Information

For Columbia College Chicago students, the completion of a significant body of work marks the passage from experimentation and exploration, to making a singular artistic statement. The Weisman Award is intended to help advanced undergraduate and graduate students complete a substantial media-based project that is already underway. Work samples that demonstrate the concept and purpose of the project will form an important part of the application. The Albert P. Weisman Award is made possible by the generosity of the Weisman family, the Weisman Committee, and the many friends of Albert P. Weisman who donate both time and resources to make this award possible.  Winners of the award receive up to $2,000 towards a significant project in the Columbia College Chicago career. The Weisman Exhibition takes place in October. Funds will be awarded to projects determined by quality of concept, skill level, the accuracy of budget, and the likelihood of completion.

Eligibility

• Juniors, seniors, and graduate students currently enrolled at Columbia College Chicago.
• Undergraduate students must have completed 60 or more credit hours by the beginning of the Fall Semester.
• Undergraduate students must be enrolled for a minimum of 6 credits in both the Fall semester in which they apply and the following Spring semester.
• Graduate students must be enrolled for at least 1 credit in both the Fall semester in which they apply and the following Spring semester in which winners receive their awards.

Application Process

• The Weisman Award is an annual award. Applications open May 6 and close October 20.
• Students must enroll in the Weisman Award Course and complete the requirements before beginning their applications.
• Students complete and submit applications with work samples and request recommendations from faculty.
• The Weisman Committee convenes and reviews all applications.
• Winning applications are announced in October of the award year.
• The award period runs from October through May, with an exhibition of the work in the following October.

Award Disbursement

• Each award is up to $2,000.  No receipts will be required for reimbursement.
• The first half of the award money is disbursed in October of the award year.
• The second half of the award is disbursed the following May before the end of the Spring Semester. Award monies are disbursed upon submission of a digital copy of the winning project to the Weisman Archive and student participation in the Weisman Exhibition (Fall).

Project Requirements

• Projects must be completed by the end of the award period.
• All projects must be represented at the Weisman Award Exhibition for that year.
• All projects must be made available in digital form for submission to the Weisman Archive.
• Each project must explicitly credit the support of the Albert P. Weisman Award at Columbia College Chicago

The Albert P. Weisman Award was established in 1974 to encourage Columbia College Chicago students to complete a significant body of work. The Award is named after the late Al Weisman, a trustee of the College and one of Chicago’s best-known and respected communicators. Mr. Weisman was a journalist, publicist, teacher, and mentor to many. The Weisman Award is intended to perpetuate his commitment to nurturing interest and excellence in all aspects of communication.

*The Albert P. Weisman Award is sponsored by the Office of Development and Alumni Relations of Columbia College Chicago.