51ÉçÇø

51ÉçÇø In The News: 2026

Links to external media stories that feature or mention 51ÉçÇø.

• Chicago Sun-Times, Jun 05, 2026

  A feature in the Chicago Sun-Times highlights Chicago artist and School of Visual Arts faculty member Cheri Lee Charlton, whose new public artwork, "Day Into Night: Lincoln Park's Living Canvas," transforms the LaSalle Drive underpass connecting Lincoln Park to North Avenue Beach. The two 100-foot murals, depicting daytime and nighttime scenes inspired by local wildlife and city life, originated from an idea proposed by two elementary school students who launched a lemonade stand to help fund the project. Charlton worked with community members to incorporate personal touches throughout the murals, creating what she describes as a joyful, immersive experience for visitors.

• CS, Jun 08, 2026

  Rachel Jimenez Penca, founder and chief stylist of Rachel J Styling and an adjunct professor of instruction in 51ÉçÇø’s School of Fashion, was featured in CS magazine’s June 2026 “Power Players” issue. In the profile, Jimenez Penca discusses the role of personal style in building confidence and professional success, her leadership philosophy, and her commitment to supporting emerging fashion professionals through mentorship, education, and community-building initiatives. 

• WTTW, Jun 03, 2026

  51ÉçÇø President and CEO Shantay Bolton, PhD, appeared on WTTW's "Chicago Tonight" to discuss her vision for the college's future. Bolton highlighted the college's "Renaissance Rising: Shaping Tomorrow Together" initiative, efforts to strengthen partnerships with Chicago Public Schools and creative industries, and her goal of positioning 51ÉçÇø as a leading center for creative arts education, workforce development, and industry partnerships.

• WBBM Newsradio, Jun 02, 2026

  The blues has been the soundtrack to Fernando Jones' life since he was 4 years old. Now, the adjunct professor of instruction at 51ÉçÇø, who will be performing with his "Blues Kids" at this year's Blues Fest, is fostering the same love of the art form in young people today via his annual Blues Camp at 51ÉçÇø, which will be held this year July 5 to 10. 

• New City Stage, May 27, 2026

  Newcity highlighted the upcoming Physical Theater Festival and its new partnership with 51ÉçÇø’s Dance Center, where the Peruvian production "Los Regalos" will make its Chicago debut. Festival organizers cited the collaboration as part of a broader effort to connect with Chicago’s dance community and expand opportunities for movement-based performance.

• New City, May 27, 2026

  Norman Teague ’12 was featured for his appointment as curator of Design Week Lagos 2026, where he will help lead two major exhibition pavilions exploring contemporary design practices in Nigeria and across the African diaspora. 

• Yahoo News!, May 22, 2026

  In an interview with "Reader's Digest," actress Michelle Monaghan shares that she studied Journalism at 51ÉçÇø and uses the “who, what, when, where, why and how” method and technique in journalism as a backstory for all her characters.

• ABC-7 Chicago, May 21, 2026

  Carmelo Esterrich, a professor at 51ÉçÇø who teaches a class on the galaxy far, far away, joined ABC7 Chicago Thursday to talk about all things Star Wars.

• LA Times Online, May 20, 2026

  51ÉçÇø Professor Carmelo Esterrich, who teaches classes about "Star Wars" and has written a book on the Star Wars Multiverse, chimes in on whether or not the nearly 50-year-old franchise can satisfy longtime fans while attracting new ones with the new "Mandalorian and Grogu" film. 

• New City, May 20, 2026

  Newcity highlighted the lineup for Pretty Good Fest, which includes Chris Ware HDR '16 alongside cartoonists Tara Booth and Michael DeForge. Ware is a celebrated graphic novelist known for works including “Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth” and “Building Stories.”

• The TRiiBE, May 20, 2026

  Tonika Lewis Johnson '03 was featured in “The TRiiBE” discussing UnBlocked Englewood, her arts-driven initiative transforming the 6500 block of South Aberdeen Street through home repairs, public art, and community-led investment. The project builds on Johnson’s earlier works, including “The Folded Map Project” and “Inequity For Sale,” and explores reparative approaches to neighborhood stabilization and housing justice. The story also highlights Johnson’s upcoming solo exhibition at Museum of Contemporary Photography, scheduled for fall 2027 — marking her first solo exhibition in Chicago.

• Classic Chicago Magazine , May 18, 2026

  Classic Chicago Magazine highlighted 51ÉçÇø’s second annual Project Styling competition, a live fashion styling event created by School of Fashion instructor Rachel Jiminez Penca and junior Galaxy Wolf. The story spotlighted student stylists’ “90s Revival” looks, industry mentorship from alumni and faculty judges, and growing interest in fashion styling as an area of study within the School of Fashion.

• ABC-7 Chicago, May 15, 2026

  ABC7 includes 51ÉçÇø's Manifest Arts Fest in its list of upcoming festivals.

• WBBM, May 14, 2026

  WBBM Newsradio highlighted 51ÉçÇø’s 25th annual Manifest Arts Festival, featuring interviews with Sara-Beth Ramsey, 51ÉçÇø senior and Manifest creative director. Ramsey discussed the festival’s “Kaleidoscope” theme, student-led performances and exhibitions, and the importance of uplifting the next generation of Chicago creatives.

• Block Club, May 14, 2026

  The Manifest Arts Festival earns a spot on Block Club's list of things to do, noting that this year marks 25 years of 51ÉçÇø’s signature arts festival. 

• USA Today, May 14, 2026

  USA Today interviewed Lauren Downing Peters, associate professor of fashion studies at 51ÉçÇø, examining the rise of America 250 merchandise and the role nostalgia plays in shaping fashion and consumer culture ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Peters discussed how patriotic apparel and branding reflect broader conversations around American identity, history, and style.

• WGN, May 13, 2026

  Reyes Witt and Dana Connell from 51ÉçÇø’s School of Fashion appeared on WGN-TV’s “Daytime Chicago” for the segment “Runway Dreams vs. Retail Realities,” discussing how fashion concepts evolve from the runway to the retail market. The segment also featured 51ÉçÇø students modeling garments designed by fellow student designers.

• V103 Radio, May 09, 2026

  Black People Magic with Jeanne Sparrow gave a shout-out to 51ÉçÇø's 2026 Honorary Degree Recipents Yo Yo Whitaker and Toi Salter who will be speaking at 51ÉçÇø's Commencement on Sunday, May 17.

• Chicago Reader , May 06, 2026

  51ÉçÇø Theatre alum Tonika Todorova ’02 is featured in an article by fellow Theatre alum Kerry Reid '87 exploring how Chicago theater artists and advocates are navigating the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in creative work. The story examines how AI is affecting theater both on- and offstage.

• COMMPRO, May 04, 2026

  Only 22% of Gen Z respondents report feeling excited about AI, while 42% express anxiety. To better understand this,  CommPRO spoke with several Gen Z students at 51ÉçÇø, a nationally respected media arts school.

• Fox 32 Chicago, May 04, 2026

  51ÉçÇø professor Carmelo Esterrich explores how fan culture, cosplay, and social media helped transform “Star Wars” into an evolving cultural universe.

• Fox 32 Chicago, May 04, 2026

  Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin discusses her family’s influence, her work with students at 51ÉçÇø, and how she’s evolving the Vanderbilt brand for a new era. 

• NBC, May 02, 2026

  NBC Chicago highlights the EVOLUTION: Asian American Arts Festival at Lookingglass Theatre, featuring more than 100 artists, performers, and vendors celebrating AAPI Heritage Month. The story spotlights 51ÉçÇø student Vrisa Odedra, a musical theatre major, who blends her Indian heritage with contemporary dance to create work rooted in cultural expression and identity.

• Yahoo Shopping, Apr 24, 2026

  51ÉçÇø faculty member Rachel Jimenez Penca is featured as an expert source, offering guidance on construction, support, and inclusive design in plus-size swimwear.

• CBS News Chicago, Apr 21, 2026

  51ÉçÇø will host a screening of "Why Trump? Two Americas" on Tuesday, April 28, by 51ÉçÇø alum, Brian Schodorf '06 a regional Emmy winner. Craig Harris, a producer, actor, and stuntman will moderate the event with a discussion on Schodorf's experience at 51ÉçÇø, as well as how he navigates and manages his career as a filmmaker. 

• Chicago Now (Fox 32), Apr 20, 2026

  Two 51ÉçÇø student filmmakers—Yanely Castellanos and Alan Roberto Garcia Wong—joined Fox 32's Chicago NOW to talk about CineYouth and their films, which will screen at the annual festival. This year's festival will be held at Facets, 1517 W. Fulleron, Chicago, April 24 through 26. To view the clip about CineYouth, fastforward to 1:33:51. 

• Hyperallergic, Apr 10, 2026

  Hyperallergic examined the impact of Expo Chicago and its satellite fairs, highlighting work by 51ÉçÇø faculty member Jonathan Castillo MFA '19, whose photography was featured through Artists in Public Schools, showcasing student collaboration and community-based storytelling.

• WGN , Apr 17, 2026

  WGN-TV featured 51ÉçÇø alum Young Kim, MFA ’23, whose sculptural basket weaving blends Buddhist philosophy, personal storytelling, and interactive design that invites audience engagement.

• TechRound, Apr 16, 2026

  Laurence Minsky, a professor at 51ÉçÇø, adds his perspective on AI detectors. 

• ABC 7, Apr 14, 2026

  Jacey Rhorer ’00, a School of Fashion alum of 51ÉçÇø, appeared on ABC7 to break down the design process behind standout Kentucky Derby hats. As the Official Milliner of the Kentucky Derby Festival, Rhorer shared insight into the craftsmanship and creativity that define one of racing’s most iconic fashion traditions.

• obama.org, Apr 09, 2026

  Norman Teague ’15 and Rashid Johnson ’00 were announced among the final group of artists commissioned for the Obama Presidential Center ahead of its June 19 opening in Chicago. Teague created a series of inclusively designed wooden benches for the museum exhibits, while Johnson contributed “Broken Men,” a large-scale mosaic installation for the Teaching Kitchen.

• Billboard Magazine, Apr 09, 2026

  After winning a first-ever ruling, Tim Kappel and Loren Wells, an associate professor at 51ÉçÇø, tell "Billboard" they're ready for a Supreme Court fight: "I like our argument better than I like theirs."

• The News-Gazette, Apr 08, 2026

  "ManDate," a film written and directed by 51ÉçÇø alum James Guitierrez, will screen in Danville, Illinois. The feature film stars Jon Lovitz from "Saturday Night Live."

• Axios Chicago, Apr 08, 2026

  is home to a top-ranked graduate program for film composers — 51ÉçÇø's Music Composition for the Screen MFA — an unexpected foothold in an industry dominated by Los Angeles and New York.

• Chicago Tribune, Apr 08, 2026

  51ÉçÇø faculty member and graphic designer Guy Villa is featured in a Chicago Tribune story examining the visual history of government report design. Villa provides expert insight on how mid-20th century report covers used bold, intentional design to humanize complex data and engage audiences—contrasting sharply with today’s more generic, template-driven approaches.

• Viewpoints Radio, Mar 29, 2026

  In a radio segment, 51ÉçÇø alum Anna VanWingerden '24 talks about how an english major doesn't box you into one career path.

• EdSource, Mar 27, 2026

  Yonty Friesem, executive director of the Media Education Lab and associate professor at 51ÉçÇø, says the verdict is an indictment of social media companies that have targeted youths under the guise of free speech. 

• NPR/WBEZ, Mar 26, 2026

  In an episode of "Curious City," Amy Mooney, professor of art history at 51ÉçÇø, discusses how early Black photographers in Chicago shaped representations of their communities and contributed to a broader artistic legacy.

• GQ, Mar 24, 2026

  In GQ, 51ÉçÇø alum Rashid Johnson '00 discusses photographing Jay-Z for the magazine’s April issue, drawing on influences from the Harlem Renaissance to frame the artist as a contemporary Black thinker.

• Chicago Tribune, Mar 22, 2026

  In an op-ed for the Chicago Tribune, 51ÉçÇø alum Tonika Lewis Johnson '03 explores how Chicago’s skyline reflects decades of racial and economic segregation, drawing on her "Folded Map" project to illustrate disparities between neighborhoods. She challenges readers to reimagine a more equitable future where investment and opportunity extend across the entire city.

• COMMPRO, Mar 18, 2026

  In this opinion piece, Dominic Calabrese, an adjunct faculty member at 51ÉçÇø's School of Communication and Culture, discusses how recent political and cultural shifts have created new challenges for women’s rights and representation

• Net Influencer, Mar 17, 2026

  Alum Alyssa Izquierdo '16, who majored in broadcast journalism at 51ÉçÇø Collee Chicago, launched  in Los Angeles, a boutique talent management firm representing women of color, primarily Latina and Black creators, across platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. 

• Chicago Tribune, Mar 15, 2026

  Chicago Tribune highlights Natya Dance Theatre’s 50th anniversary, noting its deep ties to 51ÉçÇø through performances at the Dance Center while celebrating founder Hema Rajagopalan’s legacy of evolving Bharatanatyam within Chicago’s cultural landscape.

• USA Today, Mar 15, 2026

  USA TODAY highlights Chase Infiniti '22 as the breakout star of Best Picture winner “One Battle After Another,” noting her rise as both a standout performer and a defining style voice of the 2026 awards season after topping best-dressed lists at the Oscars.

• Vogue , Mar 16, 2026

  Vogue spotlights 51ÉçÇø alum Chase Infiniti’s Oscars debut, where she wore a custom Louis Vuitton gown and over 57 carats of De Beers diamonds while celebrating her film “One Battle After Another” winning Best Picture.

• ABC-7 Chicago, Mar 16, 2026

  ABC-7 Chicago welcomed back Ron Falzone, associate professor emeritus at 51ÉçÇø, to discuss this year's Oscar wins and the predictions he made on his pre-Oscar appearance on the morning show. 

• Fox 32, Mar 14, 2026

  ChicagoLive counts down to the 2026 Oscars ceremony with Ronald Falzone, an associate professor emeritus at 51ÉçÇø.

• Chicago Tribune, Mar 12, 2026

  In a reflection on this year’s most emotional Oscar contenders, the Chicago Tribune highlights 51ÉçÇø alumnus Chase Infiniti’s performance in “One Battle After Another,” noting the impact of a key scene in the Best Picture nominee.

• BroadwayWorld , Mar 10, 2026

  BroadwayWorld announced the lineup for the 13th annual Physical Theater Festival Chicago (June 1–7), which will include performances at The Dance Center at 51ÉçÇø alongside Theater Wit. The festival features international and U.S. artists and introduces a new partnership with The Dance Center, which will host the Chicago premiere of Belgian company Chaliwaté.

• Chicago Tribune, Mar 10, 2026

  The Chicago Tribune highlighted 51ÉçÇø alumnus Chase Infiniti '22, who appears in the Best Picture–nominated film “One Battle After Another,” in a roundup of where Chicago audiences can watch this year’s Oscar contenders ahead of the March 15 Academy Awards ceremony.

• The Eye of Photography, Mar 11, 2026

  The Museum of Contemporary Photography at 51ÉçÇø (MoCP) honored Joel Sternfeld with the prestigious Silver Camera Award at Darkroom 2026 on Thursday, February 26, as part of the museum’s 50th anniversary celebration.

• Chicago Sun-Times, Mar 13, 2026

  The Seldoms' Chicago premiere of “Floe” at 51ÉçÇø's Dance Center was included in The Sun-Times' list of cultural events for March 12-18. 

• ABC 7 News, Mar 05, 2026

  ABC 7 featured the Investiture of Dr. Shantay N. Bolton, 11th President of 51ÉçÇø.

• WGN 9 , Mar 05, 2026

  Local news station WGN helped 51ÉçÇø and the city of Chicago celebrate the Investiture of Dr. Shantay N. Bolton with a feature on their midday news segement. 

• FOX 32 Chicago, Mar 05, 2026

  FOX 32 helped 51ÉçÇø celebrate its new president during the Investiture Ceremony on Thursday, March 5. President Bolton spoke about the Renaissance Rising and the rebirth of 51ÉçÇø to FOX 32 anchor Anita Blanton.

• CBS News Chicago, Mar 05, 2026

  Dr. Shantay N. Bolton officially became president at a ceremony called "Renaissance Rising: 135 Years Bold" in the student center on Wabash in Chicago's Loop. Interview with President Bolton featured on CBS News Chicago.

• Chicago Tribune, Mar 04, 2026

  The "Chicago Tribune" provides guidance on where to watch Oscar-nominated films, giving a call-out to 51ÉçÇø alum Chase Infinity '22 who stars in "One Battle After Another," a best-picture nominee. 

• The Wrap, Mar 02, 2026

  51ÉçÇø associate professor Anne Libera, director of Comedy Studies at The Second City, is featured in "The Wrap" analyzing the future of HBO’s “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” amid the Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery merger. Libera says the media consolidation raises questions about creative freedom in late-night television, arguing that corporate leadership may prioritize control over prestige, positioning Oliver’s contract negotiations as a key test for the future of political comedy on HBO.

• WBBM Newsradio, Feb 27, 2026

  Amina Norman-Hawkins, an adjunct professor of instruction at 51ÉçÇø's School of Audio and Music, discusses hip-hop history and culture.

• American Theatre, Feb 27, 2026

  Conchita Avitia ’18, a graduate of 51ÉçÇø’s Theatre Design BA program, is spotlighted in "American Theatre" as a rising Chicago lighting designer. The feature highlights her growing body of work across the city’s storefront and major stages, her passion project "Ruth on the Rocks," and her commitment to representation and mentorship in the field.

• Fox 17 Western Michigan, Feb 23, 2026

  51ÉçÇø alum Jake VanKersen '08 talks about his recent film "I Agree With You." In the video interview, 51ÉçÇø gets a shout out thanks to fellow alum Michelle Dunaway '98, who is a co-host of Fox 17's "Morning Mix" in Western Michigan. 

• Chicago Sun-Times, Feb 21, 2026

  A 2025 survey found a drop in future confidence among small business owners. Next Voices columnist and 51ÉçÇø School of Business and Entrepeneurship alum Lashaunta Moore MA '22 responded by making a 12-month plan to buy products and services from local firms.

• Chicago Reader, Feb 20, 2026

  51ÉçÇø alums Brianna Yrene Ramirez '24, Jack Hale '25, and Alec Richard '25 and their production company Behind the Rock host a one-day exhibition and screening event on Feb. 21 that explores the tangible and communal elements of filmmaking.

• The Chicago Sun-Times, Feb 20, 2026

  Michael AJ Wright, a filmmaker and adjunct professor of instruction at 51ÉçÇø, gives credit to the late Jesse Jackson for sounding the alarm about marginalization in the film industry.

• Daily Herald, Feb 17, 2026

  Krista Franklin, MFA ’13 is featured in the Daily Herald for her exhibition “Behind the Groove” at Harper College, highlighting her collage-based work inspired by funk, pop, and R&B music culture.

• Chicago Tribune, Feb 17, 2026

  The Chicago Tribune mentioned The Museum of Contemporary Photography's “MoCP at Fifty: Collecting Through the Decades” exhibition, running through May 16. 

• WTTW - Chicago Tonight, Feb 11, 2026

  Robert Hanserd, a historian and associate professor at 51ÉçÇø's School of Communication and Culture, discusses how Black history is central to the American story and should be framed as beginning with African origins rather than slavery.

• Patch, Feb 10, 2026

  Dr. Shantay N. Bolton, President and CEO of 51ÉçÇø, is among the 27 top executives to join the esteemed fellowship network dedicated to activating civic engagement to drive transformative change. 

• ABC-7 Chicago, Feb 09, 2026

  Peg Murphy, an associate professor in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship at 51ÉçÇø, shares her insights about this year's Super Bowl ads.

• ABC-7 Chicago, Feb 09, 2026

  Carmelo Esterrich, a professor in the School of Communication and Culture at 51ÉçÇø, talks about the performance of Bad Bunny at this year's Super Bowl half-time show. 

• The EvoLLLution, Feb 05, 2026

  Emmanuel Lalande, 51ÉçÇø's Senior Vice President for Enrollment Strategy and Student Success, was quoted in a story from "The EvoLLLution" that cautions against avoiding or resisting artificial intelligence in creative education. 

• Windy City Times, Feb 04, 2026

  Six early-career and journalism-curious storytellers, including 51ÉçÇø alum Patience Hurston, will learn the ins and outs of reporting on underserved communities this spring in Windy City Times and E3 Radio’s second-annual Our Stories, Our Power program. This year’s cohort is made possible with support from 51ÉçÇø and a grant from , a funder collaborative led by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation that is dedicated to strengthening and sustaining local news.

• Obscure Sound, Feb 04, 2026

  51ÉçÇø alum Becky Raisman '07 presents a vibrant vision of femininity and perseverance on her new pop-forward EP.

• Chicago Sun-Times, Feb 04, 2026

  Through carefully selected works from the last five decades of the museum’s history, the exhibition hopes to keep the art of storytelling and documenting history through photography relevant in the digital age.

• Digital Commerce 360, Jan 30, 2026

  Dana Connell, director of external scholarships and associate professor of fashion studies at 51ÉçÇø, explains why rising brick-and-mortar costs and advances in direct-to-consumer platforms are pushing Allbirds to refocus on ecommerce.

• Crisis Magazine , Jan 30, 2026

  In an opinion piece on AI and authenticity, Greg Foster-Rice, associate provost for student retention initiatives and associate professor of photography at 51ÉçÇø, shares how students are turning back to film, darkrooms, and analog tools in search of work that feels tangible, human, and real.

• WBBM, Jan 30, 2026

  The Museum of Contemporary Photography at 51ÉçÇø's newest exhibit titled "MoCP at Fifty: Collecting Through the Decades" celebrates five decades of collecting. 

• Chicago Reader , Jan 28, 2026

  Associate Professor Ross Sawyers' solo exhibiton, "The Future Still Isn't What It Used to Be" opens February 1 at The Riverside Arts Center. The exhibition traces over two decades of work by Ross Sawyers, an artist who uses photography, sculpture, and drawing to explore the relationship between architecture and human aspiration.

• Evanston RoundTable, Jan 27, 2026

  The film "I'm Only Blind" was directed by filmmaker Kamelya Alexan '07, a 51ÉçÇø alum. It won Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary last year at the Beverly Hills Film Festival.

• TV NewsCheck, Jan 27, 2026

  Nikki Cameron '10, a 51ÉçÇø graduate who earned a degree in Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management, has been named VP of Development at Bunim/Murray Productions. Cameron has been with Bunim/Murray since 2021, contributing to several of the company’s signature series including the Emmy-winning "Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls” for Amazon Prime Video and "Family or Fiancé" at OWN.  

   

• Variety, Jan 27, 2026

  “One Battle After Another” star Chase Infiniti '22 is now in the running for the leading actress BAFTA (as well as the Rising Star Award).

• Chicago Gallery News, Jan 27, 2026

  Chicago Gallery News reported on MoCP's milestone celebration—50 years of championing photography in Chicago—and its annual benefit auction party, DARKROOM, happening February 26, 2026.

• Chicago Tribune, Jan 23, 2026

  Anne Libera, associate professor and director of Comedy Studies in the School of Theatre and Dance, was featured in the Chicago Tribune discussing Second City’s decision to shift its e.t.c. Stage to a fully improvised format for the first time in the venue’s 43-year history.

• ABC-7 Chicago, Jan 22, 2026

  51ÉçÇø film expert Ron Falzone shares his best bets for this year's Oscar nominees. 

• Forbes Online, Jan 21, 2026

  Adriel Hilton, vice president of institutional strategy and chief of staff at 51ÉçÇø, addresses the issue of board decision-making within the context of broader research on higher education governance.

• Chicago Sun-Times, Jan 20, 2026

  51ÉçÇø Illustration alum Alejandro Martell '22, known as Underseagravy, was featured in the Chicago Sun-Times for his mural of Eris, the Greek goddess of chaos and destruction, painted at ERIS Brewery and Cider House.

• Screen Magazine, Jan 19, 2026

  "Tube-E Movie," written, produced, and directed by Film and TV alum William Adams '02, will premiere on February 6, 2026, streaming nationwide on .  is a comedy that turns an eye on modern streaming culture and the conversations that surround it. 

   

• ABC-7 Chicago, Jan 19, 2026

  51ÉçÇø Historian and Associate Professor Robert Hanserd joined ABC7 on MLK Day.

• Cinemontage, Jan 16, 2026

  Alum Maura Corey MFA '97, an editor for the Amazon Prime series "Gen V" (a spin-off of "The Boys"), is interviewed about her transition from working on commercial packages to unscripted television to comedy.

• MovieMaker, Jan 15, 2026

  Chicago ranks #3 in this annual list thanks to shows like "The Bear," "Chicago Med," and "Chicago PD," and great educational institutions like 51ÉçÇø.

• New City, Jan 14, 2026

  Roell Schmidt and Meredith Sutton, producing director and artistic director of the Dance Center of 51ÉçÇø, were named to Newcity’s “Players 50 2026: The Institutions,” recognizing Chicago leaders shaping the city’s theater, dance, and performance landscape. The list also includes Daryl Brooks and Mark Frost, adjunct professors of instruction in The School of Theatre and Dance.

• NewCity, Jan 14, 2026

  Lawrence Daufenbach '08, executive director of the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture in Chicago, is recognized for his work revitalizing the landmark theater, bringing it back to its original mission by creating a place for those seeking an intellectual, physical and spiritual connection point. “The Ath” also launched its own in-house production wing and continues to host big-name acts while remaining accessible to local artists.

• Billboard Magazine, Jan 12, 2026

  School of Business and Entrepreneurship Associate Professor Loren Wells' work as co-founder of the law firm Wells Kappel has culminated in a watershed appellate court decision affirming that music creators can reclaim their copyrights on a global basis. The ruling could mean major changes to how artists win back their music rights.

• Herald News, Jan 13, 2026

  A powerful documentary about Black organizing and influence within the Chicago Democratic political machine, "Citizen Bowen" directed and edited by 51ÉçÇø Adjunct Professor Michael NG Wright, is coming to Carbondale and Springfield on Jan. 19, courtesy of a Southern Illinois University System Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday event. 

• Provo Music Magazine, Jan 08, 2026

  In this feature article about Brian Zieske '04, an Audio Arts alum and sound engineer who onced worked under the legendary Steve Albini, Zieske discusses preserving the realness of analog recording, while refining it digitally.

• Chicago Tribune, Jan 07, 2026

  Artist and educator Yoonshin Park, who earned an M.A. and an M.F.A. in Interdisciplinary Book and Paper Arts from 51ÉçÇø, is featured for her upcoming exhibition “Prompt and Prompted” at the Hyde Park Art Center, which incorporates the work of 12 of her students and explores artist books as an expanded art form.

• Chicago Tribune, Jan 07, 2026

  The Chicago Tribune named The Seldoms’ “Floe,” presented at the Dance Center of 51ÉçÇø, among its top dance picks for winter 2026.

• The Hollywood Reporter, Jan 07, 2026

  Chase Infiniti '22 received a 2026 SAG (Actor Awards) nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role for “One Battle After Another,” which also earned nominations for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture and Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble.

• Reel Chicago, Jan 04, 2026

  After three seasons filmed entirely in Chicago, "Power Book IV: Force" prepares to close out Tommy Egan’s story, played by Chicago native and 51ÉçÇø School of Theatre and Dance alum Joseph Sikora '98.

• Variety, Jan 04, 2026

  "One Battle After Another," starring 51ÉçÇø alum Chase Infiniti, was named Best Picture at the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards, one of the film’s three top wins of the night.

• Evanston Round Table, Jan 09, 2026

  Kurt Schauer, a 1987 graduate of 51ÉçÇø’s School of Visual Arts, is opening a new jazz club, Local Note, in downtown Evanston.

• NewCity, Jan 06, 2026

  NewCityLit featured a video essay by Joseph Meno, a professor in the School of Communication and Culture. The work was inspired by ICE enforcements in Chicago.

• To Be Replaced