Student-Run C3 Expo Welcomes Anime and Manga Fans to Columbia

Campus Communications Staff / Feb 13, 2024

student in c3 expo
students in costume
c3 expo hall
Columbia students hosted a pop culture extravaganza that showcased student art, event-planning savvy, and love of cosplay.

The Columbia College Chicago student organization JAM (Japanese Anime and Manga) hosted its second C3 Expo, a pop culture extravaganza, on Feb. 3 at the Student Center.  Attendees, most in costume, enjoyed an artist marketplace that featured the creative work of Columbia students, a cosplay masquerade and meet-ups, and industry panel discussions on topics such as voice acting and creative leadership. Shop Columbia lent a hand to help process sales.   

The expo gave Columbia students the opportunity to put on a large-scale event and exercise their creative freedom.  

“Students applied their skills and expertise in a highly practical setting, and they were directly in control of creating the kind of event that they want to see on campus,” said Allen Lucas, coordinator of Student Programs at Columbia.  

This year’s event attracted anime and manga fans from both inside and outside of Columbia, drawing a larger crowd than the previous year according to Lucas.  

Many of the attendees have enjoyed similar expos on a larger scale and appreciated the chance to buy Manga from fellow students.  

“I love going to these shows and it’s fun,” said one Animation student. “Seeing Columbia have one is really joyous.” 

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