
Small Penguin, Big Summer: Columbia Animated Short Earns Festival Recognition
Aug 19, 2026’s “Penguin With a Sword” wins festival honors while showcasing the creativity, collaboration, and faculty mentorship behind the student production.

’s “Penguin With a Sword” wins festival honors while showcasing the creativity, collaboration, and faculty mentorship behind the student production.

rising senior Michael Kowalkowski expands his entrepreneurial skills through Babson Build, a selective summer program at Babson College.

Columbia Audio Arts students and alumni joined young musicians from the nonprofit Guitars Over Guns and Eddie Vedder to record an inspiring new song ahead of the Obama Presidential Center opening celebration on June 18. The song is now available on streaming platforms.

filmmaker Colson Foster wanted his BFA thesis film to tell a deeply personal transgender story — and professional actor Marquise Vilsón said the project’s authenticity made it impossible to turn down.

brings musicians together to put on a show of support for Audio Arts major Kathrynn Vettas.

Alex Leon, a senior at , secures a highly competitive paid internship that leads to recognition for his work and a job.

Students channel their inner Jimmy Kimmels to create “Columbia After Dark.”

WCRX, ’s student-run radio station, brings back its annual fundraiser and broadcast to support the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

CTAS (Created to Achieve Success), a student organization, raises money and collects course materials to support their peers.

Kira Cooper, an Arts and Entertainment Management major at , is one of just 23 students nationwide selected for the Gersh Externship.

Jas Dunigan, a Film and Television major at , was one of only five students selected for the Television Academy Foundation’s Fall 2025 Internship Program.

Lucas Stall, a junior at , took home the Heart Award at the Flint Youth Film Festival for a film about his struggles caring for his father with Alzheimer’s disease.

The Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) recognized the story “Surviving the Housing Crisis,” which appeared in the student-created interactive digital publication “In Flux.”

Columbia student Rebecca McQueen used state-of-the art Dolby Atmos audio equipment on the John Lennon Educational Tour bus and met hip-hop star RZA from Wu-Tang Clan.

The Fusion Ensemble from 's School of Audio and Music has been honored by DownBeat for its composition "Never Be Free,” with vocalist Danny Lock also receiving honors.

Thanks to scholarships, students attended the 2025 Chicago Women's History Conference, gaining insights into women's history and the future of women’s rights.

Four seniors from Columbia’s UX/UI design program are addressing a longstanding gap in the beauty industry with Braid, an educational app offering extensive resources on textured hair care.

’s student newspaper “The Columbia Chronicle” won the sweepstakes for the mid-sized school category at the Illinois College Press Association Awards.

First-year student Julia Knopfel collaborates with classmates to share the painful story of her uncle’s murder on film and begin her journey as a filmmaker.

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

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences presents award to Columbia students for “Behind His Eyes” and the Chicago International Film Festival honors a documentary made by Columbia alums with an Audience Choice Award.

The School of Fashion has partnered with Patagonia for a sustainable design challenge, where students transform Worn Wear merchandise into new products, gaining hands-on experience in fashion design, visual merchandising, and industry collaboration.

Two Columbia student films, “Adagio” and “Behind His Eyes,” will compete in the National Student Production Awards Long Form category.

Olabode was chosen for a $25,000 scholarship from the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

A new semester is upon us. Get ready to discover new vibrant campus art and reconnect with friends.

Nine Columbia students got their 15 minutes of fame on the popular Sound Opinions podcast with hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot. The special edition episodes aired interviews with Columbia students who are up-and-coming writers, musicians, and photographers.

The Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication recognizes the student publication for its exceptional creativity in showcasing Chicago's Latino artistic community.

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

Angie Belloso, Brianna Jennes ’24, and Breyona Smith ’24 just had the trip of a lifetime to London, snagging second place at L'Oréal Brandstorm.

You don’t have to be a race enthusiast to enjoy the interactive activities produced by Columbia students in preparation for the NASCAR Chicago Street Race.

“Frankie”— a capstone project created by students — will be screened as a Kids First! Film Festival-curated film.

Columbia students come together to produce and promote an end-of-year showcase of student fashion designs.

This is everything attendees need to know before ’s Manifest Arts Festival: Breakthrough 2024.

welcomes new technology, a volume, to the Media Production Center’s Stage 3.

Columbia students will present TEDx Impulse and Impact lectures on May 2, exploring the power and potential of creative impulse.

’s annual Manifest Arts Festival is a student-driven tradition that showcases the work of talented creatives across disciplines. Meet the team who is making Manifest into a reality.

The annual Chicago festival to screen films by Columbia students and alums, with Columbia students serving on the festival’s youth programming committee.

Led by dedicated faculty, Columbia students journeyed to Austin for immersive experiences, collaborative projects, and valuable networking opportunities, reinforcing the institution's commitment to practical education and student success.

International student Carlos Lerma’s film ‘Treasure Haunt’ will be shown at two upcoming festivals for young filmmakers: NFFTY and CineYouth.

Award-winning actress and playwright Regina Taylor hosted the final event, "The Block Party," for the Black Album Mixtape series at the Music Center on Friday, April 5.

’s student-led newspaper garners more prestigious awards and receives recognition for its crisis coverage.

"Hole Punched Ear" started as a class project at and is now earning worldwide acclaim.

brings Toni Morrison's “The Bluest Eye" to the stage March 13-23, made possible by student collaboration in dance, theater, writing, and other creative disciplines.

Columbia’s Music Department collaborates with award-winning actress and playwright Regina Taylor and her Black Album Mixtape Project to support New Life Centers in supplying food and clothing to migrants in Chicago.

During Women's History Month, we honor female-identifying artists who make ShopColumbia a unique shopping experience in the heart of ’s campus.

Columbia's Theatre department will stage a powerful adaptation of Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye," exploring racism's impact on an 11-year-old girl in 1940s Ohio.

"The Columbia Chronicle” team brings home 20 awards from the Illinois College Press Association, including first-place honors for general excellence, editorials, podcasts, and photojournalism.

Students in 's Black Student Union create a platform for artists to express themselves and support one another in their annual event.

's B-LONG Festival, from February 29 to March 3, celebrates 10 years of Hip Hop and Street Dance Culture. Featuring workshops, panels, battles, and Red Bull Dance Your Style Chicago Auditions on March 3.

students got together in their Communication Department courses to discuss the details of the biggest night in advertising

students take courses during January, or J-Term, that allow them to explore places such as Paris, Rome, and Buenos Aires, expanding their learning about culture, art, and themselves.

Columbia students are collaborating to present the inaugural Musical Theatre Dance Concert.

The Dance Center at celebrates the present moment in dance with a series of firsts.

Unleashed 2023 took place at on November 30, showcasing extraordinary student talent and raising more than $700,000 in scholarships. Departing from the traditional fundraiser format, the Student Center transformed into a multi-floor immersive arts showcase, exploring the theme of "Connecting" across various creative disciplines.

honors the Efroymson Family Fund with the 2023 Philanthropic Icon Award for the family’s contributions to help create opportunities for students to pursue their passion in the arts

Funds raised by Columbia’s annual Unleashed Gala — an immersive experience designed, curated, and driven by students — make a difference for students.

The Audio Engineering Society and Arup, a global consulting firm, gives Senior Jesus Reyes their Diversity in Audio Scholarship.

The Journalism and Women Symposium comes to Columbia with invited speaker Deb Haaland, U.S. Secretary of Interior, and offers important takeaways for Journalism students.

On October 9, the Business and Entrepreneurship department at hosted the Marketing Mix(er), a panel discussion and networking event in collaboration with the American Marketing Association (AMA). AMA CEO Bennie Johnson, AMA Board Chair Lisa Bowman '90, and Vanessa Torres '06 led the discussion.

Columbia’s Student Diversity and Inclusion (SDI) department has developed a month-long program of events that aims to showcase the culture, history, and contributions of Columbia’s Latine/Hispanic community. Among them is “La Cultura Cura,” (Culture Heals) a mental health conversation featuring Dr. Ricardo Camacho, founder of Salud Chicago.

Six students win scholarships thanks to arts criticism and songwriting competitions, earning them spots on the popular podcast hosted by Associate Professor Jim DeRogatis and fellow music critic Greg Kot.

Columbia students will be working at the four-day music festival thanks to an alum’s business relationship with one of the largest concert promoters in the United States.

The publication recognizes Columbia for its outstanding undergraduate and graduate film and TV degree programs as well as its Semester in LA program.

Students at learn the art and business of design thanks to partnership with gift bag seller and marketing firm.

Perched upon ’s 600 S. Michigan building, the new tower houses an antennae and transmitter that relays a clearer and more reliable signal to downtown Chicago.

Adjunct professor, students, and recent alums from play important roles in bringing the sounds of NASCAR to local spectators and race-loving fans around the world.

How navigating opportunities in Dance had led to happiness.

Graduate student works as a collections assistant at Columbia's Museum of Contemporary Photography.

A team of students create an integrated campaign for PETA and get global recognition for their work.

Junior Alexia Tamayo finds joy highlighting the community on TikTok and ZeeMee.

See the selected films at the annual free festival, which will be held in-person April 21 to 23 at Facets in Chicago.

seniors, twins Wyatt and Wrett Brower’s leaps of faith have brought them across coasts and closer to their dream careers.

On March 3, more than 150 Columbia students participated in “Chicago Works: Production Connections,” which featured a panel discussion and resource fair.

Mathew Rosario, a Navy veteran and Creative Writing major, taps into his past to create an award-winning narrative.

"The Columbia Chronicle" staff wins big and takes home 13 first place awards, including one for DEI coverage.

hosted the Chicago Advertising Federation’s Career Day at the Student Center, where students met with representatives from leading advertising and media companies.

How creating art in space has the potential to transform our world.

Sophomore Hunter Meisel on the importance of connection, community, and taking the leap.