Columbia College Chicago Raises More Than $640,000 for Student Scholarships at Annual Gala

Columbia's Student CenColumbia College Chicago Student Center on the evening of the 2024 Power of Persistence Gala
Columbia’s largest fundraising event returned for its third year to support Persistence Scholarships, ensuring students have the financial backing needed to graduate college. This year, The Power of Persistence Gala—Columbia’s spectacular student-led event—raised more than $640,000 benefiting juniors and seniors.

Attendees were guided through exhibitions, performances, and interactive stations, getting a behind-the-scenes look at how Columbia prepares students for careers in creative industries. The entirely student-produced set of activations included pop-ups in fashion, music business, poetry, video gaming, and improv across five floors at Columbia’s Student Center. 

Board of Trustees Chairmen and gala Co-Chairs John M. Holmes and Hugh C. Williams brought together a community of donors and philanthropic supporters who generously helped raise funds for Columbia’s students who need financial support to persist to graduate. In addition to event sponsorships, an additional $117,000 was raised during a live fundraising appeal during the dinner portion of the event. 

 “Columbia’s mission centers on creativity that transcends the arts,” says Holmes. “Our graduates are essential in every industry—corporate, education, non-profit, healthcare, and beyond. Additionally, Columbia students are innovative and resilient, qualities that are critical to being successful in today’s world.” 

 Film and Television Senior Tyler Harding served as the gala’s emcee, helping paint a picture of what it’s like to be a student who is in need of financial support to graduate.  

 “Tonight, our guests get to see Columbia at our best. It’s about celebrating students’ successes, and I’m really looking forward to seeing our donors appreciate our students in this way,” says Harding. 

 “There are a lot of students at Columbia who need the financial support to complete their degrees and pursue their careers,” adds Harding.

Last year the college helped more than 60 students through funds raised for the Persistence Scholarships. The funds raised from this year’s event will benefit student scholarship recipients beginning in the fall 2025 semester.  

Interim Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations Dirk Matthews said the college’s annual gala is a great way to build community and help students who are most financially vulnerable to persist to graduate. 

 “It’s an incredibly exciting event where we transform the Student Center into five floors of student-powered activations,” says Matthews. “By bringing in our outside partners, donors, alumni, and parents we are immersing them in what the Columbia experience is all about.” 

Columbia College Chicago gratefully acknowledges the generous support of its mo sponsors—AAR Corp (John M. Holmes and Jenni Sorenson); Continental Painting & Decorating (Constance and Hugh C. Williams); Aon plc; Anne and Barry Sabloff; Benchmarc Display, Inc.; CIBC Capital Markets, among others.   

 

Learn more about The Power of Persistence Gala.

Watch the Power of Persistence Video

Recent News