate funds into scholarships for students with unpaid internships.

Budget Overview – Fiscal Year 2016

The college's final budget for fiscal year 2016, recently approved by the Board of Trustees, is presented.

Theatre Plays Itself

Theatre Department launches a new Devised Performance MFA in partnership with the London International School of Performing Arts.

ShopColumbia Hosts Holiday Market Preview

ShopColumbia gives shoppers a head start with a Nov. 23 preview of the 7th Annual Holiday Market, featuring merchandise created by alumni and students.

Board of Trustees Welcomes Four New Members

New Trustee class includes two alumni.

New Pronouns In Town

The college’s Gender Inclusive Initiative expands this year with a new pronoun effort.

Inaugural “Columbia Weekend” Attracts Enthusiastic Crowd

Wabash Arts Corridor Crawl, Parent and Family Weekend, Alumni Day and the Halloween Gathering, come together for a weekend to celebrate arts, culture, and the Columbia College Chicago community.

Two Columbia Artists Take Home 3Arts Awards

Associate Professor Fo Wilson and alumnus Frank Waln each receive unrestricted $25,000 arts award.

Provost Announces Deans Search

Columbia College Chicago launches a search for deans for the School of Fine and Performing Arts and the School of Media Arts. Search committees have been formed, and faculty and staff have been invited to participated in the deans search open forums Oct. 21 & 22

Sustainable Fashion Takes to the Skies

Fashion Studies Department partners with United Airlines to design recycled banners into fashionable carry-on bags.

Comedy Star Jeff Garlin Visits Campus

Garlin will discuss comedy and the entertainment industry with students and the campus community on Oct. 27. Anne Libera, long-time friend of Garlin to host the conversation.

“Big Chicago” First-Semester Experience Makes Big Connections

New pilot program brings ambitious, engaging ideas rooted in Chicago, paired with immersive experience.

Aleksandar Hemon Joins Columbia College Chicago as First Distinguished Writer-in-Residence

MacArthur Foundation Fellow (“genius” grant recipient), Guggenheim Fellow and National Book Award Finalist begins three-year residency.

Wabash Arts Corridor Crawl Heats Up with Major New Installations and “Columbia Weekend” Extravaganza

For the first time at Columbia College Chicago, the WAC Crawl has aligned its annual fest around what’s being called “Columbia Weekend,” a two-day celebration of the college’s extended network with Alumni and Parent Weekend.

A Job, a Gerbil, and The Second City

Theatre Directing student Makena Metz (BA '17) talks about her experience at The Second City.

DEPS Introduces Summer Alumni Residency Program

The Department of Exhibition and Performance Spaces introduces first ever Summer Alumni Residency Program

Theatre Students Selected to Showcase Work at International Student Art Festival

Students from Columbia College Chicago’s Theatre Department have been selected to perform in the prestigious international NEU/NOW Festival 2015.

President Kim Honored at 2015 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White honored Columbia College Chicago’s president, Dr. Kwang-Wu Kim at the office’s 2015 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration at the James R. Thompson Center.

Commencement 2015 Celebrates Graduates and Distinguished Alumni

Columbia College Chicago honors more than 2,300 graduating students and five alumni honorary degree recipients

Columbia College Chicago Presents 19th Annual Story Week Festival of Writers

Featured guests include Edwidge Danticat, Marlon James, Chris Abani, Mitchell S. Jackson, T. Geronimo Johnson, Audrey Niffenegger, Bernice L. McFadden, playwrights Regina Taylor and Kia Corthron, and more

In Celebration of Sheldon Patinkin

Columbia College Chicago, Steppenwolf Theatre and Second City host "A Celebration of the Life of Sheldon Patinkin"

Heriberto Quiroz Selected for Emerging Lens Program

On January 14th, Columbia College Chicago Photography senior Heriberto Quiroz will debut a series of photographs for the exhibition Sustenance: Chicago and the Food Chain at ART WORKS Projects for Human Rights.

Documentarian Michael Moore Encourages Student Filmmakers to Put Art Before Politics

In a presentation to aspiring student filmmakers at Columbia College Chicago on Oct. 22, Moore recounted stories from his years of divisive filmmaking.

Alexander Knox: A Project Runway Favorite

Fashion Studies senior Alexander Knox shares his journey from Columbia College to Season 13 of Project Runway.

Columbia College Exhibition: Cargo Space: Chicago/Milwaukee

The exhibition will take place in galleries in Chicago and Milwaukee and on a refurbished 27’ diesel transit bus traveling between the cities. This artist-centered experiment promotes an alternative model for social, creative and curatorial engagement and connects artists and art organizations across state lines.

Columbia College Chicago Exhibition: Papercuts

With 31 works by artists from Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, France and the United States, Papercuts transforms the ancient technique of paper cutting from 6th century China into bold, contemporary statements on international historical, cultural and personal identity.

Columbia College Teams Up with Shepard Fairey and “The Provocateurs” Exhibition

Columbia College Chicago has teamed up with Shepard Fairey (OBEY series, Obama HOPE) and three other Art Alliance: The Provocateurs artists to showcase their work in the Wabash Arts Corridor as part of the exhibition with Lollapalooza.

Enduring Style: Practice Makes Perfect

Columbia College’s Fashion Studies program is partnering with Willis Tower for its Enduring Style: Practice Makes Perfect exhibition on display throughout the building’s ground-floor lobby through Sept. 5.

Jonathan Stern: New VP of Development

Columbia College Chicago has selected Jonathan Stern as vice president of development. In his new role, Stern will partner with President and CEO Kwang-Wu Kim to lead the College’s development program...

History of Corrido Music Reconnects Professor, Alumna

The occasional distant saxophone riff and scuffles from the above floor are all that sneak through the brief quiet of a classroom in the music building.

Truth to Power: Documentary Filmmaking as Catalyst for Change

There’s a spirit to the Spitz family style of documentary filmmaking that’s distinctively grounded in the Chicago tradition of storytelling.

Art + Design Students Create Condom Dispensers for Chicago Public Schools

What does it mean to design a product, packaging and public health campaign that could potentially change social behavior?

Senior Frank Waln Empowers Others through Activism, Music

Audio Arts & Acoustics senior Frank Waln vowed to himself the day he left his home on a South Dakota reservation—where he is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe and identifies as Sicangu Lakota—that he would return one day to help those in his community reach their creative success.

The Columbia Chronicle named best newspaper in state

The Columbia Chronicle won 19 awards from the 2014 Illinois College Press Association, including a first place win in the General Excellence category.

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

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.

Photography Student Erica McKeehen Tests the Limits of Our Assumptions

McKeehen, MA ’21 MFA ’23 on how photography can combat the vilification of femme- presenting people.