Columbia College Chicago has produced an exceptional array of graduates who have helped author the culture of our times. Alumni of the Year are honored during the commencement ceremonies, in front of the current graduating class. Below is a list of past honorees.
Art Baltazar (BA '92) Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Cartooning
Lana Bramlette (BA '97) Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Fashion Design
Marlon West (BA '85) Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Animation
David Cromer ('86) Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Theatre
John Hellerman (BA '95) Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Marketing Communication
Nobuku Oyabu (BA '95) Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Photography
Paul Broucek (BA ‘74) Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Film
Laura "Steele" Yosha (BA ‘90) Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Radio
Bob McNamara (BA ‘66) Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Journalism
Pete Janos (BA '82) Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Broadcast Journalism
Sharon Mesmer (BA '83) Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Poetry
Pablo Martinez Monsivais (BA '94) Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Photojournalism
Len Amato (B.A ’75) Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Motion Picture Production
Tonya Pinkins (BA ’96) Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Theater Acting
Eduardo Vilaro (MA ’99) Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Dance
2006
Peter Teschner (’80) Outstanding Contribution to a Field of Motion Picture Editing
Parisa Khosravi (BA ’87) Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Broadcast Journalism
2005
Howard Mendelsohn (’49) Lifetime Achievement Award
Genndy Tartakovsky (’92) Outstanding Contribution to a Field
William Cellini, Jr., (BA '94) Outstanding Contribution to Columbia College
1998
Ozier Muhammad (BA '72) Lifetime Achievement Award
Karen Lee Copeland (BA '68) Outstanding Contribution to Columbia College
George Tillman, Jr. (BA '91) Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Motion Picture Production
Robert Teitel (BA '90) Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Motion Picture Production
1997
Norman Pellegrini ('50) Lifetime Achievement Award
Charles R. Carner (BA '78) Outstanding Contribution to a Field
Brigid Murphy (BA '87) Outstanding Contribution to a Field
Jim Williams (BA '87): Outstanding Contribution to a Field
Sydney Smith Gordon Honorary Alumna
Enid Long (BA '79) Outstanding Contribution to Columbia College
Howard Mendelsohn ('49) Outstanding Contribution to Columbia College
1996
Vandell Cobb (BA '75) Outstanding Contribution to a Field
Andy Richter ('88) Outstanding Contribution to a Field
Helena Chapellin Wilson (BA '76) Outstanding Contribution to Columbia College
Nana Shineflug (MA '86) Lifetime Achievement Award
Fred Fine Honorary Alumnus
Al Parker Honorary Alumnus
1995
Ruth Thorne-Thomsen (BA '74) Lifetime Achievement Award
Eric C. May (BA '75) Outstanding Contribution to a Field
Isabella Hofmann (BA '81) Outstanding Contribution to a Field
Michael E. Jackson (BA '83) Outstanding Contribution to Columbia College
1994
Bruce Dumont (BA '67) Lifetime Achievement Award
Mary A. Johnson (BA '91) Outstanding Contribution to a Field
Janusz Kaminski (BA '87) Outstanding Contribution to a Field
Albert “Bert” C. Gall (BA '69) Outstanding Contribution to Columbia College
1990
Bill "Cecil" Pavechevich Honorary Alumnus (Awarded by President Mirron “Mike” Alexandroff) Officer Pavechevich served Columbia College’s students, faculty, and staff as a police officer who directed traffic at corner of Balbo & Michigan