Top Stories from Columbia College Chicago in 2024

Curious BunnyStudents working on "Curious Bunny" by Cheri Charlton
From winning prestigious awards and grants to collaborating with big brands like NASCAR and L'Oréal, here are the top stories from Columbia College Chicago in 2024.

As we begin the 2025 spring semester and our 135th anniversary as a school, we reflect on the top stories of 2024 that brought change and excitement to Columbia College ChicagoWe are proud of the tremendous work and commitment of our wonderful school community at Columbia. From creative partnerships to our students pursuing their passions in exciting industries, these are the top stories from this past year. 

Navigate through the top stories by month

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  • January 2024

    Columbia Students Explore Paris, Rome, and Buenos Aires during J-Term

    Columbia College Chicago students take courses during January, or J-Term, and travelled to not only Italy but Argentina, France, and the United Kingdom. And in the U.S., students visited Los Angeles and New York City. While each student experience was unique, all students came home enriched with new awareness and understanding of the world beyond their backyard as well as highly desired college credits.

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m-regina-agu-shorelines-nea-grant-feb-2024-copy-2.jpegwidewac_m.pngL'Oreal Brandstorm
  • April 2024

    Columbia Team Wins U.S. L'Oréal Brandstorm Competition for Fourth Year in a Row

    As the U.S. winners, students Angie Belloso, Breyona Smith, and Brianna Jennes earn an all-expense paid trip to London for the next stage of the international competition.

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Columbia School of Fashion
  • May 2024

    Fashion Show Leverages Student Talent From Multiple Disciplines

    In Assistant Professor Tom Eslinger’s Fashion Advertising class, students developed the branding and promotions around the show and the VIP pre-event where this year’s Made@Columbia designers met members of the fashion industry. 

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NASCAR and Columbia College
  • June 2024

    Columbia Students Partner with NASCAR to Create Race-Themed Games

    At Columbia College Chicago, faculty like Assistant Professor Jo-Nell Sieren often bring in companies to provide students client-based learning experiences. And this year, Sieren took the checkered flag for the win when NASCAR Chicago Street Race accepted her invitation to partner with two of her classes.

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Volume Wall
  • July 2024

    MovieMaker Ranks Columbia Among the 30 Best Film Schools in North America 

    “MovieMaker” has named Columbia College Chicago among the 30 best film schools in the U.S. and Canada in 2024. The list was designed to offer a variety of options to help guide those preparing for careers in the media industry.

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Wabash Arts Corridor
  • August 2024

    Students Paint the Town With Two New Murals

    Columbia College Chicago, in strategic partnership with Behr Paint, The Home Depot, and One Summer Chicago, transformed the Wabash Arts Corridor with vibrant new murals.

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Columbia Alumni
  • September 2024

    "24 in 2024" Recognizes Alumni From Columbia College Chicago

    This distinguished honor celebrates our alumni community for their creative influence within their industry, passion for their craft, and their connection to world around them. 

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Columbia Students in Milan
  • October 2024

    Fashion Students Shine at Fashion Graduate Italia in Milan

    Two standout fashion students from Columbia College Chicago, Rae Braezeale and Joelle Olabode, recently took center stage at the International Talent to Talent show during Fashion Graduate Italia 2024.

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Design Grant
  • November 2024

    School of Design Awarded a $75,000 Illinois Innovation Voucher Grant

    The project, led by Columbia students, will provide valuable resources for students preparing for their futures by offering interactive and engaging experiences. The grant will also allow Columbia to hire students to work on the game development team, giving them hands-on experience in the gaming industry.

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Power of Persistence
  • December 2024

    Columbia's Annual Gala Raises Funds for Student Scholarships

    "The Power of Persistence" gala showcases student innovation, teamwork, and determination, all while raising funds for scholarships supporting student success.

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