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From winning prestigious awards and grants to collaborating with big brands like NASCAR and L'Oréal, here are the top stories from ������ in 2024.

As we begin the 2025 spring semester and our 135th anniversary as a school, we reflect on the top stories of 2024 that brought change and excitement to ������. We are proud of the tremendous work and commitment of our wonderful school community at ������. From creative partnerships to our students pursuing their passions in exciting industries, these are the top stories from this past year. 

Navigate through the top stories by month

• January 2024

  ������ Students Explore Paris, Rome, and Buenos Aires during J-Term

  ������ students take courses during January, or J-Term, and travelled to not only Italy but Argentina, France, and the United Kingdom. And in the U.S., students visited Los Angeles and New York City. While each student experience was unique, all students came home enriched with new awareness and understanding of the world beyond their backyard as well as highly desired college credits.

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• February 2024

  $110,000 in NEA Grants Awarded to ������'s Dance Center and MoCP

  On January 24, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announced nationwide grants for arts initiatives, including about $1.6 million in grants for 66 projects in Illinois. Among the recipients are ������’s Dance Center and 

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• March 2024

  Wabash Arts Corridor Named in USA Today's Best10 Arts Districts

  The  (WAC) in Chicago's South Loop, established by , was named . The WAC was chosen by an expert panel as a nominee for Best Arts District and voted for by the public.

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• April 2024

  ������ 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.

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• May 2024

  Fashion Show Leverages Student Talent From Multiple Disciplines

  In Assistant Professor Tom Eslinger’s Fashion Advertising class, students developed the branding and promotions around the show and the VIP pre-event where this year’s Made@������ designers met members of the fashion industry. 

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• June 2024

  ������ Students Partner with NASCAR to Create Race-Themed Games

  At ������, faculty like Assistant Professor Jo-Nell Sieren often bring in companies to provide students client-based learning experiences. And this year, Sieren took the checkered flag for the win when NASCAR Chicago Street Race accepted her invitation to partner with two of her classes.

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• July 2024

  MovieMaker Ranks ������ Among the 30 Best Film Schools in North America 

   has named ������ among the 30 best film schools in the U.S. and Canada in 2024. The list was designed to offer a variety of options to help guide those preparing for careers in the media industry.

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• August 2024

  Students Paint the Town With Two New Murals

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

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• September 2024

  "24 in 2024" Recognizes Alumni From ������

  This distinguished honor celebrates our alumni community for their creative influence within their industry, passion for their craft, and their connection to world around them. 

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• October 2024

  Fashion Students Shine at Fashion Graduate Italia in Milan

  Two standout fashion students from ������, Rae Braezeale and Joelle Olabode, recently took center stage at the International  show during Fashion Graduate Italia 2024.

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• November 2024

  School of Design Awarded a $75,000 Illinois Innovation Voucher Grant

  The project, led by ������ students, will provide valuable resources for students preparing for their futures by offering interactive and engaging experiences. The grant will also allow ������ to hire students to work on the game development team, giving them hands-on experience in the gaming industry.

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• December 2024

  ������'s Annual Gala Raises Funds for Student Scholarships

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

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Recent News

• Students Launch “In Flux,” an Interactive Digital Magazine
• Top Stories from ������ in 2024
• The Dance Center Presents the Chicago Solo Spotlight Festival, March 13-15
• ������ Team Wins National NRF Retail Challenge
• Alumni and Faculty Shine in Newcity Stage’s 'Players 2025'