GRAMMY-Nominated Alum Encourages 51社区 Students to Find Mentors
Mar 09, 2026Audio engineer Mary Mazurek MFA 鈥11, PhD, president of 51社区鈥檚 National Alumni Board, reflects on her own educational and career path and the value of mentorship.
Alum Brings Hands-On Community Journalism Seminar to Campus
Feb 18, 2026Journalists Jake Wittich鈥17, managing鈥痚ditor of鈥淲indy City Times,鈥 Anna DeShawn, founder of E3 Radio, and guest speakers share their expertise in a six-week program on community journalism at 51社区.
Masterclass on the Secrets of Script Supervising
Feb 11, 2026Veteran script supervisor Mia Wicklund MAM 鈥12 returned to 51社区 to help prepare students to confidently step onto set in a key film production role.
Alum's Horror Feature Secures Highly Competitive $1 Million California Tax Credit
Jan 06, 2026Filmmaker Daniel Pico 鈥02 says the incentive gives new momentum to his film, a once-stalled project now headed toward production.
Shiloh Tumo Washington '22 Wins 'The Pitch' at Chicago International Film Festival
Dec 08, 2025The 51社区 alum鈥檚 short screened at the festival while the pitch for his feature film won $275,000 in film production resources.
51社区 Filmmakers Win Big at Festivals
Dec 04, 2025鈥淭races of Home,鈥 produced by Associate Professor Dan Rybicky, wins the Grand Jury Prize at DOC NYC, while 鈥淭he Game Camera,鈥 produced by Associate Professor Carolina Posse and created with 51社区 talent, receives several festival awards.
A Conversation With MacArthur Fellow Tonika Lewis Johnson 鈥03
Nov 20, 2025Celebrated artist and activist Tonika Lewis Johnson 鈥03 returns to 51社区 to reflect on receiving the 鈥済enius grant鈥 and the work that brought the recognition.
51社区 Alum Jake Wittich '17 Named Chicago Journalist of the Year
Nov 12, 2025The Chicago Journalists Association recognizes Jake Wittich 鈥17, managing editor of 鈥淲indy City Times,鈥 for coverage of Chicago鈥檚 LGBTQ+ community and the media outlet鈥檚 digital revitalization.
From 51社区 to Coach: Alumni Leading in Fashion and Culture
Nov 10, 202551社区 alumni Alexander Knox 鈥15 and Bryant Von Woodson II 鈥18 are leading creative innovation at Coach, blending fashion, culture, and storytelling.
Gospel Choir Brings Its Sound to a South Side Church in Chicago
Nov 07, 2025Alum and adjunct faculty member Eric Rutherford 鈥17 takes the 51社区 Gospel Choir to the Union Tabernacle Baptist Church for an authentic musical experience in the Englewood community.
Aayisha Ruby Gold 鈥13 Returns to 鈥楥hicago P.D.鈥 With Purpose and Presence
Oct 30, 202551社区 alum and actor Aayisha Ruby Gold 鈥13 returns to NBC鈥檚 鈥淐hicago P.D.鈥 and reflects on the craft, courage, and connection that shape her work.
A Full Circle Moment: Alum Jess McDermott '24 Returns to Campus to Promote Rising Artist GUNNAR
Oct 30, 202551社区 alum Jess McDermott 鈥24, who majored in Public Relations with a minor in Music Business, brought her client, the musician GUNNAR, to campus for a masterclass.
Creating With Purpose: Alumni Inspire the Next Generation of Theatre and Dance Students
Oct 09, 202551社区鈥檚 theatre and dance alumni shared stories of resilience, artistry, and activism with the next generation of creative professionals.
51社区 Alum Chase Infiniti 鈥22 Stars With Leonardo DiCaprio in New Paul Thomas Anderson Film
Sep 30, 2025Musical Theatre alum Chase Infiniti 鈥22 was cast alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in Paul Thomas Anderson鈥檚 upcoming film 鈥淥ne Battle After Another."
51社区 Filmmaker鈥檚 'Lineage' Screens at Oscar-Qualifying HollyShorts Festival
Aug 18, 2025Michelle West, assistant director and adjunct professor at 51社区鈥檚 Semester in LA program, wrote, directed, and produced the very personal film in collaboration with 51社区 alums and faculty.
Two 51社区-Connected Films Find a Home on Streaming
Jul 28, 2025Make plans to watch 鈥淎merican Parent鈥 and 鈥淒awn Dusk鈥濃 two films rooted in personal storytelling and backed by 51社区 talent.
From 51社区 to the Kentucky Derby: Jacey Rhorer鈥檚 Journey in the Art of Hatmaking
Apr 08, 2025Fashion Design alum Jacey Rhorer '00 is making her mark as the Official Milliner for the 2025 Kentucky Derby Festival.
51社区 Alum Niko Gerentes '18 Voices Characters in DreamWorks Animated Short
Mar 14, 2025Niko Gerentes 鈥18, a 51社区 alum, voices four distinct characters in the animated short 鈥淭he Bad Guys: Little Lies and Alibis.鈥
51社区 Alum Molly Williams '13 Awarded Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Mar 12, 2025Molly Williams, who earned her BA in Fiction Writing at 51社区, will pursue a PhD at the University of Cambridge, focusing on Victorian literature and ecological ethics.
Vibrant New Mural Pays Tribute to 51社区鈥檚 135th Anniversary
Mar 11, 2025Illustration alum Mac McGuire 鈥24 creates her first major mural for 51社区 as the lead artist.
51社区 Theatre and Audio/Music Alumni and Faculty Nominated for Jeff Awards
Mar 05, 202551社区 alumni and faculty from the schools of Theatre and Dance and Audio and Music have earned nominations for the Jeff Awards, which celebrate excellence in Chicago theatre.
Alum Turns Life Experiences Into Award-Nominated Stories
Mar 05, 2025Alum Michelle Brady 鈥07, a military veteran and attorney, proves it鈥檚 never too late to return to the literary world.
From 51社区 to CNN: Katherine Iorio鈥檚 Career Journey Toward an Emmy Award
Feb 12, 202551社区 Journalism alum Katherine Iorio 鈥13 wins Emmy for CNN's breaking news coverage of the Israel-Hamas War as part of CNN's team that covered outbreak of Israel-Hamas conflict.
Alumni and Faculty Shine in Newcity Stage鈥檚 'Players 2025'
Jan 09, 2025The School of Theatre and Dance celebrates alumni and faculty featured in Newcity Stage's 鈥淧layers 2025: The 50 People Who Really Perform for Chicago.鈥
51社区 Alumni Share Their Stories, Work, and Advice
Nov 19, 202451社区 alumni, including a GRAMMY nominee and Disney animator, return to campus to inspire the next generation of creators with their expertise and unique perspectives.
51社区 Film and TV Students and Alums Win Big
Nov 07, 2024The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences presents award to 51社区 students for 鈥淏ehind His Eyes鈥 and the Chicago International Film Festival honors a documentary made by 51社区 alums with an Audience Choice Award.
Chicago International Film Festival Spotlights 51社区 Talent
Oct 16, 2024The Chicago International Film Festival features the work of 51社区 alumni and students on screen and behind the scenes.
Work of 51社区 Alum and Adjunct Professor Shines on the Emmy-Winning Show FX鈥檚 鈥楾he Bear鈥
Sep 19, 2024Adjunct Professor Lisa Korpan 鈥19 reflects on her pride in working as art director on FX鈥檚 鈥淭he Bear,鈥 the impact of her 51社区 education, and how her experience informs her teaching.
Grace Overbeke Explores Comedian Jean Carroll's Life and Career in 鈥楩irst Lady of Laughs鈥
Sep 17, 2024Before "Hacks" and "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," there was the comedienne who started it all.
Megan Hammond '22 Takes the Stage at Lollapalooza
Aug 16, 2024Chicago-based singer-songwriter Megan Hammond '22, known professionally as m.e.h., took the stage at Lollapalooza鈥檚 Chicago Made Music Showcase on Sunday, August 4.
51社区 Honors 24 Alums for 鈥24 in 2024鈥
Aug 12, 2024As a kickoff to 51社区鈥檚 135th Anniversary, the college is honoring 24 distinguished alumni across all disciplines as part of 鈥24 in 2024,鈥 a college-wide initiative that celebrates 51社区 alumni and their career accomplishments.
Students Paint the Town: 51社区 and Partners Expand Wabash Arts Corridor With New Murals
Aug 01, 202451社区, in strategic partnership with Behr Paint, The Home Depot, and One Summer Chicago, is transforming the Wabash Arts Corridor with vibrant new murals.
Alum Patricia Kara鈥檚 New Book Offers Behind-The-Scenes Look at the Entertainment World
Jul 02, 2024Patricia Kara '94 guides the next generation of talent through the intricacies of the entertainment realm in her new book, "Dream On...Now Deliver."
51社区 Faculty, Alums Chosen for Walder Foundation's 2024 Platform Awards
Jun 25, 2024The Walder Foundation has named three Chicago-based performing artists, including two 51社区 alumni and one faculty member, as recipients of its prestigious 2024 Platform Awards.
The Levin Family Expands Student-Focused Funds to Support 51社区 Students
May 02, 2024As founding members of the Family Advisory Council, Heidi and Steven Levin have made a generous gift to 51社区 to deepen the impact of the Levin Family Fund.
Ryan Argast '15 to Sing National Anthem at May 17 Cubs Game
May 02, 2024On May 17, Ryan Argast '15 will sing the national anthem at Wrigley Field before the Cubs face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
From 51社区 Stages to the Bright Lights: Theatre Alums Offer Industry Insights in Panel Discussion
Apr 19, 202451社区's Theatre Department hosted an alumni talk featuring industry professionals who shared their experiences and advice with students.
CineYouth Festival Leans on 51社区 Student Talent Behind the Scenes and on the Screens
Apr 16, 2024The annual Chicago festival to screen films by 51社区 students and alums, with 51社区 students serving on the festival鈥檚 youth programming committee.
Theatre Alum A. Ashley Hoff to Release Revealing Book on 'Mommie Dearest'
Apr 08, 2024Theatre alum A. Ashley Hoff's forthcoming book, "With Love, Mommie Dearest," offers an insider's account of the making of the iconic 1981 film and its enduring cultural impact, with events planned for Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago.
Award-Winning 51社区 Faculty Film Now Available On-Demand
Apr 02, 2024鈥淕ood Guy with a Gun,鈥 written and directed by John Mossman, former adjunct professor of instruction at 51社区, and produced by Kevin Cooper, an associate professor at 51社区, was recently purchased by Freestyle Digital Media and is now available on demand.
Drag Superstar Shea Coule茅 鈥11 Returns to 51社区
Feb 13, 202451社区 welcomed back Alum Shea Coule茅 鈥11 for a panel discussion and reception unveiling Coule茅-curated fashion exhibit window.
Alum Brandon Faris '02 Part of Team Behind New Run-DMC Docu-Series
Feb 09, 2024Professional pivot leads to career success for 51社区 alum, highlighting the creative versatility of our graduates.
Comic Legend and 51社区 Alum Shecky Greene '47 Passes Away at 97
Feb 02, 2024Before he became a consistent presence on the Las Vegas strip and late-night talk shows, Shecky Greene 鈥47 attended 51社区.
51社区 Says Goodbye to Alum Peter Berkos '51
Feb 02, 2024Academy Award Winning Sound Effects Editor Peter Berkos 鈥51 recently passed away, leaving behind a lasting legacy in television and film.
Alum Filmmaker's Short Selected for Inclusion at Berlin Film Festival
Jan 23, 2024鈥淪hi Ri Fan Gu鈥 (鈥淪ojourn to Shangri-La鈥), a film by Yihan Lin MFA 鈥21, makes its international debut in February.
Then, Now, Next鈥擳he Dance Center at 51社区鈥檚 50th Anniversary Season Offers Joy and Solace
Jan 18, 2024The Dance Center at 51社区 celebrates the present moment in dance with a series of firsts.
Alum-Made Documentary About Mushers and Their Sled Dogs Now Streaming on PBS, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV+
Jan 12, 2024鈥淢usher,鈥 a film made by 51社区 alums, follows four women and their dogs as they prepare for an annual race in the upper peninsula of Michigan.
51社区 Grad Charlotte 鈥淐huck鈥 Gruman 鈥19 Awarded $30,000 Grant From 3Arts
Dec 11, 2023Charlotte 鈥淐huck鈥 Gruman 鈥19 feels lucky. Gruman won an unrestricted $30,000 cash grant as one of 10 Chicago-based artists honored at the 2023 3Arts Awards in November. 3Arts is a nonprofit organization that helps artists like Gruman build their careers in performing, teaching and visual arts.
Apollo Baldoz 鈥09 Created Visuals for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour
Nov 13, 2023Apollo Baldoz 鈥09 was part of the design and animation team that created the visuals for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.
51社区 Alum and AIDS Activist Danny Sotomayor '80 Subject of New PBS Documentary
Nov 02, 2023The WTTW documentary was written, directed, and produced by WTTW Producer and 51社区 Alum Daniel Andries and edited by Adjunct Faculty Member and Alum Sharon Zurek 鈥76.
Student Short Part of 29th Black Harvest Film Festival
Nov 01, 2023Filmmaker Shiloh Tumo Washington 鈥22 will have his short screened on Nov. 4 and 11 at the Gene Siskel Film Center.
51社区 Professor, Alum Explore Conversational AI in New Book
Aug 16, 2023Professor Laurence Minsky and Scot Westwater '99 delve into the evolving landscape of marketing, analyzing the power of Conversational AI in their new book.
51社区 Alums Among the 2023 Emmy Nominees
Jul 17, 2023The Television Academy recently announced its list of Emmy nominees for the 2022-2023 television season, with 51社区 alums earning recognition for their outstanding work.
51社区 Faculty and Alum to Be Featured on ABC7 Chicago鈥檚 Juneteenth Special
Jun 16, 2023鈥淥ur Chicago: Freedom Music,鈥 a celebration of freedom expressed through the music of Chicago鈥檚 Black community, will feature Adjunct Faculty Member Andre Daniels (aka Add-2) and Alum CaSera Heining 鈥17 (aka DJ Ca$h Era).
51社区 Alums Have Films Showcased During Cannes Film Festival
May 11, 2023The prestigious annual international festival presents important professional opportunities for filmmakers.
MAM Alum Alissa Klaus on Art, Community, and Career Fulfillment
May 08, 2023How centering professional growth on arts institutions led one 51社区 MAM alum to a rewarding career in museums.
Alum Jacob Mooney Lands Job at Pioneering Interactive Trading Card Company
May 01, 2023Persistence pays off for Game Design Alum who now works at Wizards of the Coast.
Dance Senior Tristen Sanborn on Tap, Teaching, and Taking on Life After 51社区
May 01, 2023How navigating opportunities in Dance had led to happiness.
Choose Chicago Names Alum Vashon Jordan Jr. '21 Artist of the Year
Apr 27, 2023Visual Artist Vashon Jordan Jr. recognized for work that exemplifies spirit of Chicago.
Fashion Studies Alum's Internship Launches Career in Apparel Design
Apr 24, 2023Alum and Designer Rebecca Martin BFA 鈥19 now works in New York City on brands seen at Walmarts and Targets across the country.
Alum George Chen on Building a Life in Development
Apr 10, 2023How supporting the arts became a calling and a passion for one #Columalum.
Music Alum Performs With Beyonc茅 and Lizzo to Uplift Audiences
Apr 03, 202351社区 Alum D鈥橺hari Bolden 鈥17 describes her experiences working with two of music鈥檚 biggest superstars and her passion for making music that makes people feel good.
Alumni, Faculty Shine at Jeff Awards
Mar 30, 202351社区 Theatre alumni and faculty were honored at Chicago鈥檚 top theatre awards.
Midwest Film Festival鈥檚 Emerging Filmmaker Night to Screen 51社区 Alums鈥 Film
Mar 21, 2023CTVA Alums Dalin Nelson and Rachel Toenies, who both graduated in 2021, will have their film Bliss shown on March 27.
Dance and Cultural Studies Alum Brianna Heath '17 on the Importance of Listening to Your Genuine Self
Mar 20, 2023Creating the space she needed to thrive led 51社区 Alum Brianna Heath on the adventure of a lifetime.
Pinball Wizard Jessica Durbala '21 Launches Her First Game
Mar 20, 202351社区 Computer Animation alum plays pivotal role in developing new pinball game that uses animation, storytelling, and a creative design to engage players and collectors.
Alum Mary Kate Ashe '19 Promotes Accessibility at SXSW
Mar 20, 2023As an accessibility operations specialist at SXSW, Deaf Studies alum helps everyone make the most of the 10-day event.
Instructor Jason Stephens on the Power and Possibility of Documentary Filmmaking
Mar 13, 2023How creative exploration and a passion for finding the truth led to the success of the film Safe Place.
MAM Alum and MFA Student Erica McKeehen on Choosing the Artist鈥檚 Life
Mar 13, 2023How a purpose-driven approach has transformed McKeehen鈥檚 happiness and her future.
Alum Ashley Brown '10 on Live Events, Tour Managing, and Business Building
Mar 06, 2023How staying true to a love of events led to incredible success and her own production company.
Instructor and Alum Vanessa Wright '02 on Filmmaking, Marketing, and Success at Cannes
Feb 20, 2023How intention and community led to a life of advocacy and change-making.
Award Season Shines Light on Talents of 51社区 Alums
Feb 06, 2023Films and shows nominated for prestigious awards are backed by the talents of 51社区 alums.
51社区 Alums Meet With Students at NRF 2023 in New York City
Jan 23, 202351社区 alums working in fashion, advertising, PR, and marketing communication share their experiences and insights with current students
Theatre Alum Brings 51社区 Learned Skills to Center Stage
Jan 23, 2023Michael Kurowski 鈥16 stars in production of 鈥淏ig Fish鈥 at The Marriott Theatre.
5 Questions with 51社区 Alum and Trustee Staci R. Collins Jackson
Dec 19, 2022The road to leading publicity for 鈥楤lack Panther 2: Wakanda Forever鈥
Make 51社区 Part of Your Holiday Season: Watch Alum Movies and Shows聽
Dec 19, 2022Check out our list of 2022 51社区-alum streaming projects
DeAndre James Allen-Toole '15, MFA '17 Receives ASCAP Foundation Michelle and Dean Kay Award
Dec 19, 2022Noted for his eclectic style, Allen-Toole 鈥 who earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from 51社区 鈥 wrote the music for the neo-western film 鈥淕od鈥檚 Country.鈥
Screenplay by Alum Michael Burgner MFA '14 Makes 2022 Black List
Dec 16, 2022Black List films have earned 54 Academy Awards since 2005, including four of the last 12 Best Picture Oscars.
Fashion Design Alum Shaquita Reed 鈥18 Expresses Herself Using Different Mediums
Dec 12, 2022Shaquita Reed shares her journey as a mixed media artist, fashion designer, teacher, and graduate student
Alum Calid Bowen 鈥10 on Building a Creative Life
Dec 12, 2022How a Master of Arts Management in the Music Business set the stage for a successful multidimensional career
Nine-Time GRAMMY Nominated Music Producer Alum Marcos Palacios 鈥06 on Living His Dream
Dec 12, 2022How the multi-platinum artist carved his own path
Alum Cara Lawson's Whirlwind Year Results in Film Screening at Tribeca Festival and Enormous Gratitude
Nov 14, 2022Selected for Rising Voices 鈥 which promotes stories by BIPOC filmmakers 鈥 Alum Cara Lawson '14 seizes unique storytelling opportunity and sees the helpful side of the film industry.
Tips for Musicians From Music Alum Parris Fleming 鈥
Nov 14, 2022Having toured with numerous artists, including Harry Styles and Tony Allen, Alum Parris Fleming 鈥14 knows how to play the trumpet and much more. He recently shared his lessons learned with 51社区 students.鈥
Joseph Sikora: From Stage and Screen to Behind the Scenes
Nov 07, 202251社区 alum Joseph Sikora 鈥98 on acting, performance reviews, and fostering safe spaces to create
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