The Columbia Chronicle

With Lollapalooza just around the corner, host Stella Huang talks with Columbia students and recent grads who are prepping for a weekend of unforgettable music in this week’s Chronversations. From first-timer jitters to veteran tips, hear how they’re planning for the festival, what artists they can’t wait to see and how Lolla feeds their creative lives.

This week on Chronversations, host Stella Huang meets the new wave of talented students getting their first taste of Columbia campus life. From pop culture surprises to creative ambitions, hear what they're excited for, what’s surprised them and how they’re ready to make their mark in Chicago.

What is it like to be a college journalist with a media pass at one of the largest events in Chicago? In this podcast, the Chronicle’s NASCAR analyst, Benjamin Sherman, takes us behind the barricades. From surprise driver interviews to the deafening thrill of the track, he shares what got him into racing, what surprised him most up close and what he’d shout through NASCAR's mic.

This week on Chronversations, the Chronicle’s student NASCAR analyst, Benjamin Sherman, breaks down this year’s race from track drama to driver surprises, and even the difference between NASCAR and Formula One. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just a newbie to racing, this recap has you covered.

The college hosted the viewing event in the 618 S. Michigan Ave. building for the third year in the row. The party offered a front-row window seat for raffle winners and their guests to watch the Grant Park 165 NASCAR Cup Series race. Chronversations host Stella Huang was at the party and has the story.  

This week on Chronversations, NASCAR is bringing speed to the streets of Chicago, and Columbia fashion students are bringing it to the runway. From vintage racewear to recycled track materials, student designers are pushing the limits of style, sustainability, and self-expression.

This week on Chronversations, we head to the 5th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Market at the Salt Shed. What does Juneteenth mean to Chicagoans today? From artists and vendors to students and families, Chicagoans are reflecting on freedom, resilience, and why joy itself can be a form of resistance.

This week on Chronversations, we stop by Columbia’s Fitness Center again to find out who’s really hitting the gym over the summer. From daily gymgoers to fitness journey beginner, each of them is finding their own rhythm, and redefining what it means to be a “gym rat.”

This week on Chronversations, we talk to students about the reduced building hours for the summer. Every campus building, except for the Student Center, will be closed on the weekends. The 1312 S. Michigan building that houses the School of Audio and Music will not be open at all.

This week on Chronversations: Columbia honored over 1,000 graduates across two commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 18. The college also awarded honorary doctor of arts degrees to Columbia business and entrepreneurship alum Marcos “Kosine” Palacios and theater alum Joseph Sikora. The ceremonies included speeches, poetry and musical performances by students.

This week on Chronversations: Columbia celebrated the end of the academic year with the Manifest Arts Festival, which included an appearance from incoming President and CEO Shantay Bolton. We have exclusive coverage of her visit to the Alumni Lounge at the Student Center on Friday, May 16.

This week on South Loop TV: Seniors look back at their time at Columbia, makerspace madness and students decorate their caps, and a closer look at one of our MC's for commencement.  ----more---- This episode was recorded on Friday, May 16, 2025, hosted and produced by Shawn Tumbokon-Flowers, with music by Eric Matyas from soundimage.org. 

The semester ends Friday, May 16, and Columbia’s annual Manifest arts festival will close out the year with dozens of events celebrating student work. Here are three things to know for the end of the academic year.

This week on South Loop TV: An inside look at Sining, Columbia’s first Filipino organization, a chat with one of our student commencement speakers, and a piece of history in honor of those lost to AIDS. ----more---- This episode was recorded on Friday, March 9, 2025, hosted and produced by Shawn Tumbokon-Flowers, with music by Eric Matyas from soundimage.org. 

A conversation with junior reporter, Uriel Reyes, about the newest Thunderbolts* film.

This week, Student Diversity and Inclusion, the peer educator program and the student government association are celebrating Pride in May. Here are three events honoring the LGBTQ+ community this week.

A conversation with the Student Government Association about the MAYDAY protest. 

The Regional Transportation Authority, which includes the CTA, Pace and Metra, is facing a $770 million budget gap that could force the agencies to cut up to 40% of service if state lawmakers do not address the issue this spring. Here are three things to know about the budget gap and how it may affect people who rely on public transportation.

A conversation with SGA President, Jenna Davis, about Earth Week.

This week on South Loop TV: A new registration portal aims to solve both short and long term issues for students, Columbia previews for the How To Train Your Dragon live action, and get creative with this year's Manifest shirts. ----more---- This episode was recorded on Friday, April 25th, 2025, hosted and produced by Shawn Tumbokon-Flowers, with music by Eric Matyas from soundimage.org. 

A conversation with Audience Engagement Editor Emily Ramirez.

Starting Monday, April 28, returning students will be registering for classes for Fall 2025 using a new student information system. The Chronicle spoke with Associate Provost for Student Retention Initiatives Greg Foster-Rice, who is hopeful that the new system will address some of the common issues during registration week. Here are three things to know about class registration for Fall 2025.

This week on South Loop TV: Do you know your rights? Illinois workers show they do with the “know your rights” training workshop. Students speak up about the shortcomings of Canvas, and some professors who aren’t picking up the slack. Plus, an exclusive interview about the new student registration portal. ----more---- Watch the broadcast TV episode on YouTube. This episode was recorded on Friday,...

This week on Three C’s: Here are three things to know about how Donald Trump’s tariffs could affect you as a consumer.

A conversation with Jeff Sanderson about Grad Expo 2025