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November Events at ���Ĵ�ý

A range of performances and experiences showcasing student and faculty artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.

���Ĵ�ý Students Bring Arts in the Dark to Life

Students across disciplines are creating puppets, masks, costumes, performances, and more for the Oct. 24 parade and official afterparty.

NRF Alums Return to ���Ĵ�ý to Connect With the Next Generation

Past NRF challenge participants share career lessons and encourage current students to embrace opportunities, explore different paths, and build on their classroom experience.

Student Takes ���Ĵ�ý Business Education to Babson College Summer Program

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

���Ĵ�ý Names Five Dean Appointments to Lead Academic Growth

As part of ���Ĵ�ý’s Renaissance Rising initiative, the college has appointed five deans to lead its eight schools beginning August 16, 2026.

From Deep-Dish Pizza to a Barbie Corvette: ���Ĵ�ý Students Prepare for Red Bull Spin Off

���Ĵ�ý students are transforming tandem bicycles into imaginative creations for Red Bull Spin Off on June 13.

���Ĵ�ý Students Help Reimagine Vanderbilt Legacy Brand for the 21st Century

During a multi-day visit to ���Ĵ�ý, entrepreneur Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin collaborated with students, faculty, and Chicago cultural leaders to explore how historic legacies can inspire modern innovation.

���Ĵ�ý Hosts 2026 AMA Leadership Labs

The American Marketing Association's event brings emerging marketing leaders from across the country to campus for immersive, peer-driven training and collaboration

���Ĵ�ý Students Learn in Real-Time at SXSW

Once again, ���Ĵ�ý students travel to SXSW in Austin for an unforgettable experiential learning experience.

���Ĵ�ý Student Named Intern of the Year at ESPN Chicago and Lands Job

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

Students Help Bring ���Ĵ�ý’s “Renaissance Rising” Vision to Life in New Mural

���Ĵ�ý students collaborate on “Renaissance Rising,” a new Student Center mural inspired by President Bolton’s strategic plan and grounded in real-world professional practice.

Masterclass on the Secrets of Script Supervising

Veteran script supervisor Mia Wicklund MAM ’12 returned to ���Ĵ�ý to help prepare students to confidently step onto set in a key film production role.

���Ĵ�ý’s Semester in LA Returns to the Fox Studio Lot for Speaker Series

Students from ���Ĵ�ý will engage with entertainment industry leaders on the same lot where “Avatar,” “The Sound of Music,” and other great films were made.

���Ĵ�ý Students Win $35,000 in Scholarships and Gain National Exposure at NRF in New York City

���Ĵ�ý students connected with the national industry in New York through NRF competitions, alumni-led site visits, and a J-term immersion linking classroom learning to real-world practice.

���Ĵ�ý's Loren Wells Helps Secure Landmark Copyright Victory

A law firm co-founded by Associate Professor Loren Wells prevailed in a precedent-setting court decision that affirms music creators’ rights to reclaim their copyrights worldwide.

���Ĵ�ý’s 25 Favorite Photos of 2025

From the thousands of images she captured in 2025, ���Ĵ�ý alum and staff photographer Julie Lucas ’96 curated 25 standout photos that show ���Ĵ�ý at its best.

Top Stories of 2025: What Readers Loved Most

From new leadership to standout student and alumni achievements, here are the stories that captured the most attention on ���Ĵ�ý’s website in 2025.

Czech Edition of 'Vogue' Spotlights Professor’s Leadership

“Vogue CS” lists Associate Professor Sandra Kumorowski among their featured leaders thanks to her work advancing arts marketing education via ���Ĵ�ý’s Prague Global Marketing practicum.

Students Helping Students One Textbook at a Time

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

���Ĵ�ý Student Leverages Gersh Externship to Advance Her Career in the Business of Film and Television

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

Broadway Star JJ Niemann Inspires ���Ĵ�ý College Students in Voice Masterclass

Voice students at ���Ĵ�ý receive personalized performance feedback from a Broadway veteran.

A Full Circle Moment: Alum Jess McDermott '24 Returns to Campus to Promote Rising Artist GUNNAR

���Ĵ�ý alum Jess McDermott ‘24, who majored in Public Relations with a minor in Music Business, brought her client, the musician GUNNAR, to campus for a masterclass.

���Ĵ�ý Lights Up State Street at Chicago’s Arts in the Dark Parade

���Ĵ�ý students brought light, sound, and imagination to the city’s annual Arts in the Dark parade on State Street.

Aaron Nelson ’12 on Playing Simba, Staying Grounded, and Following the Process

“The Lion King” star reflects on his path from the South Loop to Broadway — and how his Arts Management degree helps him balance artistry and leadership.

���Ĵ�ý Professor Wins Award for Media Relations Excellence

Kevin Christophersen, an associate professor at ���Ĵ�ý, takes home the Silver Trumpet Award from the Publicity Club of Chicago.

���Ĵ�ý Students Learn Sponsorship Strategy at Riot Fest

Students at ���Ĵ�ý learn the art of developing successful sponsorship partnerships by working with Riot Fest, one of Chicago’s major music festivals.

���Ĵ�ý Professor Named to 'Variety's' List of Music Legal Elite

Loren Wells, associate professor in ���Ĵ�ý’s School of Business and Entrepreneurship, gets the nod from “Variety” thanks in part to his law firm’s work on a groundbreaking copyright case.

Behind the Barricades: Practical Lollapalooza Tips From a ���Ĵ�ý Student Who Has Worked at Festivals

���Ĵ�ý junior Beyrali Santiago scores jobs at Chicago’s outdoor music festivals thanks to ���Ĵ�ý connections and shares advice to Lollapalooza first-timers.

���Ĵ�ý's Jerry Brindisi Wins 2025 Music Business Educator of the Year Award

���Ĵ�ý congratulates Jerry Brindisi, interim director of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship, on his Music Business Association win.

Global Grooves: ���Ĵ�ý Students Travel to Germany for International Band and Business Camp

���Ĵ�ý students explore music and business at Popakademie in Hammelburg, Germany.

New Article by ���Ĵ�ý Professors Explores the Legacy of Sonic Pioneer Steve Albini and Electrical Audio

The authors look at the entrepreneurial approach and lasting impact of the late Steve Albini on the music industry, highlighting his dedication to artistic integrity and fairness through his studio, Electrical Audio.

���Ĵ�ý Team Wins National NRF Retail Challenge

���Ĵ�ý students won first place in the 2025 NRF Foundation University Challenge, with another team reaching the national semi-finals.

The Power of Persistence: ���Ĵ�ý's Student-Led Gala Celebrates Creativity and Resilience

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

���Ĵ�ý Students Help Austin Airport Win Prestigious Marketing Award

Creative Agency class rebrands Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s concessions, contributing to award-winning campaign.

���Ĵ�ý Alumni Share Their Stories, Work, and Advice

���Ĵ�ý alumni, including a GRAMMY nominee and Disney animator, return to campus to inspire the next generation of creators with their expertise and unique perspectives.

Welcoming Interim President Jerry Tarrer and a New Academic Structure for 2024-2025 School Year

���Ĵ�ý kicks off the new academic school year with a renewed spirit and excitement to welcome freshmen and transfer students to its South Loop campus on September 3.

���Ĵ�ý Honors 24 Alums for ‘24 in 2024’

As a kickoff to ���Ĵ�ý’s 135th Anniversary, the college is honoring 24 distinguished alumni across all disciplines as part of “24 in 2024,” a college-wide initiative that celebrates ���Ĵ�ý alumni and their career accomplishments.

Alum Patricia Kara’s New Book Offers Behind-The-Scenes Look at the Entertainment World

Patricia Kara '94 guides the next generation of talent through the intricacies of the entertainment realm in her new book, "Dream On...Now Deliver."

Spring Semester In Review At ���Ĵ�ý

Spring 2024: ���Ĵ�ý Highlights

Fashion Show Leverages Student Talent From Multiple Disciplines

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

Get Ready for Manifest Arts Festival 2024, a Student-Powered Event

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

���Ĵ�ý to Confer Honorary Degrees on Two Higher Education Trailblazers at its May 2024 Commencement

Higher education leaders Nivine Megahed, president of National Louis University, and Raymond E. Crossman, president of Adler University, will be honored at the college’s 2024 Commencement ceremonies

Ryan Argast '15 to Sing National Anthem at May 17 Cubs Game

On May 17, Ryan Argast '15 will sing the national anthem at Wrigley Field before the Cubs face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

���Ĵ�ý Students Gear Up for TEDx Impulse and Impact Event on May 2

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

Meet the 2024 Manifest Student Team

���Ĵ�ý’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.

���Ĵ�ý 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.

Students Enjoy Action-Packed South by Southwest

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

Empowering Creatives at Shop���Ĵ�ý

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

Super Bowl Ads: What Matters and What Works

Tom Eslinger, an advertising pro and assistant professor at ���Ĵ�ý, offers his insights on Super Bowl advertising.

When the World Is Your Classroom, You Make Amazing Discoveries

���Ĵ�ý 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.

Book by Professor Larry Minsky and Co-Authors Named Finalist for Prestigious Marketing Award

Authors explore conversational AI’s impact on engagement, behavior, and brand image in book honored by the American Marketing Association Foundation.

Five ���Ĵ�ý Students Earn Prestigious Fashion Scholarships

Once again, the Fashion Scholarship Fund has awarded five ���Ĵ�ý students scholarships and funds to travel to New York City for a gala event recognizing their accomplishments. 

Student Work Takes Center Stage at Unleashed 2023

Unleashed 2023 took place at ���Ĵ�ý 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.

���Ĵ�ý Grad Charlotte “Chuck” Gruman ’19 Awarded $30,000 Grant From 3Arts

Charlotte “Chuck” Gruman ’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.

Business and Entrepreneurship Re-Launches American Marketing Association Chapter

On October 9, the Business and Entrepreneurship department at ���Ĵ�ý 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.

Integrating Hip Hop Into the Student Experience

As hip hop turns 50, we look at ���Ĵ�ý’s connections to the cultural phenomena that has impacted music, dance, fashion, art, film, and so much more.

Stand Up, Speak Out with Actress and Playwright Regina Taylor

���Ĵ�ý, in partnership with award-winning actress and playwright Regina Taylor, launched a community-based project series called Black Album Mixtape.

Lollapalooza Provides Students Valuable Festival Work Experience Thanks to Alum

���Ĵ�ý 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.

���Ĵ�ý Announces the 2023 Chicagoland Transfer Awards

The award provides ten $15,000 scholarships and one full-tuition scholarship to students transferring from Chicago-area community colleges to ���Ĵ�ý.

MAM Alum Alissa Klaus on Art, Community, and Career Fulfillment

How centering professional growth on arts institutions led one ���Ĵ�ý MAM alum to a rewarding career in museums.

���Ĵ�ý Students Hold Second Annual Comedy Festival

A class of ���Ĵ�ý Students welcome comediano the stage for the second-ever ���Ĵ�ý Laughs Comedy Festival.

Advertising Students Earn a Spot on Prestigious Young Ones Student Award Shortlist

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

���Ĵ�ý Launches Advertising and Marketing Campaign

The Spring 2023 campaign targets prospective students across the United States.

Three-Peat First-Place Win for ���Ĵ�ý's L'Oréal Brandstorm Team

Student team from ���Ĵ�ý wins innovation competition by leveraging new technologies to promote brand.

Students Get to Work in the Music Business at SXSW

���Ĵ�ý students go to Austin, Texas, to produce a live showcase featuring Chicago artists.

Alum George Chen on Building a Life in Development

How supporting the arts became a calling and a passion for one #Columalum.

���Ĵ�ý Faculty Reveal Keys to the Trade in New Book on Music Marketing

How experience and partnership inspired two BUSE faculty members to write the book they wished they saw in the world.

SXSW: ���Ĵ�ý Students Experience the Ultimate Field Trip

���Ĵ�ý students go where tech, film, music, education, and culture converge and benefit from real-world experiences in the entertainment and media industries.

Instructor Jason Stephens on the Power and Possibility of Documentary Filmmaking

How creative exploration and a passion for finding the truth led to the success of the film Safe Place.

Alum Ashley Brown '10 on Live Events, Tour Managing, and Business Building

How staying true to a love of events led to incredible success and her own production company.

Black Souls Welcome Installation Celebrates Black Identity

���Ĵ�ý’s Student Diversity and Inclusion office organizes space for art that’s for and by Black students.

Career Day Brings Advertising Professionals Together With ���Ĵ�ý Students

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

Instructor and Alum Vanessa Wright '02 on Filmmaking, Marketing, and Success at Cannes

How intention and community led to a life of advocacy and change-making.

Business and Entrepreneurship Student Hunter Meisel Carves Her Own Path

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

Nine-Time GRAMMY Nominated Music Producer Alum Marcos Palacios ‘06 on Living His Dream

How the multi-platinum artist carved his own path

Alum Calid Bowen ’10 on Building a Creative Life

How a Master of Arts Management in the Music Business set the stage for a successful multidimensional career

Student Finds Inspiration and Motivation Through Event Collaboration

Partnering with other creatives to plan ���Ĵ�ý’s upcoming “Unleashed 2022” scholarship fundraising event presents new possibilities for Senior Sean Miller.

Student Event Producer Iridian Fierro on Scholarships and Achieving Her Dreams

Iridian Fierro is an Arts Management graduate student on two activation teams for the 2022 Scholarship Fundraiser.

Transfer Student Trisa Colon on Building a Future as a Returning Learner

How strategy and scholarships led one student to reinvent her career path and follow her dreams.

Kate Apostolacus Knows Where She’s Going

New Jersey native Kate Apostolacus sets out on the path to find herself and does just that at ���Ĵ�ý.

Tyler Bradley MAM ‘18 Takes Her Dreams to Infinity and Beyond

Since completing ���Ĵ�ý's Arts Management (MAM) program, Bradley has continued to grow her business, found success in various roles at Disney, and now has advice for students with the same determination.

���Ĵ�ý Senior Wins $10,000 Live Nation + Music Forward Foundation Scholarship

Business and Entrepreneurship student honored with Live Nation + Music Forward Foundation 2021 Scholarship

Teena Sloane-Hendricks ’20 Continues Legacy at ���Ĵ�ý With Her Children

The first time Teena was on campus, in 1984, she knew that she would return – and encourage her future children to do so too.

���Ĵ�ý Collective Impact Series to Present “Ida B. Wells: More Than a Street, a Force for Activism”

���Ĵ�ý to host a presentation on Ida B. Wells by her great granddaughter and ���Ĵ�ý faculty member Michelle Duster as part of the school’s Collective Impact Series.

���Ĵ�ý Faculty Member’s Business Makes Chicago Magazine’s Hotlist

Faculty Member Chamille Weddington’s Business, Schweet Cheesecake, Highlighted in Chicago Magazine

Faculty Member, Alum Honored with 2020 Davey Awards

���Ĵ�ý Faculty member and alum wins awards for his work with Saturday Night Live and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

���Ĵ�ý Faculty Member Writes Afterword for Second Edition of Ida B. Wells Autobiography

���Ĵ�ý faculty member and great-granddaughter of civil rights champion Ida B. Wells, Michelle Duster, contributes to Wells’ autobiography with afterword.

Alumna Sets Up ���Ĵ�ý Scholarship in Honor of Parents

���Ĵ�ý alum sets up scholarship for Marketing students in honor of her parents

���Ĵ�ý Collective Impact Series: Piven Theatre Presents on Workshop Impacting the Lives of Incarcerated Women

As part of its Collective Impact Series, ���Ĵ�ý hosts a presentation by Piven Theatre Workshop on using theatre to impact the lives of women incarcerated at Cook County Jail.

Student Kathryn Williams Named Semi-Finalist for the National Retail Federation Foundation “Next Generation” Scholarship

Williams is among 25 semi-finalists from colleges across the country; Winner will receive $25,000 toward their education.

���Ĵ�ý’s Newly Tenured Faculty

This year’s newly tenured faculty members share more about themselves and their work.

Newly Tenured Faculty Members Announced

The Office of the Provost announced six faculty members achieved the rank of tenure.

Michelle Duster Receives 2019 Martin Luther King Jr. Social Justice Award

Dartmouth College recognizes the educator, activist, and author with an “Ongoing Achievement Award.”

What is the ‘Collective Impact’ of Making Art for a Community?

Inaugural Series brings artists to ���Ĵ�ý for a year of art-making and discussion.

Faculty Member Michelle Duster Lends Her Voice as Ida B. Wells

Business and Entrepreneurship faculty member and author Michelle Duster voices the words of her great-grandmother Ida B. Wells in “The Daily” podcast. As part of their ongoing “Overlooked” series, The New York Times published Wells’ obituary more than 85 years after her death.

NBC-Chicago Features ���Ĵ�ý Student NRF Winners

���Ĵ�ý students make headlines after winning first and second place at the 2018 National Federation Student Challenge Competition. Video included here.

Launching the New Hip-Hop Studies Minor

The Fresh Connect event brought communities together to celebrate the launch of the new Hip-Hop Studies minor.

Crafting the New Activism

Faculty member Shannon Downey’s viral embroidery balances traditional crafts with internet activism.

The Work Behind WAC

A student-produced exhibition will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the new South Loop murals.

Care Package

���Ĵ�ýCares is a fund created by and for students to provide assistance during financial emergencies.