Student Spotlight - Campus Life - Columbia College Chicago

Student Spotlight - Campus Life - Columbia College Chicago
Campus Life
Student Spotlight
At Columbia, creativity is valued, honored, and respected. It’s not just how you’re going to make a living; it’s how you’re going to make a difference, and our students are passionate about using their talents to build a better world. Here are a few of their stories.
Columbia Student Named Intern of the Year at ESPN Chicago and Lands Job
Mar 27, 2026
Alex Leon, a senior at Columbia College Chicago, secures a highly competitive paid internship that leads to recognition for his work and a job.
And We're Live: Commentary Class Produces Late-Night Talk Show
Jan 08, 2026
Students channel their inner Jimmy Kimmels to create “Columbia After Dark.”
Holly Jolly Fundraiser Returns for 23rd Year
Dec 09, 2025
WCRX, Columbia College Chicago’s student-run radio station, brings back its annual fundraiser and broadcast to support the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Students Helping Students One Textbook at a Time
Dec 01, 2025
CTAS (Created to Achieve Success), a Columbia College Chicago student organization, raises money and collects course materials to support their peers.
Columbia Student Leverages Gersh Externship to Advance Her Career in the Business of Film and Television
Nov 19, 2025
Kira Cooper, an Arts and Entertainment Management major at Columbia College Chicago, is one of just 23 students nationwide selected for the Gersh Externship.
Student Selected for Prestigious Television Academy Foundation Internship
Oct 01, 2025
Jas Dunigan, a Film and Television major at Columbia College Chicago, was one of only five students selected for the Television Academy Foundation’s Fall 2025 Internship Program.
Columbia Student Wins Award at Flint Youth Film Festival
Sep 18, 2025
Lucas Stall, a junior at Columbia College Chicago, took home the Heart Award at the Flint Youth Film Festival for a film about his struggles caring for his father with Alzheimer’s disease.
Recent Columbia Graduates Win Second Place at AEJMC Student Magazine Awards for 'In Flux'
Aug 14, 2025
The Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) recognized the story “Surviving the Housing Crisis,” which appeared in the Columbia College Chicago student-created interactive digital publication “In Flux.”
Columbia Audio Arts Student Works With Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA on John Lennon Educational Tour Bus
Aug 14, 2025
Columbia student Rebecca McQueen used state-of-the art Dolby Atmos audio equipment on the John Lennon Educational Tour bus and met hip-hop star RZA from Wu-Tang Clan.
Columbia's Fusion Ensemble Earns DownBeat Student Music Award Recognition
May 19, 2025
The Fusion Ensemble from Columbia College Chicago's School of Audio and Music has been honored by DownBeat for its composition "Never Be Free,” with vocalist Danny Lock also receiving honors.
Columbia Students Attend Chicago Women's History Conference
Apr 03, 2025
Thanks to scholarships, students attended the 2025 Chicago Women's History Conference, gaining insights into women's history and the future of women’s rights.
'Columbia Chronicle' Wins 33 Awards at Illinois College Press Association Awards
Mar 07, 2025
Columbia College Chicago’s student newspaper “The Columbia Chronicle” won the sweepstakes for the mid-sized school category at the Illinois College Press Association Awards.
Student's First-Year Film Brings Healing and Hope
Feb 11, 2025
First-year student Julia Knopfel collaborates with Columbia College Chicago classmates to share the painful story of her uncle’s murder on film and begin her journey as a filmmaker.
The Power of Persistence: Columbia College Chicago's Student-Led Gala Celebrates Creativity and Resilience
Dec 06, 2024
"The Power of Persistence" gala showcases student innovation, teamwork, and determination, all while raising funds for scholarships supporting student success.
Columbia College Chicago Film and TV Students and Alums Win Big
Nov 07, 2024
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences presents award to Columbia students for “Behind His Eyes” and the Chicago International Film Festival honors a documentary made by Columbia alums with an Audience Choice Award.
Student Films Nominated for 2024 National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Awards
Oct 18, 2024
Two Columbia student films, “Adagio” and “Behind His Eyes,” will compete in the National Student Production Awards Long Form category.
Meet the 'Sound Opinions' Scholarship Prize Winners From Columbia
Aug 21, 2024
Nine Columbia students got their 15 minutes of fame on the popular Sound Opinions podcast with hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot. The special edition episodes aired interviews with Columbia students who are up-and-coming writers, musicians, and photographers.
'Wanderer' Publication Clinches Silver Award
Aug 13, 2024
The Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication recognizes the Columbia College Chicago student publication for its exceptional creativity in showcasing Chicago's Latino artistic community.
Students Paint the Town: Columbia and Partners Expand Wabash Arts Corridor With New Murals
Aug 01, 2024
Columbia College Chicago, in strategic partnership with Behr Paint, The Home Depot, and One Summer Chicago, is transforming the Wabash Arts Corridor with vibrant new murals.
Columbia Students Rock L’Oréal's Global Competition
Jun 26, 2024
Angie Belloso, Brianna Jennes ’24, and Breyona Smith ’24 just had the trip of a lifetime to London, snagging second place at L'Oréal Brandstorm.
Columbia Students Partner With NASCAR to Create Race-Themed Games
Jun 13, 2024
You don’t have to be a race enthusiast to enjoy the interactive activities produced by Columbia students in preparation for the NASCAR Chicago Street Race.
Film Festival Selects Animated Student Short for Screening
May 29, 2024
“Frankie”— a capstone project created by Columbia College Chicago students — will be screened as a Kids First! Film Festival-curated film.
Fashion Show Leverages Student Talent From Multiple Disciplines
May 17, 2024
Columbia students come together to produce and promote an end-of-year showcase of student fashion designs.
Get Ready for Manifest Arts Festival 2024, a Student-Powered Event
May 06, 2024
This is everything attendees need to know before Columbia College Chicago’s Manifest Arts Festival: Breakthrough 2024.
Creativity Without Limits: Columbia Students Bring Imaginary World to Life With Virtual Production
Apr 25, 2024
Columbia College Chicago welcomes new technology, a volume, to the Media Production Center’s Stage 3.
Columbia College Chicago Students Gear Up for TEDx Impulse and Impact Event on May 2
Apr 24, 2024
Columbia students will present TEDx Impulse and Impact lectures on May 2, exploring the power and potential of creative impulse.
Meet the 2024 Manifest Student Team
Apr 22, 2024
Columbia College Chicago’s annual Manifest Arts Festival is a student-driven tradition that showcases the work of talented creatives across disciplines. Meet the team who is making Manifest into a reality.
CineYouth Festival Leans on Columbia College Chicago Student Talent Behind the Scenes and on the Screens
Apr 16, 2024
The annual Chicago festival to screen films by Columbia students and alums, with Columbia students serving on the festival’s youth programming committee.
Students Enjoy Action-Packed South by Southwest
Apr 09, 2024
Led by dedicated faculty, Columbia students journeyed to Austin for immersive experiences, collaborative projects, and valuable networking opportunities, reinforcing the institution's commitment to practical education and student success.
Upcoming Festivals to Showcase Animated Short by Sophomore Film and Television Student
Apr 09, 2024
International student Carlos Lerma’s film ‘Treasure Haunt’ will be shown at two upcoming festivals for young filmmakers: NFFTY and CineYouth.
The Black Album Mixtape Block Party Event Brings Together Art With Purpose
Apr 08, 2024
Award-winning actress and playwright Regina Taylor hosted the final event, "The Block Party," for the Black Album Mixtape series at the Music Center on Friday, April 5.
‘Columbia Chronicle’ Soars, Crowned Best Newspaper by National College Media Association
Apr 02, 2024
Columbia College Chicago’s student-led newspaper garners more prestigious awards and receives recognition for its crisis coverage.
Columbia College Chicago Student Film Garners Awards Worldwide
Mar 25, 2024
"Hole Punched Ear" started as a class project at Columbia College Chicago and is now earning worldwide acclaim.
The Bluest Eye: Exploring Transdisciplinary Storytelling at Columbia College Chicago
Mar 12, 2024
Columbia College Chicago brings Toni Morrison's “The Bluest Eye" to the stage March 13-23, made possible by student collaboration in dance, theater, writing, and other creative disciplines.
Music Department to Host Concert Benefitting Migrants
Mar 12, 2024
Columbia’s Music Department collaborates with award-winning actress and playwright Regina Taylor and her Black Album Mixtape Project to support New Life Centers in supplying food and clothing to migrants in Chicago.
Empowering Creatives at ShopColumbia
Mar 07, 2024
During Women's History Month, we honor female-identifying artists who make ShopColumbia a unique shopping experience in the heart of Columbia College Chicago’s campus.
Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye" Comes to Columbia March 15-23, Featuring Exclusive March 22 Blackout Performance
Mar 04, 2024
Columbia's Theatre department will stage a powerful adaptation of Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye," exploring racism's impact on an 11-year-old girl in 1940s Ohio.
'Columbia Chronicle' Wins 20 Awards at Illinois College Press Association Award Ceremony
Feb 20, 2024
"The Columbia Chronicle” team brings home 20 awards from the Illinois College Press Association, including first-place honors for general excellence, editorials, podcasts, and photojournalism.
Columbia Students Prepare for 16th Annual Paint it Black Showcase
Feb 19, 2024
Students in Columbia College Chicago's Black Student Union create a platform for artists to express themselves and support one another in their annual event.
B-Series Festival Celebrates a Decade of Hip Hop and Street Dance Culture with B-LONG
Feb 14, 2024
Columbia College Chicago's B-LONG Festival, from February 29 to March 3, celebrates 10 years of Hip Hop and Street Dance Culture. Featuring workshops, panels, battles, and Red Bull Dance Your Style Chicago Auditions on March 3.
Advertising Students Discuss the Best Super Bowl Ads of 2024
Feb 13, 2024
Columbia College Chicago students got together in their Communication Department courses to discuss the details of the biggest night in advertising
When the World Is Your Classroom, You Make Amazing Discoveries
Jan 30, 2024
Columbia College Chicago students take courses during January, or J-Term, that allow them to explore places such as Paris, Rome, and Buenos Aires, expanding their learning about culture, art, and themselves.
Student-Produced Musical Theatre Concert Set for Feb. 15-16
Jan 29, 2024
Columbia students are collaborating to present the inaugural Musical Theatre Dance Concert.
Then, Now, Next—The Dance Center at Columbia College Chicago’s 50th Anniversary Season Offers Joy and Solace
Jan 18, 2024
The Dance Center at Columbia College Chicago celebrates the present moment in dance with a series of firsts.
Persistence Scholarships Support Student Success
Nov 20, 2023
Funds raised by Columbia’s annual Unleashed Gala — an immersive experience designed, curated, and driven by students — make a difference for students.
Audio Arts and Acoustics Student Awarded Scholarship to Travel To New York City for Audio Engineering Conference
Nov 14, 2023
The Audio Engineering Society and Arup, a global consulting firm, gives Senior Jesus Reyes their Diversity in Audio Scholarship.
Dance Senior Tristen Sanborn on Tap, Teaching, and Taking on Life After Columbia
May 01, 2023
How navigating opportunities in Dance had led to happiness.
Arts Management Master's Degree Opens Doors of Opportunity for Museum Professional Jessica Meis
Apr 24, 2023
Graduate student works as a collections assistant at Columbia's Museum of Contemporary Photography.
Meet the Face of Columbia College Chicago's TikTok
Apr 17, 2023
Junior Alexia Tamayo finds joy highlighting the Columbia College Chicago community on TikTok and ZeeMee.
Brower Brothers Make the Leap With Semester in LA
Apr 03, 2023
Columbia College Chicago seniors, twins Wyatt and Wrett Brower’s leaps of faith have brought them across coasts and closer to their dream careers.
Student Explores Video Game Storytelling and Wins Gold
Mar 06, 2023
Mathew Rosario, a Navy veteran and Creative Writing major, taps into his past to create an award-winning narrative.
'Columbia Chronicle' Wins 31 Awards From Illinois College Press Association
Feb 27, 2023
"The Columbia Chronicle" staff wins big and takes home 13 first place awards, including one for DEI coverage.
Dancer Vi McMahon on Art, Activism, and Thriving (Not Surviving)
Feb 20, 2023
How creating art in space has the potential to transform our world.
Business and Entrepreneurship Student Hunter Meisel Carves Her Own Path
Feb 13, 2023
Sophomore Hunter Meisel on the importance of connection, community, and taking the leap.
To Be Replaced
×