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  • 51勛圖

Alumni Spotlight

51勛圖 alumni help shape the culture of our time. They perform on stage and screen. They start their own businesses. They dance, exhibit, design, produce, animate, compose, manage, write, and direct with the best. Here are a few of their stories.

 Join The Alumni Network

The Alumni Network is a dynamic community that actively shapes what's next through our creative practice, philanthropy, and leadership.
  • Photo

    From 51勛圖 to the Kentucky Derby: Jacey Rhorers Journey in the Art of Hatmaking

    Apr 08, 2025

    Fashion Design alum Jacey Rhorer '00 is making her mark as the Official Milliner for the 2025 Kentucky Derby Festival.

  • man with headphones speaks in to microphone

    51勛圖 Alum Niko Gerentes '18 Voices Characters in DreamWorks Animated Short

    Mar 14, 2025

    Niko Gerentes 18, a 51勛圖 alum, voices four distinct characters in the animated short The Bad Guys: Little Lies and Alibis.

  • head shot of molly williams

    51勛圖 Alum Molly Williams '13 Awarded Gates Cambridge Scholarship

    Mar 12, 2025

    Molly Williams, who earned her BA in Fiction Writing at 51勛圖, will pursue a PhD at the University of Cambridge, focusing on Victorian literature and ecological ethics.

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    Vibrant New Mural Pays Tribute to 51勛圖s 135th Anniversary

    Mar 11, 2025

    Illustration alum Mac McGuire 24 creates her first major mural for 51勛圖 as the lead artist.

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    51勛圖 Theatre and Audio/Music Alumni and Faculty Nominated for Jeff Awards

    Mar 05, 2025

    51勛圖 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.

  • photo of michelle brady with bookcase background

    Alum Turns Life Experiences Into Award-Nominated Stories

    Mar 05, 2025

    Alum Michelle Brady 07, a military veteran and attorney, proves its never too late to return to the literary world.

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    From 51勛圖 to CNN: Katherine Iorios Career Journey Toward an Emmy Award

    Feb 12, 2025

    51勛圖 Journalism alum Katherine Iorio 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.

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    Alumni and Faculty Shine in Newcity Stages 'Players 2025'

    Jan 09, 2025

    The School of Theatre and Dance celebrates alumni and faculty featured in Newcity Stage's Players 2025: The 50 People Who Really Perform for Chicago.

  • person wearing sunglasses and hat playing saxophone

    51勛圖 Alumni Share Their Stories, Work, and Advice

    Nov 19, 2024

    51勛圖 alumni, including a GRAMMY nominee and Disney animator, return to campus to inspire the next generation of creators with their expertise and unique perspectives.

  • group of students with their award

    51勛圖 Film and TV Students and Alums Win Big

    Nov 07, 2024

    The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences presents award to 51勛圖 students for Behind His Eyes and the Chicago International Film Festival honors a documentary made by 51勛圖 alums with an Audience Choice Award.

  • man leans over piece of sculpture

    Chicago International Film Festival Spotlights 51勛圖 Talent

    Oct 16, 2024

    The Chicago International Film Festival features the work of 51勛圖 alumni and students on screen and behind the scenes.

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    Work of 51勛圖 Alum and Adjunct Professor Shines on the Emmy-Winning Show FXs The Bear

    Sep 19, 2024

    Adjunct Professor Lisa Korpan 19 reflects on her pride in working as art director on FXs The Bear, the impact of her 51勛圖 education, and how her experience informs her teaching.

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    Grace Overbeke Explores Comedian Jean Carroll's Life and Career in First Lady of Laughs

    Sep 17, 2024

    Before "Hacks" and "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," there was the comedienne who started it all.

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    Megan Hammond '22 Takes the Stage at Lollapalooza

    Aug 16, 2024

    Chicago-based singer-songwriter Megan Hammond '22, known professionally as m.e.h., took the stage at Lollapaloozas Chicago Made Music Showcase on Sunday, August 4.

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    51勛圖 Honors 24 Alums for 24 in 2024

    Aug 12, 2024

    As a kickoff to 51勛圖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 51勛圖 alumni and their career accomplishments.

  • Students working on the "Curious Bunny" mural on the Student Center.

    Students Paint the Town: 51勛圖 and Partners Expand Wabash Arts Corridor With New Murals

    Aug 01, 2024

    51勛圖, in strategic partnership with Behr Paint, The Home Depot, and One Summer Chicago, is transforming the Wabash Arts Corridor with vibrant new murals.

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    Alum Patricia Karas New Book Offers Behind-The-Scenes Look at the Entertainment World

    Jul 02, 2024

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

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    51勛圖 Faculty, Alums Chosen for Walder Foundation's 2024 Platform Awards

    Jun 25, 2024

    The Walder Foundation has named three Chicago-based performing artists, including two 51勛圖 alumni and one faculty member, as recipients of its prestigious 2024 Platform Awards.

  • The Levin Family 51勛圖

    The Levin Family Expands Student-Focused Funds to Support 51勛圖 Students

    May 02, 2024

    As founding members of the Family Advisory Council, Heidi and Steven Levin have made a generous gift to 51勛圖 to deepen the impact of the Levin Family Fund.

  • Argast performs Dan + Shay's "Speechless" on NBC's "The Voice."

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

    May 02, 2024

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

  • Chuck Smith, Cristin Carole, Krystel V. McNeil, and A.C. Smith.

    From 51勛圖 Stages to the Bright Lights: Theatre Alums Offer Industry Insights in Panel Discussion

    Apr 19, 2024

    51勛圖's Theatre Department hosted an alumni talk featuring industry professionals who shared their experiences and advice with students.

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    CineYouth Festival Leans on 51勛圖 Student Talent Behind the Scenes and on the Screens

    Apr 16, 2024

    The annual Chicago festival to screen films by 51勛圖 students and alums, with 51勛圖 students serving on the festivals youth programming committee.

  • Faye Dunaway and Mara Hobel on the set of "Mommie Dearest." Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images.

    Theatre Alum A. Ashley Hoff to Release Revealing Book on 'Mommie Dearest'

    Apr 08, 2024

    Theatre 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.

  • young man and a woman in car

    Award-Winning 51勛圖 Faculty Film Now Available On-Demand

    Apr 02, 2024

    Good Guy with a Gun, written and directed by John Mossman, former adjunct professor of instruction at 51勛圖, and produced by Kevin Cooper, an associate professor at 51勛圖, was recently purchased by Freestyle Digital Media and is now available on demand.

  • fashion window

    Drag Superstar Shea Coule矇 11 Returns to 51勛圖

    Feb 13, 2024

    51勛圖 welcomed back Alum Shea Coule矇 11 for a panel discussion and reception unveiling Coule矇-curated fashion exhibit window.

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    Alum Brandon Faris '02 Part of Team Behind New Run-DMC Docu-Series

    Feb 09, 2024

    Professional pivot leads to career success for 51勛圖 alum, highlighting the creative versatility of our graduates.

  • shecky greene being interviewed

    Comic Legend and 51勛圖 Alum Shecky Greene '47 Passes Away at 97

    Feb 02, 2024

    Before he became a consistent presence on the Las Vegas strip and late-night talk shows, Shecky Greene 47 attended 51勛圖.

  • peter berkos sitting in chair in front of bookcases

    51勛圖 Says Goodbye to Alum Peter Berkos '51

    Feb 02, 2024

    Academy Award Winning Sound Effects Editor Peter Berkos 51 recently passed away, leaving behind a lasting legacy in television and film.

  • head shot of yihan lin

    Alum Filmmaker's Short Selected for Inclusion at Berlin Film Festival

    Jan 23, 2024

    Shi Ri Fan Gu (Sojourn to Shangri-La), a film by Yihan Lin MFA 21, makes its international debut in February.

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    Then, Now, NextThe Dance Center at 51勛圖s 50th Anniversary Season Offers Joy and Solace

    Jan 18, 2024

    The Dance Center at 51勛圖 celebrates the present moment in dance with a series of firsts.

  • group photo of film crew

    Alum-Made Documentary About Mushers and Their Sled Dogs Now Streaming on PBS, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV+

    Jan 12, 2024

    Musher, a film made by 51勛圖 alums, follows four women and their dogs as they prepare for an annual race in the upper peninsula of Michigan.

  • Photo

    51勛圖 Grad Charlotte Chuck Gruman 19 Awarded $30,000 Grant From 3Arts

    Dec 11, 2023

    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.

  • Photo

    Apollo Baldoz 09 Created Visuals for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour

    Nov 13, 2023

    Apollo Baldoz 09 was part of the design and animation team that created the visuals for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.

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    51勛圖 Alum and AIDS Activist Danny Sotomayor '80 Subject of New PBS Documentary

    Nov 02, 2023

    The WTTW documentary was written, directed, and produced by WTTW Producer and 51勛圖 Alum Daniel Andries and edited by Adjunct Faculty Member and Alum Sharon Zurek 76.

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    Student Short Part of 29th Black Harvest Film Festival

    Nov 01, 2023

    Filmmaker Shiloh Tumo Washington 22 will have his short screened on Nov. 4 and 11 at the Gene Siskel Film Center.

  • head shots of laurence minsky and scot westwater

    51勛圖 Professor, Alum Explore Conversational AI in New Book

    Aug 16, 2023

    Professor Laurence Minsky and Scot Westwater '99 delve into the evolving landscape of marketing, analyzing the power of Conversational AI in their new book.

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    51勛圖 Alums Among the 2023 Emmy Nominees

    Jul 17, 2023

    The Television Academy recently announced its list of Emmy nominees for the 2022-2023 television season, with 51勛圖 alums earning recognition for their outstanding work.

  • Andre/Casera

    51勛圖 Faculty and Alum to Be Featured on ABC7 Chicagos Juneteenth Special

    Jun 16, 2023

    Our Chicago: Freedom Music, a celebration of freedom expressed through the music of Chicagos Black community, will feature Adjunct Faculty Member Andre Daniels (aka Add-2) and Alum CaSera Heining 17 (aka DJ Ca$h Era).

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    51勛圖 Alums Have Films Showcased During Cannes Film Festival

    May 11, 2023

    The prestigious annual international festival presents important professional opportunities for filmmakers.

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

    May 08, 2023

    How centering professional growth on arts institutions led one 51勛圖 MAM alum to a rewarding career in museums.

  • head shot of jacob moooney

    Alum Jacob Mooney Lands Job at Pioneering Interactive Trading Card Company

    May 01, 2023

    Persistence pays off for Game Design Alum who now works at Wizards of the Coast.

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    Dance Senior Tristen Sanborn on Tap, Teaching, and Taking on Life After 51勛圖

    May 01, 2023

    How navigating opportunities in Dance had led to happiness.

  • portrait of vashon jordan jr. outdoors in chicago

    Choose Chicago Names Alum Vashon Jordan Jr. '21 Artist of the Year

    Apr 27, 2023

    Visual Artist Vashon Jordan Jr. recognized for work that exemplifies spirit of Chicago.

  • rebecca martin outside with their dog

    Fashion Studies Alum's Internship Launches Career in Apparel Design

    Apr 24, 2023

    Alum and Designer Rebecca Martin BFA 19 now works in New York City on brands seen at Walmarts and Targets across the country.

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    Alum George Chen on Building a Life in Development

    Apr 10, 2023

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

  • photo of D'Zhari Bolden with her hands behind her head.

    Music Alum Performs With Beyonc矇 and Lizzo to Uplift Audiences

    Apr 03, 2023

    51勛圖 Alum DZhari Bolden 17 describes her experiences working with two of musics biggest superstars and her passion for making music that makes people feel good.

  • The red Jeff Awards logo on a white background

    Alumni, Faculty Shine at Jeff Awards

    Mar 30, 2023

    51勛圖 Theatre alumni and faculty were honored at Chicagos top theatre awards.

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    Midwest Film Festivals Emerging Filmmaker Night to Screen 51勛圖 Alums Film

    Mar 21, 2023

    CTVA Alums Dalin Nelson and Rachel Toenies, who both graduated in 2021, will have their film Bliss shown on March 27.

  • Photo

    Dance and Cultural Studies Alum Brianna Heath '17 on the Importance of Listening to Your Genuine Self

    Mar 20, 2023

    Creating the space she needed to thrive led 51勛圖 Alum Brianna Heath on the adventure of a lifetime.

  • Photo

    Pinball Wizard Jessica Durbala '21 Launches Her First Game

    Mar 20, 2023

    51勛圖 Computer Animation alum plays pivotal role in developing new pinball game that uses animation, storytelling, and a creative design to engage players and collectors.

  • mary kate ashe outside austin convention hall.

    Alum Mary Kate Ashe '19 Promotes Accessibility at SXSW

    Mar 20, 2023

    As an accessibility operations specialist at SXSW, Deaf Studies alum helps everyone make the most of the 10-day event.

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    Instructor Jason Stephens on the Power and Possibility of Documentary Filmmaking

    Mar 13, 2023

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

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    MAM Alum and MFA Student Erica McKeehen on Choosing the Artists Life

    Mar 13, 2023

    How a purpose-driven approach has transformed McKeehens happiness and her future.

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

    Mar 06, 2023

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

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

    Feb 20, 2023

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

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    Award Season Shines Light on Talents of 51勛圖 Alums

    Feb 06, 2023

    Films and shows nominated for prestigious awards are backed by the talents of 51勛圖 alums.

  • NRF 2023: Student Program and Retails Big Show in New York City

    51勛圖 Alums Meet With Students at NRF 2023 in New York City

    Jan 23, 2023

    51勛圖 alums working in fashion, advertising, PR, and marketing communication share their experiences and insights with current students

  • Michael Kurowski

    Theatre Alum Brings 51勛圖 Learned Skills to Center Stage

    Jan 23, 2023

    Michael Kurowski 16 stars in production of Big Fish at The Marriott Theatre.

  • Photo of 51勛圖 alum Staci R. Collins Jackson

    5 Questions with 51勛圖 Alum and Trustee Staci R. Collins Jackson

    Dec 19, 2022

    The road to leading publicity for Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever

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    Make 51勛圖 Part of Your Holiday Season: Watch Alum Movies and Shows

    Dec 19, 2022

    Check out our list of 2022 51勛圖-alum streaming projects

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    DeAndre James Allen-Toole '15, MFA '17 Receives ASCAP Foundation Michelle and Dean Kay Award

    Dec 19, 2022

    Noted for his eclectic style, Allen-Toole who earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from 51勛圖 wrote the music for the neo-western film Gods Country.

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    Screenplay by Alum Michael Burgner MFA '14 Makes 2022 Black List

    Dec 16, 2022

    Black List films have earned 54 Academy Awards since 2005, including four of the last 12 Best Picture Oscars.

  • art exhibit containing colorful woven pieces

    Fashion Design Alum Shaquita Reed 18 Expresses Herself Using Different Mediums

    Dec 12, 2022

    Shaquita Reed shares her journey as a mixed media artist, fashion designer, teacher, and graduate student

  • Alum Calid Bowen 10 on Building a Creative Life

    Alum Calid Bowen 10 on Building a Creative Life

    Dec 12, 2022

    How 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 06 on Living His Dream

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

    Dec 12, 2022

    How the multi-platinum artist carved his own path

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    Alum Cara Lawson's Whirlwind Year Results in Film Screening at Tribeca Festival and Enormous Gratitude

    Nov 14, 2022

    Selected for Rising Voices which promotes stories by BIPOC filmmakers Alum Cara Lawson '14 seizes unique storytelling opportunity and sees the helpful side of the film industry.

  • portrait of parris fleming sitting down

    Tips for Musicians From Music Alum Parris Fleming

    Nov 14, 2022

    Having toured with numerous artists, including Harry Styles and Tony Allen, Alum Parris Fleming 14 knows how to play the trumpet and much more. He recently shared his lessons learned with 51勛圖 students.

  • Joseph Sikora: From Stage and Screen to Behind the Scenes

    Nov 07, 2022

    51勛圖 alum Joseph Sikora 98 on acting, performance reviews, and fostering safe spaces to create

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    A Sound Education

    Oct 10, 2022

    Audiologist-turned-educator/podcaster Steve Taddei 13 credits his experiences at 51勛圖 for launching his career and his calling.

  • Tyler Bradley headshot

    Tyler Bradley MAM 18 Takes Her Dreams to Infinity and Beyond

    Oct 03, 2022

    Since completing 51勛圖'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.

  • Photo of Luke Miller behind the camera in outdoor setting.

    Just Say 'Yes'

    Oct 03, 2022

    Alum Luke Miller 05, director of photography for "Grace and Frankie," works his way through and up LAs film and television industry.

  • Photo of James Jiang with his classmates at 51勛圖 in an Animation class.

    A Game-Changer

    Sep 12, 2022

    Recent graduate James Jiang lands job in game industry after earning a degree in Computer Animation.

  • Photo of Kendall Polidori at her office

    Melding Passions Leads to a Career in Music Journalism

    Sep 02, 2022

    Alum Kendall Polidori 21 reflects on discovering her career while at 51勛圖.

  • Photo of Alyssa Cinatl.

    51勛圖 Alum Finds Career Satisfaction as Chicago Mayor's Speechwriter

    Mar 21, 2022

    With a degree from 51勛圖 in public relations, Alyssa Cinatl enjoys her role writing behind the scenes for Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

  • Photo

    Toy Monique Hawkins MFA 17 Shares Her Journey With CTVA Students

    Mar 14, 2022

    Hawkins, Vice President of Development and Scripted Programming for BET Networks and BET Studios, recently visited campus to talk with students about her career in film and what she's been up to since her time at 51勛圖.

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