Columbia College Chicago Alumni Share Their Stories, Work, and Advice

Campus Communications Staff / Nov 19, 2024

person wearing sunglasses and hat playing saxophoneKosine (aka Marcos Palacios ’06)
people sitting on stageColumbia students organized a networking event with alumni as part of their Self-Management & Freelancing class.
three people having conversation with artwork on walls in backgroundAlum and Disney Animator Marlon West ’85 (right), shown here with Interim Associate Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations Dirk Matthews (left) and Interim President Jerry Tarrer (center).).
Columbia alumni, including a GRAMMY nominee and Disney animator, return to campus to inspire the next generation of creators with their expertise and unique perspectives.

Columbia College Chicago recently welcomed back alumni who are now making waves in their respective industries. These return visits not only allowed students to connect with successful professionals but also offered them a closer look at the diverse career paths Columbia alums have taken. From music industry giants to socially conscious artists, here's a look at three exciting events where Columbia alumni took center stage. 

Kosine Takes the Stage: Nine-Time GRAMMY Nominee Connects With Students 

In early November, Columbia’s School of Business and Entrepreneurship kicked off its Close Connections Series with an unforgettable performance by Kosine (aka Marcos Palacios '06). The nine-time GRAMMY-nominated producer and co-founder of the powerhouse production duo Da Internz shared his story with students at the 618 S. Michigan building. Kosine’s music credits include chart-topping hits with artists like Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Big Sean, and Justin Bieber. But his visit wasn’t just about the music — it was a chance to engage with students on a deeper level. 

Following his live performance, Kosine hosted a dynamic Q&A session where he reflected on his journey from Columbia to earning GRAMMY nominations. He shared invaluable insights about navigating the music industry, emphasizing the importance of reinvention and resilience. “Refuel, reinvent, rebuild,” he said, encouraging students to keep pushing forward in their careers, no matter the obstacles. 

Kosine’s return was a full-circle moment. Not only did he graduate from Columbia, but he also once taught here. His work, which spans different areas of entertainment, has earned him global recognition, and his presence at the event offered students the rare opportunity to interact with an industry leader up close.

person on stage with microphone with audience listening
Nine-time GRAMMY nominee Kosine (aka Marcos Palacios) performed for students and answered their questions. 

 

Reframing Networking: Students Produce the Peer Exchange Experience 

Also in November, a group of Columbia alumni took part in an event that focused on reshaping what networking means. Hosted by Columbia students from the Self-Management & Freelancing course taught by Professor Beth Ryan, the Peer Exchange offered a more inclusive, less transactional take on professional connections. The event, the first of two and also  part of the School of Business and Entrepreneurships Close Connections series, featured an alumni panel of creative industry professionals, including: 

  • Andy Madden '03, Creative Director at Madden Creative 
  • Ben Nissen '05, Creative Partner at Odd Commodity 
  • Margo Siwak '13, Partner/Designer at Odd Commodity 
  • Patrick Gipson '03, Associate Creative Director, Photo/Video at Ravinia Festival 
  • Michael Jarecki '06, Photographer and Adjunct Faculty at Columbia College Chicago 

The event was designed to break down the barriers of traditional networking and foster real, meaningful conversations. Students from various majors — ranging from photography to music business — connected with panelists who shared their insights on navigating creative careers and the entrepreneurial journey. After the panel discussion, attendees participated in a series of small-group conversations with the professionals, gaining firsthand knowledge on how to succeed in industries that demand both creativity and business acumen. 

The event gave students not only professional advice but also hands-on experience in planning and executing a successful event — skills they’ll take with them into their futures. 

group of students in lounge talking to adult
Alum Michael Jarecki ’06 shares his experiences as a self-employed photographer with students. 

 

Marlon West’s Ink Tributes: Art With a Purpose 

Marlon West '85, an Animation alum who has served as head of effects and visual effects supervisor at Walt Disney Animation Studios, recently brought his thought-provoking exhibition Ink Tributes to the Columbia campus. Featured in the Community Hub Gallery, this powerful collection of illustrations honors the lives of Black individuals who have faced violence, from Emmitt Till to George Floyd. West’s artwork emerged during the COVID-19 lockdown as a personal response to the murders of Black Americans, using his talents to channel grief into social justice through art. 

West is best known for his work in animation, contributing to Disney classics like “The Lion King,” “Mulan,” “Frozen,” and “Moana.” But Ink Tributes marks a different kind of legacy —one that blends his artistic abilities with activism. His exhibition not only explores the impact of systemic racism but also challenges the viewer to reflect on the history of Black lives in America. 

While at Columbia, West shared the stories behind his work, explaining how his artwork delves deeply into themes of injustice and resilience, drawing connections between the experiences of Black Americans and the relatable struggles of Marvel’s beloved characters— heroes often misunderstood, feared, and hunted for being different. In his striking black-and-white imagery, West captures the harsh realities faced by those who have been victims of systemic violence and discrimination. The exhibition has also been shown at the St. Louis Museum of Art and the Los Angeles Museum of Social Justice, proving that West’s work resonates beyond Columbia's walls. 

two people talking with art on walls in background
Alum Marlon West ’85 (left) talks with Provost Marcella David (right).

 

These events reflect the diverse paths Columbia College Chicago alumni take as they shape their industries and make meaningful contributions to society. Whether through music, networking, or activism, Columbia grads continue to inspire the next generation of artists, entrepreneurs, and change-makers. 

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