��������Ƶ

Columbia Students Named Finalists in NRF Foundation’s Student Challenge

Columbia students will earn scholarships and again head to New York City to meet with retail industry leaders and attend the NRF Foundation Honors event.

Columbia Holds Sixth Annual Hip-Hop Festival

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

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

Check out our list of 2022 Columbia-alum streaming projects

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

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

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

Columbia’s Rankings and Awards in 2022

��������Ƶ, community excellence recognized around the world

��������Ƶ and the Illinois Institute of Technology Join Forces to Offer Students Expanded Learning Opportunities

Beginning with the Spring 2023 term, Columbia Cinema and Television Arts and Interactive Arts and Media students can participate in a for-credit exchange program with Illinois Tech, giving them opportunities to complement their media and arts education with the academic strengths of neighboring Illinois Tech.

DeAndre James Allen-Toole '15, MFA '17 Receives ASCAP Foundation Michelle and Dean Kay Award

Noted for his eclectic style, Allen-Toole — who earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from ��������Ƶ — wrote the music for the neo-western film “God’s Country.”

Screenplay by Alum Michael Burgner MFA '14 Makes 2022 Black List

Black List films have earned 54 Academy Awards since 2005, including four of the last 12 Best Picture Oscars.

Communication & Media Studies Research Network Names Eric Freedman New Research Network Chair

In this new role, the dean of Columbia’s School of Media Arts will take on several responsibilities, including serving as editor of ‘The Journal of Communication and Media Studies.’

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

Nine-Time GRAMMY Nominated Music Producer Alum Marcos Palacios ‘06 on Living His Dream

How the multi-platinum artist carved his own path

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

Newcity's Film 50 2022 Celebrates Members of Columbia's Community

Associate Provost and Associate Professor Susan Kerns as well as numerous alums and former students named on Newcity’s listing of Chicago’s top film professionals.

Columbia Presents Written Image Awards to Student and Alum Screenwriters

On Nov. 28, ��������Ƶ hosted its annual event to honor Cinema and Television Arts students and alums.

Columbia Honors Robert Townsend With First Columbia Icon Award

Chicago actor, comedian, writer, producer, and director honored at student-produced scholarship gala

Google Play Names Mental Health App Developed by Columbia Team 'Best App for Good'

Created by a team that includes Associate Professor Bill Guschwan and past and present Columbia students, the STIGMA app makes Google Play’s "Best of 2022" list.

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

Spearheaded by the ��������Ƶ 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.

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.

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.

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 Short Screened and Named Finalist at 2022 China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival

��������Ƶ students Chengyu Lu and Yixi Luo (Micro) screen their film “Far Above the Starry Sky” at annual festival in Xiamen.

��������Ƶ Recognized as a 2022 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting

��������Ƶ is one of 394 colleges and universities recognized for its efforts to increase nonpartisan democratic engagement in the 2022 election.

Adjunct Faculty Member Michael Freeman's Project Garners a GRAMMY Nomination

“Into the Little Blue House,” a GRAMMY-nominated children’s album, was produced by Michael Freeman, an adjunct faculty member in the Audio Arts and Acoustics department at ��������Ƶ.

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.

Thank You, Columbia Community

��������Ƶ recognizes the students, faculty, and staff who comprise Columbia's vibrant creative community.

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. 

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.

Columbia Faculty and Students Participate in Moroccan Film Festival

CTVA Professor Mehrnaz Saeed-Vafa was a judge at the International Film School Festival of Tétouan in Morocco, which featured films from Columbia students.

Columbia Faculty Member Helps Create Upcoming Art on the Mart Exhibit

Graphic Design Faculty Member Guy Villa, Jr.’s ‘Chicago Design Through the Decades’ exhibition opens Friday, November 18, at 7:30 p.m., and will run nightly through December 30 as part of the Merchandise Mart’s Art on the Mart series.

Sophomore Fashion Studies Student Awarded Rising Star Scholarship

Created by the NRF Foundation, Rising Star Scholarships help students like Columbia's Mollie Baker gain valuable opportunities to learn about career opportunities in retail and attend the NRF Foundation Student Program in January.

Columbia Film Student Lands Prestigious Internship

Ben Dawson, a junior at Columbia studying film and cinematography, is one of 12 students selected for the Television Academy Foundation Internship Program.

Professor, Alum, and Student Part of Award-Winning Integrated Marketing Campaign

Professor Laurence Minsky — along with alum Dmitry Sandel ’96 and student Madison Apton — helps team win gold at Marcom Awards, an international competition.

Music Composition for the Screen MFA Program Named #1 Worldwide by 'The Hollywood Reporter'

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

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 ��������Ƶ.

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.

Associate Chair of Art and Art History Brings Metal Pour Event to Logan Square

Taylor Hokanson hosted a live aluminum pour at Logan Square’s Comfort Station Sunday for community members and students.

Ryan Seacrest Gives Shout Outs to Columbia Students

��������Ƶ Radio students meet media personality Ryan Seacrest at the Radio Hall of Fame 2022 Induction Ceremony and get a special shout out from the stage before introducing Ellen K for her induction.

Learn How Fashion and Video Games Can Help Design a More Sustainable Future

On Tuesday, Nov. 1, Sugar Gamers founder Keisha Howard comes to ��������Ƶ to discuss games and fashion.

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.

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.

Columbia Votes Prepares Students for Midterm Elections

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

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's Music Department Brings in Former Prince Collaborator Morris Hayes for Residency

Renowned keyboardist Morris Hayes will perform at the Columbia Music Center Concert Hall on Friday, November 18.

Chicago International Children's Film Festival to Screen Film by Columbia Faculty Member and Alum

Columbia Assistant Professor Missy Hernandez and Alum Miguel Silveira ‘05 wrote and produced the documentary ‘The Last Election and Other Love Stories,’ which was directed by Silveira.

Columbia Faculty Member Appeared on WGN Channel 9

Adjunct Music Professor Jonita Lattimore sang "Donde lieta" from Puccini's La Boheme on Backstory with Larry Potash.

Columbia Faculty Member Films Featured in Multiple Film Festivals

CTVA Professor David Tarleton served as producer, director, director of photography, and editor on the films “Gray Area,” “Identity,” and “Karen.”

Columbia Faculty Member Receives Teaching Award

Associate Professor Elio Leturia received the 2022 Excellence in Teaching Award for ‘The Latinx Word,’ a collaborative magazine project produced by Columbia students from two of his courses.

Alumni Reach Historic Milestone

A historic milestone was set by the alumni community.

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.

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.

Columbia Fashion Studies Students Compete in O’Hare Fashion Packed Challenge While CTVA Students Document the Action

Five Fashion Studies students are participating in the Fourth Annual O'Hare Fashion Packed Challenge, which has all been caught on camera by CTVA documentary students hired by the Chicago Department of Aviation.

Alumni Short Film Selected to Screen at Major NYC Film Festival

‘Ancestors’, a film co-directed by Columbia Alum Darren Lorenzi MFA ‘15, will be screening at the Urbanworld Film Festival in NYC.

Columbia Communication Students Have Surprise Meeting with Governor J.B. Pritzker

Students take the opportunity to tout Columbia’s impressive record of getting out the vote and enjoy a photo opp with the Governor.

National Transfer Student Week

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

Columbia Interior Architecture Students Reimagine Chicago

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

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.

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. 

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. 

Meg Konieczka Is Out of Their Shell

Theatre student Meg Konieczka on how acting gave their dreams direction

A Sound Education

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

Dr. Yonty Friesem Awarded Illinoisan of the Year by the Illinois News Broadcasters Association

On October 9, Dr. Friesem received the award for his civic media work to help with the legislative process of Illinois Public Act 102-055.

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 ��������Ƶ.

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.

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.

Leveraging a Regional Approach: Columbia’s Recruitment Strategy Is Going the Distance

As part of Admissions’ evolving recruitment strategy, there are now three recruiters working in key markets across the country—establishing Columbia’s presence nationwide.

Film Project of Assistant Professor and Alum Selected for Chicago International Film Festival’s CIX: Lab

After receiving close advising and preparation from mentors throughout the coming year, the film will be unveiled at The Pitch at Industry Days at the 2023 Chicago International Film Festival.

Before-the-Show Entertainment Features Columbia-Made Student Film

In 2020, Columbia students were named finalists in the Coca-Cola Refreshing Films program and today the spot they wrote, directed, and produced can be seen on screens across Canada.

Juggling Act

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

Dance Over Everything

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

The Columbia Dance Center Receives CityArts Program Grant

The funding will go towards the Dance Center's project "Chicago Artists Spotlight Platform."

Audiobook Produced and Directed by Columbia Adjunct Faculty Member Wins Top Prize

'Winnie-the-Pooh' audiobook receives AudioFile Magazine’s Earphones Award.

Columbia Alums' Student Films Featured at Chicago Horror Film Festival

Get your Halloween season off to a spooky cinematic start and check out Columbia-made films on September 24 and 25.

Audio, Arts, and Acoustics Alum to Present at International Conference

Izaak Thompson '21 will present a paper on his project "Pure Covidata: an Automated Sonification of the COVID-19 Pandemic's Recent State" at the Interactive Sonification Workshop (ISon '22).

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.

Meet the Newest ��������Ƶ Creatives

The Fall 2022 semester brings a class of students who embody the values and mission of ��������Ƶ.

Civic Media Students Win Top Honors in the 2022 AEJMC Student Magazine Contest

Columbia graduate students Francia Garcia Hernandez and Jordyn Harrison recognized for stories written in Professor Sharon Bloyd-Peshkin’s Solutions Journalism class.

Stunned or Just Really Happy? Alum Christian Sprenger '07 Wins Emmy, Other Columbia Alums Earn Nominations

Congratulations to alum Christian Sprenger ’07 for his second Emmy win and to all the Columbia alums nominated for Emmys this year.

A Game-Changer

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

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.

Melding Passions Leads to a Career in Music Journalism

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

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.

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.

Columbia Named One of the Best U.S. Colleges for Student Voting

The Columbia Votes initiative led the effort to increase voter turnout among Columbia students.

Columbia Dean Examines Artificial Intelligence in New Book

‘Artificial Intelligence and Playable Media’ by Eric Freedman will be available on September 2.

��������Ƶ Faculty Member Interviewed for New Menendez Brothers Documentary

Associate Professor Sharon Ross discusses the convicted brothers’ TikTok defenders in Menendez Brothers: Misjudged?

Blackstone Hotel Features Columbia Musicians Three Nights a Week

Columbia Music students and alums perform at iconic Chicago hotel’s lobby bar.

Art Institute Contest Awards Columbia’s Cezanne Window Exhibit

The 2022 Project Windows visual display contest gives “Best Design” award to Fashion Studies’ “Cezanne Undone: Another PerRetrospective” window exhibit.

Hollywood Reporter Lists Columbia Among Top U.S. Film Schools

��������Ƶ ranks #12 on the publication's annual list.

Philip Alphonse and Staci R Collins Jackson Join ��������Ƶ Board of Trustees

Alphonse has a distinguished career in private equity and Jackson MAM ’06 in public relations.

��������Ƶ Named to MovieMaker Magazine's List of the 40 Best Film Schools of 2022

The publication recognizes Columbia for its outstanding directing training, massive alumni base, and unique Semester in LA program.

Lollapalooza Music Festival Comes to Columbia's Front Yard

The Columbia community participates in the annual musical festival Lollapalooza in multiple ways.

Faculty Member Elio Leturia Returns to Chicago After Completing a Fulbright Senior Scholar Award

Leturia exhibited his poster series “No Literal” in two European countries.

The Dance Center of ��������Ƶ Announces Leadership Transition

Dance Presenting Series Director Ellen Chenoweth to Step Down

Two Columbia Students Named Next Generation Scholarship Semifinalists by NRF Foundation

Columbia students once again earn top spots and compete for $10,000 and $25,000 scholarships.

Apply for the Summer Social Justice Institute 2022

There’s still time to be part of the first-ever Summer Social Justice Institute.

Columbia Pride

Columbia is thrilled to honor our LGBTQIA+ community with a campaign including Alum Lena Waithe ‘06.

Columbia's Cezanne Window Exhibit Pays Tribute to Artist Through Fashion Design

Columbia-trained designers delve into painter Paul Cezanne’s process and showcase their Cezanne-inspired designs at 618 S. Michigan.

A Columbia Student Film Makes the 2022 Yugo BAFTA Student Awards Shortlist

��������Ƶ student Tridev (Tejo)'s film was among the 82 projects shortlisted for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts' 2022 Yugo Student Awards.

Columbia to Co-Host Conversation with WBEZ Photographer Manuel Martinez on May 31

“Through the Lens” at Columbia’s Student Center will be open to the public and free for the Columbia community

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.

Language Without Barriers

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

��������Ƶ Earns Spot on List of Top Graphic Design Schools in the Midwest

Animation Career Review ranked ��������Ƶ #13 on their list of Top Graphic Design Schools in the Midwest.

Columbia Earns Top Spot in L’Oréal Brandstorm U.S. Finals: Team Heads to International Semifinals for Second Consecutive Year

Fashion and Communication students from ��������Ƶ pitch a product to empower inclusive beauty at L’Oréal Brandstorm 2022 and are recognized for their stellar work. Public voting between May 9 and 15 will help determine winners of the semifinals.

Creative Writing Alum Toya Wolfe MFA '15 Announces Debut Novel

Last Summer on State Street, published by William Morrow, will be available June 14.

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

‘Variety’ Names ��������Ƶ Among Top 30 Film Schools in North America

In its annual list of premier film schools, Variety recognizes Columbia for its digital cinematography capabilities, internship programs, multidisciplinary Semester in LA program, and location in one of the country’s largest media markets.

��������Ƶ Earns Spot on List of Top Photography Schools in the U.S.

The Art Career Project ranked ��������Ƶ #8 on their list of Best Photography Schools in the U.S..

Columbia’s DocYourWorld Festival Hosts Events in April and May

DocYourWorld, an annual student-run documentary festival at ��������Ƶ, covers nonfiction stories across different mediums. The theme for 2022 is “Overcoming Obstacles.”

Columbia’s Biggest Mouth Concert Returned to In-Person Format This Year

Biggest Mouth draws largest crowd since its inception

��������Ƶ Joins the Unreal Academic Partner Program

Partner program creates new opportunities for IAM students, providing cutting-edge Unreal Engine resources, development tools, and an important bridge between Columbia and industry experts.

Adjunct Faculty Member Cheryl Graeff Explores Friendship Breakups in Podcast

Inspired by the shame of friendship breakups, Cheryl Graeff, an adjunct faculty member in Cinema and Television Arts as well as Interactive Arts and Media at Columbia, attempts to normalize the conversation around these painful experiences.

Making Chemistry Shine at Columbia

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

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.

Countdown to Manifest and Commencement 2022

Join us in celebrating the accomplishments of the graduating classes of 2022 at ��������Ƶ's annual Commencement exercises and Manifest Urban Arts Festival.

Columbia’s Business and Entrepreneurship Department to Host Annual Industry Night Event

In-person Industry Night panel discussion on NFTs will also be available on Zoom

Columbia Associate Professor Discusses Intimacy Coordination at Milwaukee Film Festival

Susan Kerns, an associate professor in Cinema and Television Arts, joins ARRAY Crew’s Meredith Shea in a discussion about Safe Sets on May 1.

CineYouth Festival Screenings and Events at Facets April 22 to 24

Part of the Chicago International Film Festival, CineYouth will feature work by ��������Ƶ students and alums.

Social Justice, Creativity, and Placemaking in Summertime Chi

This summer the college will be launching its first-ever Summer Institute as part of the Social Justice Initiative.

CODE (Cultural Opportunities and Diversity Expo)

Come to CODE to meet and hear industry leaders and recent alums share their career experiences.

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.

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

How architecture and design can change the world

��������Ƶ to Confer Honorary Degrees on Journalist and LGBTQ+ Community Leader at Commencement 2022

Journalist Danny Fenster ’09 and LGBTQ+ community leader Modesto Tico Valle will be honored at Columbia’s 2022 Commencement ceremonies. The May 14 and 15 celebrations mark the first time the ��������Ƶ Commencement exercises will be held in person since 2019.

Spring Splash Celebrates Student Work and Expertise of Columbia Alums

��������Ƶ’s Spring Splash student showcase and panel discussions offered valuable experiences for students and provided an opportunity for alums to share industry insights.

Columbia’s Semester in LA Program Moves to 'I Love Lucy’s' Former Home

Semester in LA students now attend classes and meet industry experts at Sunset Las Palmas Studios in the heart of Hollywood.

For Second Consecutive Year, a Columbia Student Wins NRF Foundation's Next Generation Award

Robert Davison Long wins the 2022 NRF Foundation’s Next Generation Award and two Columbia teams place in the NRF Student Challenge, earning students scholarships and making Columbia the most winning institution at this year’s NRF Foundation’s Honors.

Columbia Hosts Series of Events for Fashion Revolution Week 2022

Join the Fashion Studies Department from April 18-22 as ��������Ƶ participates in Fashion Revolution Week—the world’s largest fashion activism movement.

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.

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.

��������Ƶ Fashion Dominates NRF Foundation Honors 2022

This year, nine ��������Ƶ students have risen to the top level of two major student competitions—the NRF Foundation Student Challenge and the NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship. The winners will be announced April 13.

Kelli Connell Awarded 2022 Guggenheim Fellowship for Photography

“Having work recognized by the Guggenheim Foundation is a tremendous honor,” said Kelli Connell, Professor and Graduate Program Director of Columbia’s Photography Department.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Spring Splash Highlights Student Screenwriters and Creators Connects Students with CTVA Alums

The Cinema and Television Arts Department, in collaboration with Alumni Relations, will host events—including virtual industry panels with CTVA alums—on April 8 and 9 to celebrate promising student screenplays, shorts, and series.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Columbia Chronicle Wins Big at Illinois College Press Association Awards Ceremony

Congratulations to the Columbia Chronicle and its student staff for earning 29 awards, including first place in seven categories, at the Illinois College Press Association Awards ceremony.

Fashion Study Collection Wedding Salon on March 16 and 23

The Fashion Study Collection at Columbia, which includes wedding attire and wedding-related items, is home to more than 6,000 items dating back to the 1840s.

Associate Professor Presents ‘Chicago Film History: Seeing Selig’ at the Chicago History Museum

On March 23, 2 to 3 p.m., Jeffrey Spitz features long-forgotten Chicago filmmaking pioneer in an interactive presentation.

��������Ƶ Announces Spring 2022’s B-Series Dance Festival

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

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.

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.

Deep Dish Music Festival Brings College and High School Performers to Columbia

On March 4, local college and high school ensembles gathered at ��������Ƶ to celebrate and cultivate their unique musical talents.

Fashion Studies Associate Professor Justin LeBlanc Takes on Theater as Costume Designer

Production of “La Cage Aux Folles” features costumes by Justin LeBlanc as well as Columbia alums.

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.

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.

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.

Columbia’s Theatre Department Presents Hortensia and the Museum of Dreams

The Theatre Department’s second production for Spring 2022 season to run from March 16-26.

Columbia Ranks Among Best Animation Schools in the Midwest, Illinois, and U.S.

The Animation Career Review's annual rankings of animation schools places Columbia No. 4 in Midwest.

Columbia Alums Among NAACP Image Award Winners and Nominees

Columbia alums were honored for their work during the 53rd annual NAACP Image Awards.

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.

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.

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.

NRF Videos Feature Columbia Fashion Studies Finalist and Faculty

The National Retail Foundation releases videos featuring Columbia Fashion Studies finalist Robert Davison Long and Associate Professor Dana Connell.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sankofa Week Kicks Off on Monday, February 21

Sankofa Week features a screening of the film “Sankofa” and other sessions on the African diaspora, memory, and divergence from Hollywood.

��������Ƶ Alumni Nominated in 2022 Oscars

Alumnus of Columbia's Cinematography program Janusz Kaminski ‘87 and Honorary Degree Recipient Diane Warren HDR ‘16 have been recognized with Oscar nominations.

��������Ƶ Welcomes 'Three Girls From Bronzeville' Author Dawn Turner

Register now for "A Conversation with Dawn Turner: Coming of Age as a Creative while Navigating Gender, Race, and Class," to be held on Wednesday, March 23 at Columbia's Student Center.

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

Exhibit to feature two exhibition concepts as one

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

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

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.

Columbia Kicks Off Spring Theatre Productions with Cabaret

The musical Cabaret to be performed at the Courtyard Theatre

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.

Master of Arts Management Alum Selected as Featured Artist in United's Black History Month Collection

The paintings of Martha Wade MAM '09 will be displayed at The United Club at O'Hare Airport through the month of February.

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.

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 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.

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.

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. 

We Witness Documentary by Columbia Alumni to be aired on WTTW

We Witness, created by Columbia alumni, will be aired on WTTW this week and features the viewpoints of local residents, civic and faith leaders, business owners and experts.

University of Michigan Press announces new edition of work from Creative Writing alum

Bath Massacre: America’s First School Bombing, by Arnie Bernstein MA '94, has been updated and expanded for publication in this new edition.

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.

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.

Eric Freedman to present on “Non-Binary Binaries and Unreal MetaHumans” at MIT virtual event

Eric Freedman, professor and dean of the School of Media Arts, will be presenting on “Non-Binary Binaries and Unreal MetaHumans” at a virtual event on February 10 at 5 p.m. EST, hosted by the MIT Graduate Program in Comparative Studies.

Science and Mathematics faculty member named recipient of National Science Foundation grant

Associate Professor of Science and Mathematics and musician Luis Nasser has been awarded a research grant from the National Science Foundation for his research on the thermodynamics of harmony.

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.

��������Ƶ's Story, As Told By Real Students

Columbia’s episode of The College Tour will be available to stream on Amazon Prime beginning February 8, 2022.

Photography Collection from Akito Tsuda 93’ Acquired by Harold Washington Library

The collection of more than 85 images, taken during Tsuda’s enrollment at Columbia, showcase life in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood in the early 1990s.

Echo, Catalyst 2021 Design Team Recognized With International Awards

Columbia's student-run Echo and Catalyst Magazines have received two Creative Communication Awards for the work from their Design Team.

Two ��������Ƶ 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.

Columbia Student Featured in New Web Adventure Series by Chicago Children’s Theatre

Theatre Student Kayla Casiano plays a superhero in “This Ability”

Kubilay Uner Receives Nomination from Society of Composers and Lyricists for 'American Traitor: The Trial of Axis Sally' Score

Composer and Director of Columbia's MFA Music Composition for the Screen program, Kubilay Uner, has been nominated in the category of Outstanding Original Score for an Independent Film.

Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Welcomes ASL Alum Christina Stevens '10 as Board Member

Christina Stevens '10 will serve on the Registry of Interpreters National Board as Region I Representative.