Columbia In The News: 2026
Links to external media stories that feature or mention Columbia College Chicago.
Newcity Stage profiles Columbia College Chicago assistant professor of instruction Bevara Anderson-Selkridge and her company, BALA Dance Project, ahead of “Essence,” its first evening-length presentation at the Dance Center Oct. 23–24. The story explores her collaborative approach to choreography, the influence of contemporary African dance style Umfundalai, and the community of current and former Columbia dancers who perform with her. Chase Infiniti to Star in Dylan Clark Horror Movie ‘Portrait of God’ for Lionsgate
The Hollywood Reporter, Oct 01, 2026The Hollywood Reporter reports that Columbia College Chicago alum Chase Infiniti ’22 will star in “Portrait of God,” a Lionsgate horror film directed and co-written by Dylan Clark. The project marks the first collaboration between producers Sam Raimi and Jordan Peele.
Obama Center’s Barbara Bates Retrospective Celebrates a Chicago Fashion Legend
Block Club, Sep 29, 2026Block Club Chicago highlights Columbia College Chicago design students’ collaboration with Chicago fashion designer Barbara Bates on a fashion show at the Obama Presidential Center celebrating the 40th anniversary of her brand. The event also features a retrospective of Bates’ work, with a portion of proceeds supporting Mount Sinai Hospital’s Barbara Bates Imaging Center.
Burrowcore Is the Cozy Fall Trend That Makes You Want to Stay Home
Homes & Gardens, Sep 28, 2026Rebecca Midden, assistant professor of Interior Architecture, shares her perspective on “burrowcore,” a decorating trend focused on comfort and refuge. Midden says the trend reflects a desire for rooms that offer a sense of separation from the demands of work, media, and public life. The Blue-Collar AI Job Market Is Booming. Will Data Center Backlash Make It Go Bust?
CNBC, Sep 26, 2026Justin Sinkovich, associate professor in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Columbia College Chicago, thinks the usual AI jobs narrative of displacement is incomplete, with the data center counter-story as one example. As Arts in the Dark Parade Grows, It’s Moving Back to Original Route Along Columbus Drive
Block Club, Sep 24, 2026Block Club speaks with Arts in the Dark co-founder and artistic director Mark Kelly HDR ’17, Columbia College Chicago’s former vice president for student success, about the parade’s return to Columbus Drive. Kelly says the parade is part of Columbia’s curriculum this year, with more than 150 students building giant lantern puppets for the October 24 event. We’re Stepping Into Dance Season. Here Are 8 Performances to See This Autumn
WBEZ, Sep 24, 2026WBEZ included INSÉKTA’s world premiere of “MATADORA” at Columbia College Chicago’s Dance Center in its guide to eight fall dance performances. The article highlights the work’s exploration of feminine rage and notes that INSÉKTA, also known as Camila Rivero Pooley ’18, graduated from Columbia’s Dance program. Bad at Sports Wraps Its First Season After Twenty-One Years
Newcity, Sep 22, 2026Newcity spoke with Duncan MacKenzie, associate professor in Columbia College Chicago’s School of Visual Arts and co-founder of the contemporary art podcast “Bad at Sports,” about its 21-year history and the close of its first season. The podcast will record its 999th episode live at a tailgate event at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago on October 3; MacKenzie says the team plans to explore new possibilities for a second season.
The Comedians You Should and Will Know of 2026
Vulture, Sep 21, 2026Vulture named Comedy Writing and Performance alum Jack Bensinger one of its “Comedians You Should and Will Know” for 2026. The profile highlights Bensinger’s distinctive stand-up and self-produced sketches and traces his path from Chicago’s improv scene to New York comedy. What If Emmett Till Had Lived? A New Exhibition Imagines an Alternate Future for the Murdered Black Teenager
Smithsonian Magazine , Sep 21, 2026Smithsonian Magazine explores “If Emmett Till Lived: Freedom on American Ground” at the Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College Chicago. Co-curator Sarah Elizabeth Lewis discusses the poignancy of a photograph depicting a Black father lifting a toddler into the air: While either figure might evoke Till, his murder at age 14 denied him the possibility of ever becoming the father. The exhibition features works by more than 110 artists and remains on view through December 19. Business Chicagoans Bring Art, Culture, Commerce and Community Together With Stoviink Creatives
Windy City Times, Sep 17, 2026Windy City Times profiles Visual Arts alum Storie Devereaux ’17 and her wife and creative partner, Tovi Khali, co-founders of Stoviink Creatives. The South Shore-based venture brings together art, music, wellness, commerce, and community while creating opportunities for independent artists and spaces where Black and queer communities feel represented and celebrated. “He Would Have Been the Center of Everything”: The Art Exhibition Imagining if Emmett Till Lived
The Guardian, Sep 17, 2026The Guardian explored how MoCP’s “If Emmett Till Lived” celebrates Black creativity while asking audiences to reckon with racism and the life Till was denied. “If Emmett Till Lived” Imagines a Better America
New City, Sep 16, 2026Newcity Art reviewed “If Emmett Till Lived: Freedom on American Ground,” highlighting how the MoCP exhibition imagines the full life Emmett Till was denied. A New Photo Exhibit Asks a Heartbreaking Question: What If Emmett Till Had Lived?
Vanity Fair, Sep 14, 2026Vanity Fair highlights “If Emmett Till Lived: Freedom on American Ground,” a multi-artist exhibition at Columbia College Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Photography. Curated by Harvard professor Sarah Elizabeth Lewis under the guidance of Reverend Wheeler Parker Jr., Till’s cousin and a witness to his abduction, the exhibition considers the promise lost through acts of racist violence. 'The Power of Witnessing': Chicago Exhibition Explores Emmett Till’s Stolen Life
MS NOW, Sep 12, 2026MS NOW’s Jacob Soboroff interviews curator Sarah Lewis and Reverend Wheeler Parker Jr., Emmett Till’s cousin and a witness to his abduction, about “If Emmett Till Lived: Freedom on American Ground” at Columbia College Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Photography. Chicago Indie Game Showcase Gears Up for Largest Edition Yet Sunday
Block Club, Sep 11, 2026Block Club Chicago previews the third annual Chicago Indie Game Showcase, which will feature approximately 50 games by developers from Chicago and across the Midwest. The story highlights the support of Night City, a Chicago gaming community run by Columbia College Chicago Assistant Professor of Game Design David Antognoli. New Photography Exhibit at Columbia College Imagines Life of Emmett Till If He Had Lived
WBBM Newsradio, Sep 11, 2026WBBM Newsradio’s Carolina Garibay visited the Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College Chicago for a preview of “If Emmett Till Lived: Freedom on American Ground.” Garibay spoke with curator Sarah Lewis and Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr., Till’s cousin and the last surviving witness to his kidnapping, about how the exhibition imagines the life Till might have lived and highlights Chicago’s role in American progress.
New Chicago Exhibit Shows What Emmett Till’s Life Would Have Looked Like Had Murder Not Happened
ABC 7, Sep 10, 2026ABC7 Chicago’s Leah Hope visited the Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College Chicago to explore “If Emmett Till Lived: Freedom on American Ground.” The segment features curator Sarah Elizabeth Lewis, artist Dawoud Bey, and co-curator Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr., who discuss how the exhibition honors Till’s memory while inviting visitors to consider the life he should have had. Chicago Artist Tony Fitzpatrick’s Memory Lives on in Final Film Role, Directed by His Children
WBEZ, Sep 10, 2026“Driven,” a short film by Columbia College Chicago Alum Max Fitzpatrick '15 and Gabrielle Fitzpatrick, will premiere at three sold-out showings during the Chicago Underground Film Festival at Harper Theater in Hyde Park on Sept. 24 and Sept. 26-27. An Exhibition Imagines Emmett Till’s Life if It Hadn’t Been Brutally Cut Short
The Art Newspaper , Sep 09, 2026The Art Newspaper previews “If Emmett Till Lived: Freedom on American Ground” at the Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College Chicago. The story explores how curator Sarah Elizabeth Lewis and the Reverend Wheeler Parker Jr. drew from the museum’s collection to imagine the life Emmett Till was denied. NBC 5’s “Matt in the Morning” Visits Logan Square Fashion Studio All We Remember
NBC, Sep 08, 2026NBC 5 Chicago’s “Matt in the Morning” visited All We Remember, a sustainable fashion brand with a Logan Square storefront and design studio, co-founded by Columbia College Chicago faculty member Jacob Victorine. Victorine discussed the brand’s commitment to responsible production and offered a behind-the-scenes look at its design and garment-making process. The segment also featured School of Fashion alums Lizzy Fowlkes ’26 and Shelby Olson ’24, who are members of the All We Remember team. (Link not available.) Justin Dougan-LeBlanc Expands the Language of Fashion at The Met
New City, Sep 04, 2026Newcity profiles Columbia College Chicago School of Fashion faculty member Justin Dougan-LeBlanc and his wearable sculptures featured in “Costume Art” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. Dougan-LeBlanc discusses how Deaf experience, sign language, and accessibility shape his multidisciplinary practice, as well as the significance of bringing Deaf histories and perspectives into major cultural institutions. Facets Names Jennifer Murray As Its New Executive Director
New City, Sep 03, 2026Newcity reports that Photography alum Jennifer Murray MFA ’02 has been named executive director of Facets Film Forum. Murray previously served for 11 years as director of Columbia College Chicago’s Averill and Bernard Leviton A+D Gallery and has held leadership roles at Filter Photo and 21c Museum Hotel Chicago. 25 Plays to Catch Off Broadway This (Very) Busy September
The New York Times, Sep 02, 2026The New York Times named “Queen for a Day,” a comedy by Theatre alum Tyler Anthony Smith ’17, among 25 noteworthy Off-Broadway productions to see this fall. Following its Chicago premiere last year, the Hell in a Handbag Productions show opens Sept. 4 at The Tank in New York City for a two-week run. Smith also stars as Queen Elizabeth I alongside Musical Theatre alum Dakota Hughes as Liza Minnelli. Theatre alum and faculty member Stephanie Shaw directs. How Is AI Playing Ping Pong?
WGBH - Boston Public Radio, Aug 24, 2026Columbia College Chicago Professor Stephen Asma joins the Curiosity Desk at Boston's public radio station to discuss the seemingly-conscious and potentially horrifying implications of “wetware biocomputers,” small collections of human stem cells that can be taught to, among other things, play pong. The 30 Best Film Schools in the U.S. and Canada, 2026
MovieMaker, Aug 24, 2026"MovieMaker" lists Columbia College Chicago among the best film schools and highlights the firsthand experience offered at Columbia College Chicago and its ability to bring film industry professionals together with students. Film Schools and the Future: How to Plan for the Unpredictable
MovieMaker, Aug 24, 2026Wenhwa Tsao, Dean of the School of Film and Television, is featured in a story about preparing students for the future. Eddie Vedder’s ‘Better Believe’ Video Goes Behind The Scenes
Spin Magazine, Aug 21, 2026Columbia College Chicago takes center stage in a new behind-the-scenes video documenting the making of Eddie Vedder and Guitars Over Guns’ “Better Believe,” created for the Obama Presidential Center opening. The video highlights recording sessions and rehearsals at Columbia, where Audio Arts students and alumni helped engineer the track and Columbia student Michael “Myskie” Hightower performed alongside Vedder and other young Guitars Over Guns musicians on the project, all of which was facilitated by Columbia adjunct professor Andre “Add-2” Daniels. Ancient Korean Papermaking Finds a Home in Ohio
The New York Times, Aug 17, 2026The New York Times profiles Columbia College Chicago alum Aimee Lee MFA ’09, an artist, papermaker, and leading practitioner of hanji, a traditional Korean paper made from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree. Lee discovered papermaking while studying book and paper arts at Columbia, an experience that inspired her to travel to South Korea and learn the centuries-old craft from master papermakers. Opinion: Forget Sentient AI. Worry About the Living Computers
The Boston Globe, Aug 16, 2026While everyone worries about AI, Columbia College Chicago Professor Stephen Asma cautions about the ethical dilemmas related to wetware biocomputing. FILM ‘Castaway’ Seeks to Create Intergenerational Dialogue for Latinx Audiences Through Storytelling
Windy City Times, Aug 11, 2026Columbia College Chicago alum Nathan Marquez discuses his upcoming short film, “Castaway,” which shines a spotlight on the intersectionality between being queer, growing up Latinx and Catholic, and learning to find community. Our Chicago: Columbia College Chicago's New CEO
ABC7 Chicago, Aug 09, 2026President Shantay N. Bolton spoke with ABC7 reporter Samantha Chatman for the "Our Chicago" Sunday morning segment and shared her vision for Columbia's future. Crime Documentary Bringing Awareness to Michigan Killings Showing This Weekend
Michigan Public, Aug 07, 2026The documentary "1969: Killers, Freaks, and Radicals," made by Columbia College Chicago alum Andrew Templeton '11, covers John Norman Collins, a Metro Detroit native who, in the 1960’s, allegedly assaulted and killed six women in the twin college towns Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.
Andersonville Cowgirl Mural — If You Know, You Know
Chicago Sun-Times, Aug 07, 2026Columbia College Chicago Design alum Ruby Bean ’24 spoke with the Chicago Sun-Times about her lesbian cowgirl-themed mural in Andersonville. Bean, now a full-time muralist, shared how she learned the craft at Columbia while working with instructor and mentor Cheri Lee Charlton, an experience that helped launch her career in public art. Juilliard Hires Director Anna D. Shapiro to Lead Drama Division
The Hollywood Reporter, Aug 06, 2026Columbia College Chicago Theatre alum and Tony Award-winning director Anna D. Shapiro ’90, HDR ’15, has been named the next Richard Rodgers Dean and Director of the Drama Division at the Juilliard School. All We Remember, A Local, Gender-Neutral Clothing Brand, Moves To Logan Square
Block Club Chicago , Aug 04, 2026Block Club Chicago featured All We Remember, the gender-neutral clothing brand co-founded by Columbia College Chicago Fashion faculty member Jacob Victorine. The story explores the brand’s new Logan Square retail and creative space, its focus on sustainable fashion, and its approach to making the design and production process visible to the community. Cameo Names Mackenzie O’Connor Chief Operating Officer
Celebrity Hint, Jul 30, 2026Journalism alum Mazkenize O'Connor, who began at Cameo as a a college intern in 2017, is now the chief operating officer at a company that connects and brands with famous faces on demand.
Communicating With and Designing for an Often-Misunderstood Audience
Advertising & Society Quarterly, Jul 30, 2026Columbia College Chicago Professor Laurence Minsky and a co-author examine veterans' mindsets, media habits, and the messaging and design approaches that resonate with them, offering insights that can also inform effective communications for broader audiences. Columbia College Chicago Launches First Scholarship for Students Who Experienced Foster Care
CBS News Chicago, Jul 30, 2026Columbia College Chicago is now the first private college in Illinois to offer free tuition and wraparound support to students who have experienced foster care. Logan Square Shop All We Remember Blends Retail With Design Studio
FOX 32 Chicago, Jul 28, 2026School of Fashion faculty member Jacob Victorine and business partner Noah Zagor, co-founders of All We Remember, joined FOX 32 Chicago to discuss their Logan Square retail and design studio, where customers can shop while getting a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. If Emmett Till Had Lived, What Might He Have Seen?
CNN, Jul 25, 2026Ahead of the premiere "If Emmett Till Lived: Freedon on American Ground" exhibition this fall, MoCP Executive Director Natasha Egan and MoCP Chief Curator and Deputy Director Karen Irvine were featured in CNN's style section. Billboard’s 2026 Top Music Lawyers Revealed
Billboard Magazine, Jul 20, 2026Associate Professor Loren Wells along with his business partner Tim Kappel are included in “Billboard Magazine’s” latest list of savviest legal minds in music business. Together they own the law firm Wells & Kappell LLP and have prevailed in a precendent-setting court decision that affirms music creator’s copyrights.
The Kids Feel It — Summer Camp at Columbia College Has Kids Singing the Blues
Chicago Sun-Times, Jul 09, 2026The Chicago Sun-Times featured Blues Camp Chicago, the free weeklong summer program founded by Adjunct Professor of Instruction Fernando Jones. Now in its 17th year, the camp brings young musicians from across the country to Columbia College Chicago to learn from seasoned blues artists while building confidence, discipline, and an appreciation for the genre. Emmy Nominations 2026: The Complete List
DEADLINE, Jul 08, 2026Three Columbia College Chicago alums received Emmy nominations for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards. Chase Infiniti ’22 earned a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her performance as Agnes in "The Testaments." Christian Sprenger ’07 was recognized as a producer on "Widow's Bay," which received a nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series. Tari Segal ’03 earned a nomination for Outstanding Cinematography for a One Hour Series as director of photography for "Margo's Got Money Troubles." Pepe Vargas, Champion of Latino Film, Says He’s Retiring on a High Note for Pan-Cultural Arts in Chicago
WBEZ, Jul 06, 2026Pepe Vargas ’85 is featured in WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times as he retires after more than 40 years leading the International Latino Cultural Center. The Columbia broadcast journalism alum founded the Chicago Latino Film Festival in 1985, which has grown into the nation's largest and longest-running Latino film festival and helped shape Chicago's Latino arts and culture landscape. Columbia Hosts Fernando Jones Free Blues Camp
Fox 32 Chicago, Jul 03, 2026Fernando Jones, an adjunct professor at Columbia College Chicago and founder of the Blues Foundation, stopped by Fox 32 to talk about the upcoming FREE blues camp at Columbia for children ages 12 to 18 and to play some blues. Visceral Adventure Lounge Brings Community Art Hub To Humboldt Park
Block Club, Jul 02, 2026Tonika Todorova ’02 is featured in Block Club for the opening of Visceral Adventure Lounge, a new community arts space in Humboldt Park. The theater alum, who describes herself as an "adventure architect," transformed the former church into a neighborhood hub for performances, workshops, open mics, and other community programming designed to foster creativity and connection. Midday Fix: Live Music From Fernando Jones
WGN, Jun 30, 2026Fernando Jones, an adjunct professor at Columbia College Chicago, talks about the upcoming frree Blues Camp at Columbia, which will be held July 5 to 10, and plays a blues tune for the WGN audience. Curating Sounds and Tastes: Meet 2 Chicagoans Working to Make the Obama Presidential Center a Success
WTTW - Chicago Tonight, Jun 24, 2026Adjunct Professor of Instruction Andre "Add-2" Daniels appeared on "Chicago Tonight" to discuss his experiences performing with Guitars Over Guns at the Obama Presidential Center opening. Columbia College Chicago and Rock Legend Eddie Vedder Create Song for Obama Presidential Center Opening
Fox 32 Chicago, Jun 24, 2026Columbia College Chicago, Eddie Vedder, and Guitars Over Guns teamed up to create a special song for the opening of the Obama Presidential Center. Columbia College Adjunct Professor Andre “Add-2” Daniels joined "Good Day Chicago," along with Columbia student Michael "Myskie" Hightower and Columbia alum Anthony Abruzzo, to share the details. WCPT 820 Interview: President Shantay N. Bolton of Columbia College Chicago
WCPT 820, Jun 23, 2026On “Chew’s Views with Richard Chew,” Richard Chew interviews Shantay N. Bolton, PhD, about her vision for Columbia College Chicago, the importance of arts education, and the college’s role in shaping Chicago’s creative future. The Forecast for Arts Grads: Partly Sunny, With Strong Gusts of AI
The Chronicle of Higher Education, Jun 23, 2026This feature highlighted recent School of Theatre and Dance alum Johnathan Webster ’25, who discussed the importance of human creativity in the age of artificial intelligence and the opportunities he found through Columbia's theater program and alumni network in Chicago's live theater scene. Fourth of July Fashion
WGN, Jun 22, 2026Fashion Studies BFA alum Charlee Lambert '26 showcased an original patriotic look on WGN's "Spotlight Chicago" as part of the Driehaus Design Initiative Fashion Awards runway show. The design, inspired by vintage bunting banners and requiring more than 100 hours of work, was selected after Tracey Tarantino of the Driehaus Design Initiative discovered Lambert's work during a visit to Columbia. Lambert's look appears about 5:25 into the segment.
Middle Schoolers Rock Out With Eddie Vedder During Performance for the Obamas
NBC, Jun 22, 2026NBC Chicago highlighted the performance of “Better Believe” at the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, featuring Eddie Vedder and students from the nonprofit Guitars Over Guns. The story notes that Vedder co-wrote the song with Guitars Over Guns alums from Columbia College Chicago, and that royalties from the single will support the organization's music education programs. The song was recorded with support from students and alums from the School of Audio and Music. Eddie Vedder Performs Original Song With "Guitars Over Guns" at Obama Center Opening
CBS News, Jun 18, 2026The song was recorded with help from Audio Arts students and alumni from Columbia College Chicago. All proceeds from the song release will go to Guitars Over Guns, ensuring other young musicians can participate. Eddie Vedder, Guitars Over Guns Team at Obama Center
Spin Magazine, Jun 18, 2026The Obama Foundation brought Vedder and Guitars Over Guns together for the project, which also involved Audio Arts students and alumni from Columbia College Chicago, where the track was recorded. These Chicago Artists Created the Murals for the Obama Presidential Center's Basketball Court
WBEZ, Jun 17, 2026WBEZ/The Chicago Sun-Times featured Columbia College Chicago alum Sam Kirk ’05 and artist Dorian Sylvain for their collaborative mural, “Pass It Forward,” created for the basketball court at the Obama Presidential Center. The story explores the artists' design process and the community-centered themes behind the large-scale work, which celebrates youth, sports and cultural connection. The Unlikely Standout at the Obama Presidential Center? This Bench Designed by Norman Teague
WBEZ, Jun 16, 2026WBEZ profiled Columbia College Chicago alum Norman Teague ’12 and his custom walnut benches created for the Obama Presidential Center. The story highlights Teague’s nearly decade-long involvement with the project, his community-centered design philosophy, and the role Columbia played in shaping his career as a designer. 100 Women We Love: Class of 2026
Go Magazine, Jun 12, 2026LITA DA DOLL, who is among "Go Magazine's" list of 100 Women We Love: Class of 2026, is known for tracks like “It’s Nasty” and “Peggy Battle Beat." The self-described pioneer of the ghetto gospel studied vocal performance with a focus on gospel, blues, and jazz at Columbia College Chicago. Poet Lisa Fishman on the Potential of Space on a Page
WORT Radio , Jun 08, 2026Acclaimed poet, Columbia College Chicago Professor Lisa Fishman from the School of Communication and Culture, talks about her debut novel "Write Back Now!" Rachel Jimenez Penca Named a CS Magazine Power Player
CS, Jun 08, 2026Rachel Jimenez Penca, founder and chief stylist of Rachel J Styling and an adjunct professor of instruction in Columbia College Chicago’s School of Fashion, was featured in CS magazine’s June 2026 “Power Players” issue. In the profile, Jimenez Penca discusses the role of personal style in building confidence and professional success, her leadership philosophy, and her commitment to supporting emerging fashion professionals through mentorship, education, and community-building initiatives. Girls' Lemonade Stand Leads to New Murals in Lincoln Park Tunnel
Chicago Sun-Times, Jun 05, 2026A feature in the Chicago Sun-Times highlights Chicago artist and School of Visual Arts faculty member Cheri Lee Charlton, whose new public artwork, "Day Into Night: Lincoln Park's Living Canvas," transforms the LaSalle Drive underpass connecting Lincoln Park to North Avenue Beach. The two 100-foot murals, depicting daytime and nighttime scenes inspired by local wildlife and city life, originated from an idea proposed by two elementary school students who launched a lemonade stand to help fund the project. Charlton worked with community members to incorporate personal touches throughout the murals, creating what she describes as a joyful, immersive experience for visitors. New Columbia College President on Her Vision for the School’s Future
WTTW, Jun 03, 2026Columbia College Chicago President and CEO Shantay Bolton, PhD, appeared on WTTW's "Chicago Tonight" to discuss her vision for the college's future. Bolton highlighted the college's "Renaissance Rising: Shaping Tomorrow Together" initiative, efforts to strengthen partnerships with Chicago Public Schools and creative industries, and her goal of positioning Columbia as a leading center for creative arts education, workforce development, and industry partnerships. 16 Experts on the Cost of Playing It Safe in B2B Messaging
Medium, Jun 02, 2026Laurence Minsky, a professor at Columbia College Chicago in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship, was tapped for his thoughts on safe messaging. Chicago Musician, Teacher to Perform With Next Generation of Blues Artists at Chicago Blues Fest
WBBM Newsradio, Jun 02, 2026The blues has been the soundtrack to Fernando Jones' life since he was 4 years old. Now, the adjunct professor of instruction at Columbia College Chicago, who will be performing with his "Blues Kids" at this year's Blues Fest, is fostering the same love of the art form in young people today via his annual Blues Camp at Columbia, which will be held this year July 5 to 10. From Dance to Circus: A Riotous Journey with Physical Theater Festival
New City Stage, May 27, 2026Newcity highlighted the upcoming Physical Theater Festival and its new partnership with Columbia College Chicago’s Dance Center, where the Peruvian production "Los Regalos" will make its Chicago debut. Festival organizers cited the collaboration as part of a broader effort to connect with Chicago’s dance community and expand opportunities for movement-based performance. Today In Culture, Wednesday, May 27, 2026: Norman Teague In Lagos | Colbert’s Michigan Night | America’s Jazz Center
New City, May 27, 2026Norman Teague ’12 was featured for his appointment as curator of Design Week Lagos 2026, where he will help lead two major exhibition pavilions exploring contemporary design practices in Nigeria and across the African diaspora. Michelle Monaghan on Juggling Filming and Family Time—And Finally Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
Yahoo News!, May 22, 2026In an interview with "Reader's Digest," actress Michelle Monaghan shares that she studied Journalism at Columbia College Chicago and uses the “who, what, when, where, why and how” method and technique in journalism as a backstory for all her characters. Columbia College Chicago Star Wars Professor Talks 'Mandalorian & Grogu'
ABC-7 Chicago, May 21, 2026Carmelo Esterrich, a professor at Columbia College Chicago who teaches a class on the galaxy far, far away, joined ABC7 Chicago Thursday to talk about all things Star Wars. Can Disney Recapture the Force With ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’?
LA Times Online, May 20, 2026Columbia College Chicago Professor Carmelo Esterrich, who teaches classes about "Star Wars" and has written a book on the Star Wars Multiverse, chimes in on whether or not the nearly 50-year-old franchise can satisfy longtime fans while attracting new ones with the new "Mandalorian and Grogu" film. Pretty Good Fest Announces Guests Chris Ware, Tara Booth, Michael DeForge
New City, May 20, 2026Newcity highlighted the lineup for Pretty Good Fest, which includes Chris Ware HDR '16 alongside cartoonists Tara Booth and Michael DeForge. Ware is a celebrated graphic novelist known for works including “Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth” and “Building Stories.” Inside UnBlocked Englewood: Tonika Lewis Johnson’s Vision for Healing One South Side Block
The TRiiBE, May 20, 2026Tonika Lewis Johnson '03 was featured in “The TRiiBE” discussing UnBlocked Englewood, her arts-driven initiative transforming the 6500 block of South Aberdeen Street through home repairs, public art, and community-led investment. The project builds on Johnson’s earlier works, including “The Folded Map Project” and “Inequity For Sale,” and explores reparative approaches to neighborhood stabilization and housing justice. The story also highlights Johnson’s upcoming solo exhibition at Museum of Contemporary Photography, scheduled for fall 2027 — marking her first solo exhibition in Chicago. Project Styling: Columbia College's Live Fashion Competition
Classic Chicago Magazine , May 18, 2026Classic Chicago Magazine highlighted Columbia College Chicago’s second annual Project Styling competition, a live fashion styling event created by School of Fashion instructor Rachel Jiminez Penca and junior Galaxy Wolf. The story spotlighted student stylists’ “90s Revival” looks, industry mentorship from alumni and faculty judges, and growing interest in fashion styling as an area of study within the School of Fashion. Festival Friday With Diane Pathieu
ABC-7 Chicago, May 15, 2026ABC7 includes Columbia College Chicago's Manifest Arts Fest in its list of upcoming festivals. 23 Things To Do In Chicago This Weekend: Festivals, Vintage Store Day And More
Block Club, May 14, 2026The Manifest Arts Festival earns a spot on Block Club's list of things to do, noting that this year marks 25 years of Columbia’s signature arts festival. Columbia College Seniors Show Off Creative Talents During Student-Produced Manifest Arts Festival
WBBM, May 14, 2026WBBM Newsradio highlighted Columbia College Chicago’s 25th annual Manifest Arts Festival, featuring interviews with Sara-Beth Ramsey, Columbia senior and Manifest creative director. Ramsey discussed the festival’s “Kaleidoscope” theme, student-led performances and exhibitions, and the importance of uplifting the next generation of Chicago creatives. America 250 Merch Is Out in Full Force as Brands ‘Cash In’ on Nostalgia
USA Today, May 14, 2026USA Today interviewed Lauren Downing Peters, associate professor of fashion studies at Columbia College Chicago, examining the rise of America 250 merchandise and the role nostalgia plays in shaping fashion and consumer culture ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Peters discussed how patriotic apparel and branding reflect broader conversations around American identity, history, and style. Columbia College Chicago School of Fashion: Runway Dreams vs. Retail Realities
WGN, May 13, 2026Reyes Witt and Dana Connell from Columbia College Chicago’s School of Fashion appeared on WGN-TV’s “Daytime Chicago” for the segment “Runway Dreams vs. Retail Realities,” discussing how fashion concepts evolve from the runway to the retail market. The segment also featured Columbia students modeling garments designed by fellow student designers. "Black People Magic:" Columbia College Chicago Honors Yo Yo Whitaker and Toi Salter
V103 Radio, May 09, 2026Black People Magic with Jeanne Sparrow gave a shout-out to Columbia's 2026 Honorary Degree Recipents Yo Yo Whitaker and Toi Salter who will be speaking at Columbia's Commencement on Sunday, May 17. Tool or Threat?
Chicago Reader , May 06, 2026Columbia College Chicago Theatre alum Tonika Todorova ’02 is featured in an article by fellow Theatre alum Kerry Reid '87 exploring how Chicago theater artists and advocates are navigating the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in creative work. The story examines how AI is affecting theater both on- and offstage. Why Tech-Savvy Gen Z Is Wary of AI
COMMPRO, May 04, 2026Only 22% of Gen Z respondents report feeling excited about AI, while 42% express anxiety. To better understand this, CommPRO spoke with several Gen Z students at Columbia College Chicago, a nationally respected media arts school.
'May the Fourth’: How ‘Star Wars’ Became More Than Just a Movie Franchise
Fox 32 Chicago, May 04, 2026Columbia College Chicago professor Carmelo Esterrich explores how fan culture, cosplay, and social media helped transform “Star Wars” into an evolving cultural universe. Vanderbilt Heir Taps on Chicago Students to Help Shape the Future of the Brand
Fox 32 Chicago, May 04, 2026Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin discusses her family’s influence, her work with students at Columbia College Chicago, and how she’s evolving the Vanderbilt brand for a new era. Asian American Arts Festival Kicks Off AAPI Heritage Month in Chicago
NBC, May 02, 2026NBC Chicago highlights the EVOLUTION: Asian American Arts Festival at Lookingglass Theatre, featuring more than 100 artists, performers, and vendors celebrating AAPI Heritage Month. The story spotlights Columbia College Chicago student Vrisa Odedra, a musical theatre major, who blends her Indian heritage with contemporary dance to create work rooted in cultural expression and identity. 7 Best Plus-Size Swimwear of 2026, According to Stylists and Real Women
Yahoo Shopping, Apr 24, 2026Columbia College Chicago faculty member Rachel Jimenez Penca is featured as an expert source, offering guidance on construction, support, and inclusive design in plus-size swimwear. Columbia College Chicago Hosts Documentary Screening for Alumnus-Made "Why Trump? Two Americas"
CBS News Chicago, Apr 21, 2026Columbia College Chicago will host a screening of "Why Trump? Two Americas" on Tuesday, April 28, by Columbia alum, Brian Schodorf '06 a regional Emmy winner. Craig Harris, a producer, actor, and stuntman will moderate the event with a discussion on Schodorf's experience at Columbia, as well as how he navigates and manages his career as a filmmaker.
CineYouth Film Festival Showcases Young Filmmakers
Chicago Now (Fox 32), Apr 20, 2026Two Columbia College Chicago student filmmakers—Yanely Castellanos and Alan Roberto Garcia Wong—joined Fox 32's Chicago NOW to talk about CineYouth and their films, which will screen at the annual festival. This year's festival will be held at Facets, 1517 W. Fulleron, Chicago, April 24 through 26. To view the clip about CineYouth, fastforward to 1:33:51. South Korean Artist’s Unique Work Blends Meditation, Personal Stories
WGN , Apr 17, 2026WGN-TV featured Columbia College Chicago alum Young Kim, MFA ’23, whose sculptural basket weaving blends Buddhist philosophy, personal storytelling, and interactive design that invites audience engagement. Experts Comment: AI Detectors Are Doing More Harm Than Good – Here Is How Education Should Actually Respond
TechRound, Apr 16, 2026Laurence Minsky, a professor at Columbia College Chicago, adds his perspective on AI detectors. Building the Perfect Kentucky Derby Look
ABC 7, Apr 14, 2026Jacey Rhorer ’00, a School of Fashion alum of Columbia College Chicago, appeared on ABC7 to break down the design process behind standout Kentucky Derby hats. As the Official Milliner of the Kentucky Derby Festival, Rhorer shared insight into the craftsmanship and creativity that define one of racing’s most iconic fashion traditions. Who Do Chicago’s Art Fairs Serve?
Hyperallergic, Apr 10, 2026Hyperallergic examined the impact of Expo Chicago and its satellite fairs, highlighting work by Columbia College Chicago faculty member Jonathan Castillo MFA '19, whose photography was featured through Artists in Public Schools, showcasing student collaboration and community-based storytelling. Obama Foundation Announces Final Group of Commissioned Artists for Campus
obama.org, Apr 09, 2026Norman Teague ’15 and Rashid Johnson ’00 were announced among the final group of artists commissioned for the Obama Presidential Center ahead of its June 19 opening in Chicago. Teague created a series of inclusively designed wooden benches for the museum exhibits, while Johnson contributed “Broken Men,” a large-scale mosaic installation for the Teaching Kitchen. ‘We’ve Been Told We’re Crazy’: Lawyers in Landmark Copyright Case Aren’t Backing Down
Billboard Magazine, Apr 09, 2026After winning a first-ever ruling, Tim Kappel and Loren Wells, an associate professor at Columbia College Chicago, tell "Billboard" they're ready for a Supreme Court fight: "I like our argument better than I like theirs." Hometown Pride Guides James Gutierrez '97 Home for Film Screening
The News-Gazette, Apr 08, 2026"ManDate," a film written and directed by Columbia College Chicago alum James Guitierrez, will screen in Danville, Illinois. The feature film stars Jon Lovitz from "Saturday Night Live." Future Film Composers Flock to Chicago
Axios Chicago, Apr 08, 2026Chicago is home to a top-ranked graduate program for film composers — Columbia College Chicago's Music Composition for the Screen MFA — an unexpected foothold in an industry dominated by Los Angeles and New York. Flashback to a Time When Government Reports Were Works of Art
Chicago Tribune, Apr 08, 2026Columbia College Chicago faculty member and graphic designer Guy Villa is featured in a Chicago Tribune story examining the visual history of government report design. Villa provides expert insight on how mid-20th century report covers used bold, intentional design to humanize complex data and engage audiences—contrasting sharply with today’s more generic, template-driven approaches. The Case for the Humanities in a Changing Job Market
Viewpoints Radio, Mar 29, 2026In a radio segment, Columbia College Chicago alum Anna VanWingerden '24 talks about how an english major doesn't box you into one career path. Spotlight on ‘Addictive’ Social Media Design After Landmark Verdict Against Meta, Google
EdSource, Mar 27, 2026Yonty Friesem, executive director of the Media Education Lab and associate professor at Columbia College Chicago, says the verdict is an indictment of social media companies that have targeted youths under the guise of free speech. How Early Black Chicagoans Used Photography to Redefine Their Image
NPR/WBEZ, Mar 26, 2026In an episode of "Curious City," Amy Mooney, professor of art history at Columbia College Chicago, discusses how early Black photographers in Chicago shaped representations of their communities and contributed to a broader artistic legacy.
Rashid Johnson, the Artist Who Photographed Jay-Z’s GQ Cover, Drew Inspiration From the Harlem Renaissance
GQ, Mar 24, 2026In GQ, Columbia College Chicago alum Rashid Johnson '00 discusses photographing Jay-Z for the magazine’s April issue, drawing on influences from the Harlem Renaissance to frame the artist as a contemporary Black thinker. Chicago 2050: Tonika Lewis Johnson Imagines a City Skyline That Bridges Racial Dividing Lines
Chicago Tribune, Mar 22, 2026In an op-ed for the Chicago Tribune, Columbia College Chicago alum Tonika Lewis Johnson '03 explores how Chicago’s skyline reflects decades of racial and economic segregation, drawing on her "Folded Map" project to illustrate disparities between neighborhoods. She challenges readers to reimagine a more equitable future where investment and opportunity extend across the entire city.
Women in an Ultra Bro Culture How to Protect Progress and Push Forward
COMMPRO, Mar 18, 2026In this opinion piece, Dominic Calabrese, an adjunct faculty member at Columbia College Chicago's School of Communication and Culture, discusses how recent political and cultural shifts have created new challenges for women’s rights and representation Alyssa Izquierdo on Building a Creator Agency Around the Contracts Nobody Else Was Reading
Net Influencer, Mar 17, 2026Alum Alyssa Izquierdo '16, who majored in broadcast journalism at Columbia Collee Chicago, launched Social Cafe Agency in Los Angeles, a boutique talent management firm representing women of color, primarily Latina and Black creators, across platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Chase Infiniti’s 2026 Oscars Came With a Custom Dress and 57 Carats of Diamonds
Vogue , Mar 16, 2026Vogue spotlights Columbia College Chicago alum Chase Infiniti’s Oscars debut, where she wore a custom Louis Vuitton gown and over 57 carats of De Beers diamonds while celebrating her film “One Battle After Another” winning Best Picture. Columbia Associate Professor Emeritus Recaps Oscars Predictions
ABC-7 Chicago, Mar 16, 2026ABC-7 Chicago welcomed back Ron Falzone, associate professor emeritus at Columbia College Chicago, to discuss this year's Oscar wins and the predictions he made on his pre-Oscar appearance on the morning show. Like the River, Natya Dance Theatre Flows Through and Beyond 50 Years
Chicago Tribune, Mar 15, 2026Chicago Tribune highlights Natya Dance Theatre’s 50th anniversary, noting its deep ties to Columbia College Chicago through performances at the Dance Center while celebrating founder Hema Rajagopalan’s legacy of evolving Bharatanatyam within Chicago’s cultural landscape. Who Is Chase Infiniti? Recreate the Breakout Star's 2026 Oscars Look
USA Today, Mar 15, 2026USA TODAY highlights Chase Infiniti '22 as the breakout star of Best Picture winner “One Battle After Another,” noting her rise as both a standout performer and a defining style voice of the 2026 awards season after topping best-dressed lists at the Oscars. Breaking Down Oscars 2026 Predictions With Chicago Expert
Fox 32, Mar 14, 2026ChicagoLive counts down to the 2026 Oscars ceremony with Ronald Falzone, an associate professor emeritus at Columbia College Chicago. 22 Things to Do in Chicago March 12-18
Chicago Sun-Times, Mar 13, 2026The Seldoms' Chicago premiere of “Floe” at Columbia College Chicago's Dance Center was included in The Sun-Times' list of cultural events for March 12-18. Column: Crying a Lot at Oscar Movies Lately? It’s Not Just You.
Chicago Tribune, Mar 12, 2026In a reflection on this year’s most emotional Oscar contenders, the Chicago Tribune highlights Columbia College Chicago alumnus Chase Infiniti’s performance in “One Battle After Another,” noting the impact of a key scene in the Best Picture nominee. Museum of Contemporary Photography (MoCP) : Silver Camera Award at Darkroom 2026 : Joel Sternfeld
The Eye of Photography, Mar 11, 2026The Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College Chicago (MoCP) honored Joel Sternfeld with the prestigious Silver Camera Award at Darkroom 2026 on Thursday, February 26, as part of the museum’s 50th anniversary celebration. Physical Theater Festival Chicago Reveals Lineup for 13th Anniversary Celebration
BroadwayWorld , Mar 10, 2026BroadwayWorld announced the lineup for the 13th annual Physical Theater Festival Chicago (June 1–7), which will include performances at The Dance Center at Columbia College Chicago alongside Theater Wit. The festival features international and U.S. artists and introduces a new partnership with The Dance Center, which will host the Chicago premiere of Belgian company Chaliwaté. Here Are the Oscar Nominees for Best Picture — and Where You Can See Them Around Chicago
Chicago Tribune, Mar 10, 2026The Chicago Tribune highlighted Columbia College Chicago alumnus Chase Infiniti '22, who appears in the Best Picture–nominated film “One Battle After Another,” in a roundup of where Chicago audiences can watch this year’s Oscar contenders ahead of the March 15 Academy Awards ceremony. Columbia College Chicago to Formally Install its First Female and Black President in School's History
ABC 7 News, Mar 05, 2026ABC 7 featured the Investiture of Dr. Shantay N. Bolton, 11th President of Columbia College Chicago. Dr. Shantay N. Bolton was Formally Installed This Morning as Columbia's 11th President
WGN 9 , Mar 05, 2026Local news station WGN helped Columbia and the city of Chicago celebrate the Investiture of Dr. Shantay N. Bolton with a feature on their midday news segement. Dr. Shantay N. Bolton was Live on Air With FOX 32 for Her Investiture Ceremony Celebrations
FOX 32 Chicago, Mar 05, 2026FOX 32 helped Columbia College Chicago celebrate its new president during the Investiture Ceremony on Thursday, March 5. President Bolton spoke about the Renaissance Rising and the rebirth of Columbia to FOX 32 anchor Anita Blanton. Dr. Shantay N. Bolton Becomes the 11th President of Columbia College Chicago
CBS News Chicago, Mar 05, 2026Dr. Shantay N. Bolton officially became president at a ceremony called "Renaissance Rising: 135 Years Bold" in the student center on Wabash in Chicago's Loop. Interview with President Bolton featured on CBS News Chicago. Here Ae the Oscar Nominees for Best Picture — and Where You Can See Them Around Chicago
Chicago Tribune, Mar 04, 2026The "Chicago Tribune" provides guidance on where to watch Oscar-nominated films, giving a call-out to Columbia College Chicago alum Chase Infinity '22 who stars in "One Battle After Another," a best-picture nominee. The Future of John Oliver’s ‘Last Week Tonight’ Will Be a Stress Test for Paramount | Analysis
The Wrap, Mar 02, 2026Columbia College Chicago associate professor Anne Libera, director of Comedy Studies at The Second City, is featured in "The Wrap" analyzing the future of HBO’s “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” amid the Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery merger. Libera says the media consolidation raises questions about creative freedom in late-night television, arguing that corporate leadership may prioritize control over prestige, positioning Oliver’s contract negotiations as a key test for the future of political comedy on HBO. Black History Month: Local Hip-Hop History Teacher, Emcee Talks Chicago Hip-Hop Origins, Contributions of Female Artists
WBBM Newsradio, Feb 27, 2026Amina Norman-Hawkins, an adjunct professor of instruction at Columbia College Chicago's School of Audio and Music, discusses hip-hop history and culture. What Was Caryl Churchill Smoking? And Other Chicago Highs
American Theatre, Feb 27, 2026Conchita Avitia ’18, a graduate of Columbia College Chicago’s Theatre Design BA program, is spotlighted in "American Theatre" as a rising Chicago lighting designer. The feature highlights her growing body of work across the city’s storefront and major stages, her passion project "Ruth on the Rocks," and her commitment to representation and mentorship in the field. Muskegon's Cinema Carousel to Screen Award-Winning Indie Film: Screenings Begin February 27 and Run through March 1
Fox 17 Western Michigan, Feb 23, 2026Columbia College Chicago alum Jake VanKersen '08 talks about his recent film "I Agree With You." In the video interview, Columbia gets a shout out thanks to fellow alum Michelle Dunaway '98, who is a co-host of Fox 17's "Morning Mix" in Western Michigan. Small Businesses Survive With Support From Their Communities, Chicago's Next Voices Columnist Writes
Chicago Sun-Times, Feb 21, 2026A 2025 survey found a drop in future confidence among small business owners. Next Voices columnist and Columbia College Chicago School of Business and Entrepeneurship alum Lashaunta Moore MA '22 responded by making a 12-month plan to buy products and services from local firms. ‘Subsurface’ Uplifts Human Creativity Over AI Slop
Chicago Reader, Feb 20, 2026Columbia College Chicago alums Brianna Yrene Ramirez '24, Jack Hale '25, and Alec Richard '25 and their production company Behind the Rock host a one-day exhibition and screening event on Feb. 21 that explores the tangible and communal elements of filmmaking.Taking on the Oscars
The Chicago Sun-Times, Feb 20, 2026Michael AJ Wright, a filmmaker and adjunct professor of instruction at Columbia College Chicago, gives credit to the late Jesse Jackson for sounding the alarm about marginalization in the film industry. Harper College’s ‘Behind the Groove’ Exhibit Explores Music and Memory
Daily Herald, Feb 17, 2026Krista Franklin, MFA ’13 is featured in the Daily Herald for her exhibition “Behind the Groove” at Harper College, highlighting her collage-based work inspired by funk, pop, and R&B music culture. From Muslim Portraiture to a Nose Punch: Photography Exhibits to See This Spring
Chicago Tribune, Feb 17, 2026The Chicago Tribune mentioned The Museum of Contemporary Photography's “MoCP at Fifty: Collecting Through the Decades” exhibition, running through May 16.
Black History Month Rings in 100 Years as Educators Push to Preserve Heritage
WTTW - Chicago Tonight, Feb 11, 2026Robert Hanserd, a historian and associate professor at Columbia College Chicago's School of Communication and Culture, discusses how Black history is central to the American story and should be framed as beginning with African origins rather than slavery.
Leadership Greater Chicago Selects Distinguished Chicago Leaders for The Daniel Burnham Fellowship
Patch, Feb 10, 2026Dr. Shantay N. Bolton, President and CEO of Columbia College Chicago, is among the 27 top executives to join the esteemed fellowship network dedicated to activating civic engagement to drive transformative change. Best, Worst, Surprising Commercials of Super Bowl LX
ABC-7 Chicago, Feb 09, 2026Peg Murphy, an associate professor in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Columbia College Chicago, shares her insights about this year's Super Bowl ads. Grant Park Music Festival Director Featured During Super Bowl Halftime Show
ABC-7 Chicago, Feb 09, 2026Carmelo Esterrich, a professor in the School of Communication and Culture at Columbia College Chicago, talks about the performance of Bad Bunny at this year's Super Bowl half-time show. Why Art Colleges Must Lead the AI Conversation
The EvoLLLution, Feb 05, 2026Emmanuel Lalande, Columbia's Senior Vice President for Enrollment Strategy and Student Success, was quoted in a story from "The EvoLLLution" that cautions against avoiding or resisting artificial intelligence in creative education. Meet the Class of Windy City Times’ 2026 Community Journalism Cohort
Windy City Times, Feb 04, 2026Six early-career and journalism-curious storytellers, including Columbia alum Patience Hurston, will learn the ins and outs of reporting on underserved communities this spring in Windy City Times and E3 Radio’s second-annual Our Stories, Our Power program. This year’s cohort is made possible with support from Columbia College Chicago and a grant from Press Forward National, a funder collaborative led by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation that is dedicated to strengthening and sustaining local news. Becky Raisman – ‘Earth Goddesses’ EP
Obscure Sound, Feb 04, 2026Columbia College Chicago alum Becky Raisman '07 presents a vibrant vision of femininity and perseverance on her new pop-forward EP. A New Exhibit at Museum of Contemporary Photography Takes Visitors on a Trip Through Time
Chicago Sun-Times, Feb 04, 2026Through carefully selected works from the last five decades of the museum’s history, the exhibition hopes to keep the art of storytelling and documenting history through photography relevant in the digital age. Dana Connell on Allbirds’ Shift Back to Ecommerce
Digital Commerce 360, Jan 30, 2026Dana Connell, director of external scholarships and associate professor of fashion studies at Columbia College Chicago, explains why rising brick-and-mortar costs and advances in direct-to-consumer platforms are pushing Allbirds to refocus on ecommerce. Analog as Antidote in the Age of AI
Crisis Magazine , Jan 30, 2026In an opinion piece on AI and authenticity, Greg Foster-Rice, associate provost for student retention initiatives and associate professor of photography at Columbia College Chicago, shares how students are turning back to film, darkrooms, and analog tools in search of work that feels tangible, human, and real. New Exhibit at Columbia’s Museum of Contemporary Photography Celebrates 50 Years of Collecting
WBBM, Jan 30, 2026The Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College Chicago's newest exhibit titled "MoCP at Fifty: Collecting Through the Decades" celebrates five decades of collecting. Ross Sawyers Photography Exhibition Opening Reception
Chicago Reader , Jan 28, 2026Associate Professor Ross Sawyers' solo exhibiton, "The Future Still Isn't What It Used to Be" opens February 1 at The Riverside Arts Center. The exhibition traces over two decades of work by Ross Sawyers, an artist who uses photography, sculpture, and drawing to explore the relationship between architecture and human aspiration. ‘I’m Only Blind’ Documentary Features Evanston Native Who Refuses to Let Disability Define Him
Evanston RoundTable, Jan 27, 2026The film "I'm Only Blind" was directed by filmmaker Kamelya Alexan '07, a Columbia College Chicago alum. It won Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary last year at the Beverly Hills Film Festival. Nikki Cameron '10 Named VP, Development At Bunim/Murray Productions
TV NewsCheck, Jan 27, 2026Nikki Cameron '10, a Columbia College Chicago graduate who earned a degree in Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management, has been named VP of Development at Bunim/Murray Productions. Cameron has been with Bunim/Murray since 2021, contributing to several of the company’s signature series including the Emmy-winning "Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls” for Amazon Prime Video and "Family or Fiancé" at OWN.
Surprises: ‘Wicked: For Good’ Shut Out of Main Categories, Paul Mescal and Chase Infiniti Make the Cut After Oscar Misses
Variety, Jan 27, 2026“One Battle After Another” star Chase Infiniti '22 is now in the running for the leading actress BAFTA (as well as the Rising Star Award). Reflecting on 50 Years: MoCP Celebrates with Darkroom Benefit February 26
Chicago Gallery News, Jan 27, 2026Chicago Gallery News reported on MoCP's milestone celebration—50 years of championing photography in Chicago—and its annual benefit auction party, DARKROOM, happening February 26, 2026. Second City Changes Its Storied e.t.c. Stage to … Improv?
Chicago Tribune, Jan 23, 2026Anne Libera, associate professor and director of Comedy Studies in the School of Theatre and Dance, was featured in the Chicago Tribune discussing Second City’s decision to shift its e.t.c. Stage to a fully improvised format for the first time in the venue’s 43-year history. 2026 Oscar Nominations: 'Sinners' Expected to Top List for Awards
ABC-7 Chicago, Jan 22, 2026Columbia College Chicago film expert Ron Falzone shares his best bets for this year's Oscar nominees. Governance Under Pressure: Why Boards Make Abrupt Decisions—and Reverse Them
Forbes Online, Jan 21, 2026Adriel Hilton, vice president of institutional strategy and chief of staff at Columbia College Chicago, addresses the issue of board decision-making within the context of broader research on higher education governance. Oh My Goddess! Artist, Who Says He Doesn't Specialize in Portraits, Jumped at Chance to Paint Greek Goddess of Chaos and Destruction
Chicago Sun-Times, Jan 20, 2026Columbia College Chicago Illustration alum Alejandro Martell '22, known as Underseagravy, was featured in the Chicago Sun-Times for his mural of Eris, the Greek goddess of chaos and destruction, painted at ERIS Brewery and Cider House. Chicago-Bred Urban Comedy ‘Tube-E Movie’ Set for Nationwide Streaming Release on February 6
Screen Magazine, Jan 19, 2026"Tube-E Movie," written, produced, and directed by Film and TV alum William Adams '02, will premiere on February 6, 2026, streaming nationwide on PLEX. Tube-E Movie is a comedy that turns an eye on modern streaming culture and the conversations that surround it.
Chicago Professor on Carrying the Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
ABC-7 Chicago, Jan 19, 2026Columbia College Chicago Historian and Associate Professor Robert Hanserd joined ABC7 on MLK Day. Capes & Blood Lassos: Maura Corey Talks Editing on Superhero Spinoff ‘Gen V’
Cinemontage, Jan 16, 2026Alum Maura Corey MFA '97, an editor for the Amazon Prime series "Gen V" (a spin-off of "The Boys"), is interviewed about her transition from working on commercial packages to unscripted television to comedy. The Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker in 2026
MovieMaker, Jan 15, 2026Chicago ranks #3 in this annual list thanks to shows like "The Bear," "Chicago Med," and "Chicago PD," and great educational institutions like Columbia College Chicago. Players 50 2026: The Producers and Places
NewCity, Jan 14, 2026Lawrence Daufenbach '08, executive director of the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture in Chicago, is recognized for his work revitalizing the landmark theater, bringing it back to its original mission by creating a place for those seeking an intellectual, physical and spiritual connection point. “The Ath” also launched its own in-house production wing and continues to host big-name acts while remaining accessible to local artists.
Players 50 2026: The Institutions
New City, Jan 14, 2026Roell Schmidt and Meredith Sutton, producing director and artistic director of the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, were named to Newcity’s “Players 50 2026: The Institutions,” recognizing Chicago leaders shaping the city’s theater, dance, and performance landscape. The list also includes Daryl Brooks and Mark Frost, adjunct professors of instruction in The School of Theatre and Dance. MLK Day Presentations Highlight a Transformative Era in Chicago Politics
Herald News, Jan 13, 2026A powerful documentary about Black organizing and influence within the Chicago Democratic political machine, "Citizen Bowen" directed and edited by Columbia College Chicago Adjunct Professor Michael NG Wright, is coming to Carbondale and Springfield on Jan. 19, courtesy of a Southern Illinois University System Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday event.
‘Watershed Ruling’: Appeals Court Says Musicians Can Win Back Their Copyrights Globally, Not Just in the U.S.
Billboard Magazine, Jan 12, 2026School of Business and Entrepreneurship Associate Professor Loren Wells' work as co-founder of the law firm Wells Kappel has culminated in a watershed appellate court decision affirming that music creators can reclaim their copyrights on a global basis. The ruling could mean major changes to how artists win back their music rights. Coming Soon: New Club That Aims to Jazz Up Evanston
Evanston Round Table, Jan 09, 2026Kurt Schauer, a 1987 graduate of Columbia College Chicago’s School of Visual Arts, is opening a new jazz club, Local Note, in downtown Evanston. Inside Brian Zieske’s Hybrid Approach to Recording
Provo Music Magazine, Jan 08, 2026In this feature article about Brian Zieske '04, an Audio Arts alum and sound engineer who onced worked under the legendary Steve Albini, Zieske discusses preserving the realness of analog recording, while refining it digitally. Yoonshin Park Includes Students' Artwork in Upcoming 'Prompt and Prompted' Exhibit
Chicago Tribune, Jan 07, 2026Artist and educator Yoonshin Park, who earned an M.A. and an M.F.A. in Interdisciplinary Book and Paper Arts from Columbia College Chicago, is featured for her upcoming exhibition “Prompt and Prompted” at the Hyde Park Art Center, which incorporates the work of 12 of her students and explores artist books as an expanded art form. Dance for Winter 2026: Our Top 10 Includes Joffrey, Red Clay and a Visit From Martha Graham
Chicago Tribune, Jan 07, 2026The Chicago Tribune named The Seldoms’ “Floe,” presented at the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, among its top dance picks for winter 2026. Actor Awards, Formerly SAG Awards, Nominations: ‘One Battle After Another’ Leads Film Nods With 7 as ‘The Studio’ Tops TV With 5
The Hollywood Reporter, Jan 07, 2026Chase Infiniti '22 received a 2026 SAG (Actor Awards) nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role for “One Battle After Another,” which also earned nominations for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture and Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble. Disapperances
NewCity, Jan 06, 2026NewCityLit featured a video essay by Joseph Meno, a professor in the School of Communication and Culture. The work was inspired by ICE enforcements in Chicago. Tommy Egan's Final Chapter Unfolds in 'Power Book IV: Force'
Reel Chicago, Jan 04, 2026After three seasons filmed entirely in Chicago, "Power Book IV: Force" prepares to close out Tommy Egan’s story, played by Chicago native and Columbia School of Theatre and Dance alum Joseph Sikora '98.Critics Choice Awards 2026: ‘One Battle After Another’ Wins Best Film, ‘The Pitt,’ ‘Adolescence’ and ‘The Studio’ Dominate TV Prizes
Variety, Jan 04, 2026"One Battle After Another," starring Columbia College Chicago alum Chase Infiniti, was named Best Picture at the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards, one of the film’s three top wins of the night.
- To Be Replaced