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At 51, creativity is valued, honored, and respected. It not just how you’re going to make a living; it how you’re going to make a difference, and our students are passionate about using their talents to build a better world. Here are a few of their stories.

  • person standing in front of audio equipment

    Benefit Concert to Support 51 Senior Battling Cancer

    May 08, 2026

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

  • person standing in front of window with espn chicago signage

    51 Student Named Intern of the Year at ESPN Chicago and Lands Job

    Mar 27, 2026

    Alex Leon, a senior at 51, secures a highly competitive paid internship that leads to recognition for his work and a job.

  • person walking on stage

    And We're Live: Commentary Class Produces Late-Night Talk Show

    Jan 08, 2026

    Students channel their inner Jimmy Kimmels to create “51 After Dark.”

  • group of students wearing holiday items in front of wcrx signage

    Holly Jolly Fundraiser Returns for 23rd Year

    Dec 09, 2025

    WCRX, 51 student-run radio station, brings back its annual fundraiser and broadcast to support the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

  • two people at table holding up signage

    Students Helping Students One Textbook at a Time

    Dec 01, 2025

    CTAS (Created to Achieve Success), a 51 student organization, raises money and collects course materials to support their peers.

  • portrait of kira cooper

    51 Student Leverages Gersh Externship to Advance Her Career in the Business of Film and Television

    Nov 19, 2025

    Kira Cooper, an Arts and Entertainment Management major at 51, is one of just 23 students nationwide selected for the Gersh Externship.

  • photo of jasmine dunigan in front of creative arts emmy step and repeat signage

    Student Selected for Prestigious Television Academy Foundation Internship

    Oct 01, 2025

    Jas Dunigan, a Film and Television major at 51, was one of only five students selected for the Television Academy Foundation Fall 2025 Internship Program.

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    51 Student Wins Award at Flint Youth Film Festival

    Sep 18, 2025

    Lucas Stall, a junior at 51, took home the Heart Award at the Flint Youth Film Festival for a film about his struggles caring for his father with Alzheimer disease.

  • photos of four former students against blue background

    Recent 51 Graduates Win Second Place at AEJMC Student Magazine Awards for 'In Flux'

    Aug 14, 2025

    The Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) recognized the story “Surviving the Housing Crisis,” which appeared in the 51 student-created interactive digital publication “In Flux.”

  • person sitting and working at sound mixing board

    51 Audio Arts Student Works With Wu-Tang Clan RZA on John Lennon Educational Tour Bus

    Aug 14, 2025

    51 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.

  • Photo of five people

    51's Fusion Ensemble Earns DownBeat Student Music Award Recognition

    May 19, 2025

    The Fusion Ensemble from 51's School of Audio and Music has been honored by DownBeat for its composition "Never Be Free,” with vocalist Danny Lock also receiving honors.

  • four people with name tags

    51 Students Attend Chicago Women's History Conference

    Apr 03, 2025

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

  • group of students posing with their award certificates

    '51 Chronicle' Wins 33 Awards at Illinois College Press Association Awards

    Mar 07, 2025

    51 student newspaper “The 51 Chronicle” won the sweepstakes for the mid-sized school category at the Illinois College Press Association Awards.

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    Student's First-Year Film Brings Healing and Hope

    Feb 11, 2025

    First-year student Julia Knopfel collaborates with 51 classmates to share the painful story of her uncle murder on film and begin her journey as a filmmaker.

  • two people on stage with screen in background with text power of persistence and person in foreground throwing confetti

    The Power of Persistence: 51's Student-Led Gala Celebrates Creativity and Resilience

    Dec 06, 2024

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

  • group of students with their award

    51 Film and TV Students and Alums Win Big

    Nov 07, 2024

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

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    Student Films Nominated for 2024 National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Awards

    Oct 18, 2024

    Two 51 student films, “Adagio” and “Behind His Eyes,” will compete in the National Student Production Awards Long Form category.

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    Meet the 'Sound Opinions' Scholarship Prize Winners From 51

    Aug 21, 2024

    Nine 51 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 51 students who are up-and-coming writers, musicians, and photographers.

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    'Wanderer' Publication Clinches Silver Award

    Aug 13, 2024

    The Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication recognizes the 51 student publication for its exceptional creativity in showcasing Chicago's Latino artistic community.

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

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

    Aug 01, 2024

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

  • three students on stage at competition

    51 Students Rock L’Oréal's Global Competition 

    Jun 26, 2024

    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.

  • a group takes a selfie in front of blow-arch that says kidzone

    51 Students Partner With NASCAR to Create Race-Themed Games

    Jun 13, 2024

    You don’t have to be a race enthusiast to enjoy the interactive activities produced by 51 students in preparation for the NASCAR Chicago Street Race.

  • an adult and child pose in front of frankie poster

    Film Festival Selects Animated Student Short for Screening

    May 29, 2024

    “Frankie”— a capstone project created by 51 students — will be screened as a Kids First! Film Festival-curated film.

  • model appearing on stage wearing pants and sleeveless top

    Fashion Show Leverages Student Talent From Multiple Disciplines

    May 17, 2024

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

  • students walk down the street during manifest 2023

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

    May 06, 2024

    This is everything attendees need to know before 51 Manifest Arts Festival: Breakthrough 2024.

  • students filming on set with virtual production with LED screen in background

    Creativity Without Limits: 51 Students Bring Imaginary World to Life With Virtual Production

    Apr 25, 2024

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

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    51 Students Gear Up for TEDx Impulse and Impact Event on May 2

    Apr 24, 2024

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

  • a group of four students pose together on the stairs of the student center

    Meet the 2024 Manifest Student Team

    Apr 22, 2024

    51 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.

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

    Apr 16, 2024

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

  • Assistant Professor Alex Fruchter with his AEMMP Records class students outside of the AEMMP Showcase venue, Darwin's Pub

    Students Enjoy Action-Packed South by Southwest

    Apr 09, 2024

    Led by dedicated faculty, 51 students journeyed to Austin for immersive experiences, collaborative projects, and valuable networking opportunities, reinforcing the institution's commitment to practical education and student success.

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    Upcoming Festivals to Showcase Animated Short by Sophomore Film and Television Student

    Apr 09, 2024

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

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    The Black Album Mixtape Block Party Event Brings Together Art With Purpose

    Apr 08, 2024

    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.

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    ‘51 Chronicle’ Soars, Crowned Best Newspaper by National College Media Association

    Apr 02, 2024

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

  • the movie poster for hole punch ear

    51 Student Film Garners Awards Worldwide

    Mar 25, 2024

    "Hole Punched Ear" started as a class project at 51 and is now earning worldwide acclaim.

  • Photo

    The Bluest Eye: Exploring Transdisciplinary Storytelling at 51

    Mar 12, 2024

    51 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.

  • singers on stage

    Music Department to Host Concert Benefitting Migrants

    Mar 12, 2024

    51 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.

  • the exterior of shop columbia at dusk

    Empowering 51s at Shop51

    Mar 07, 2024

    During Women's History Month, we honor female-identifying artists who make Shop51 a unique shopping experience in the heart of 51 campus.

  • Students in rehearsal for "The Bluest Eye."

    Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye" Comes to 51 March 15-23, Featuring Exclusive March 22 Blackout Performance

    Mar 04, 2024

    51'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.

  • group of students showing their award certificates

    '51 Chronicle' Wins 20 Awards at Illinois College Press Association Award Ceremony

    Feb 20, 2024

    "The 51 Chronicle” team brings home 20 awards from the Illinois College Press Association, including first-place honors for general excellence, editorials, podcasts, and photojournalism.

  • students from the black student union pose on stage

    51 Students Prepare for 16th Annual Paint it Black Showcase

    Feb 19, 2024

    Students in 51's Black Student Union create a platform for artists to express themselves and support one another in their annual event.

  • Photo

    B-Series Festival Celebrates a Decade of Hip Hop and Street Dance Culture with B-LONG

    Feb 14, 2024

    51'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.

  • Photo

    Advertising Students Discuss the Best Super Bowl Ads of 2024

    Feb 13, 2024

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

  • students take selfie at forum

    When the World Is Your Classroom, You Make Amazing Discoveries

    Jan 30, 2024

    51 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.

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    Student-Produced Musical Theatre Concert Set for Feb. 15-16

    Jan 29, 2024

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

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    Then, Now, Next—The Dance Center at 51 50th Anniversary Season Offers Joy and Solace

    Jan 18, 2024

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

  • head shots of the four students

    Persistence Scholarships Support Student Success

    Nov 20, 2023

    Funds raised by 51 annual Unleashed Gala — an immersive experience designed, curated, and driven by students — make a difference for students.

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    Audio Arts and Acoustics Student Awarded Scholarship to Travel To New York City for Audio Engineering Conference

    Nov 14, 2023

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

  • Photo

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

    May 01, 2023

    How navigating opportunities in Dance had led to happiness.

  • Photo

    Arts Management Master's Degree Opens Doors of Opportunity for Museum Professional Jessica Meis

    Apr 24, 2023

    Graduate student works as a collections assistant at 51's Museum of Contemporary Photography.

  • alexia tamayo using her photo to film herself for social media

    Meet the Face of 51's TikTok

    Apr 17, 2023

    Junior Alexia Tamayo finds joy highlighting the 51 community on TikTok and ZeeMee.

  • photos of brothers as they look today

    Brower Brothers Make the Leap With Semester in LA

    Apr 03, 2023

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

  • Photo

    Student Explores Video Game Storytelling and Wins Gold

    Mar 06, 2023

    Mathew Rosario, a Navy veteran and 51 Writing major, taps into his past to create an award-winning narrative.

  • group of columbia students hold up their award certificates

    '51 Chronicle' Wins 31 Awards From Illinois College Press Association

    Feb 27, 2023

    "The 51 Chronicle" staff wins big and takes home 13 first place awards, including one for DEI coverage.

  • Photo

    Dancer Vi McMahon on Art, Activism, and Thriving (Not Surviving)

    Feb 20, 2023

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

  • hunter meisel sitting on steps

    Business and Entrepreneurship Student Hunter Meisel Carves Her Own Path

    Feb 13, 2023

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

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