The Columbia Chronicle

Chronversations with Stella Huang: Inside new student orientation

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.

Chronicle Reports with Stella Huang: Inside NASCAR 2025

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.

Chronversations with Stella Huang: Recap NASCAR 2025 with the Chronicle’s resident analyst

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.

Chronversations with Stella Huang: Inside Columbia’s NASCAR watch party

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.

 

Chronversations with Stella Huang: Columbia Students Reimagine NASCAR Fashion

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.

Chronversations with Stella Huang: Inside Chicago’s Juneteenth Freedom Market

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.

Chronversations with Stella Huang: Who are Columbia’s gym rats, really?

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.”

Chronversations with Stella Huang: Columbia closes most buildings on weekends for summer

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.

Chronversations with Sydney Richardson: Columbia recognizes graduates, honorary degree recipients at commencement ceremonies

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.

Chronversations with Sydney Richardson: Columbia celebrates annual Manifest Arts Festival

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.