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The Columbia Chronicle
We've got you covered

The Columbia Chronicle
Sofía Oyarzún

Sofía Oyarzún, Photojournalist

Sofia Oyarzún is a junior photojournalism and journalism double major. Oyarzún joined the Chronicle in January 2024 as a bilingual reporter and works on the photojournalism desk.

 

Hometown: Glenview, Illinois
All content by Sofía Oyarzún
Captain Efraia Lopez talks to his coworker in-between boat rides on the Shoreline Sightseeing boat, which takes people on a tour route by the Chicago Lakefront, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

[Photo] June 25, 2025

Performer of Pride Fest's Drag Show struts down the crowd on their way to the stage on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

[Photo] Chicago’s 24th Pride Fest draws crowds despite sweltering heat

By Uriel Reyes and Allison Shelton
A passerby admires “The Love I Vibrate" mural that honors the LGBTQ and people of color community painted on the side of the Dermatology + Aesthetics Clinic building in the Boystown neighborhood on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

[Photo] June 18, 2025

An illustrator who goes by the name Bird Man draws scenes from his favorite movie, “Kill Bill,” at the Wabash and Adams intersection in downtown Chicago on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

[Photo] June 11, 2025

Flags of various countries in the International Student and Scholar Services office, symbolizing the 5% of international students at Columbia, on Monday, June 9, 2025.

[Photo] ‘Every week, it kind of feels like they’re getting closer to us’

By Matt Brady, Reporter
Nancy Holloway walks her granddaughter Iona across the street during a rainy afternoon on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

[Photo] June 4, 2025

Don Omar mira a la audiencia de su actuación como el artista principal del segundo día del Festival de Música Sueños el domingo, 25 de mayo de 2025.

[Photo] “La gente quiere escuchar música latina y para eso estamos aquí”

By Uriel Reyes and Manuel Nocera
The band Do Not Disturb, also known as DND, opens their set with a group dance on the Toyota Stage at the Sueños Music Festival on Sunday, May 25, 2025.

[Photo] ‘The people want to hear Latin music, and that’s what we’re here to do’

By Uriel Reyes
Peso Pluma performs on the Sueños Music Festival main stage on Saturday, May 24, 2025.

[Photo] At Sueños Music Festival, fashion, culture shine despite chilly temps

By Uriel Reyes
Bailarinas del Ballet Folklórico de Chicago realizan un baile tradicional mexicano en pareja en la intersección de Balbo y Columbus Drive en el Sueños Music Festival el sábado 24 de mayo de 2025.

[Photo] En Sueños Music Festival, la moda y la cultura brillan a pesar del frío

By Uriel Reyes and Manuel Nocera
Faculty receive a standing ovation at the second ceremony on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

[Photo] In pictures: Graduates shine at Columbia’s 2025 Commencement

Senior Vice President and Provost Marcella David applauds graduates at the afternoon ceremony at Credit Union 1 Arena on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

[Photo] Breaking: Marcella David out as provost

By Sydney Richardson and Kate Julianne Larroder
Graduate Abby Rankin delivers graduation speech to fellow graduates at Credit Union 1 Arena on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

[Photo] ‘We came to this school for a reason’

Fans of the band Abstract dance to their set at the Manifest Mainstage on Friday, May 16, 2025.

[Photo] In pictures: Columbia celebrates end of year with Manifest Arts Festival

Abstract band perform on Manifest's main stage on May 16, 2025.

[Photo] Live music ‘nails Manifest every year’

The Rev. Michael Enright, pastor of St. Paul's Catholic Church in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago, keeps a portrait of the late Pope Francis as he welcomes the news of Pope Leo XIV on May 8, 2025.

Chicago celebrates city native, first pope from United States

By Sofía Oyarzún, Staff Reporter
With the new registration system up and running, Adolfo Mendez, a senior Illustration major and Heather Minges Wols go over it and his audit on Thursday, April 24, 2025.

New ‘MyColum’ portal, registration system debuts to mostly positive reviews

By Sofía Oyarzún, Bilingual Reporter
Fuego Fest attendees dance and call their friends onto the dance floor at HAUS on Friday, April 25, 2025.

[Photo] Fuego Fest brings Puerto Rican art, music, history to campus

By Araceli Ramirez, Bilingual Reporter
Bad Day For The Worm, 2025

Columbia alumni assist in animation short ‘Bad Day For The Worm’

By Lily Thomas and Sofía Oyarzún
Exterior of the Aguijon Theater Co where Kris Tori first started performing at on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 2707 N Laramie Ave.

Alumna Kris Tori refleja en su aniversario de ganar su Premio JEFF

By Sofía Oyarzún, Bilingual Reporter
The menu for iftar, the fast-breaking evening meal for Ramadan, is displayed on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the University Center in downtown Chicago.

Muslim students struggle with lack of community, support from college during Ramadan

By Samantha Ho and Sofía Oyarzún
Multimedia content strategist and cultural organizer for Chicago Votes Tre King speaks to students during the Staying Safe panel of the Meeting the Moment: Civic Action event at the 33 E. Ida B. Wells Dr. building on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

Columbia Votes hosts event focused on civic action

By Morgan Kromer and Sofía Oyarzún
Mixture of Columbia students, parents and others laugh together at Comedy Night at Columbia's Theatre Building on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025.

‘Freshman Fifteen’ debuts first-year-made comedy sketch at Comedy Night

By Sofía Oyarzún, Bilingual Reporter
"Know Your Rights" signs plastered on a bus stop in Logan Square on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025.

Inmigrantes venezolanos se preocupan por terminación del servicio de protección temporal

By Sofía Oyarzún, Bilingual Reporter
Los estudiantes asisten al evento Paint 'N Sip organizado por la Alianza Latina de Columbia el miércoles, 5 de febrero de 2025. Los estudiantes pintan, toman bocadillos y tienen conversaciones divertidas durante el comienzo del semestre de primavera.

Alianza Latina provee apoyo para estudiantes preocupadas por redadas de agentes federales

By Sofía Oyarzún, Bilingual Reporter
Attendees of the "Stop the attacks on immigrants" rally march down W 26th St in Little Village on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2024.

La Villita se levanta contra deportaciones, recientes redadas

By Sofía Oyarzún, Bilingual Reporter
The Trump International Hotel & Tower in downtown Chicago on Tuesday, Jan. 21 2025, days after the Trump administration took office.

Chicago residents, students anxious after Trump’s first days back in office

By Sofía Oyarzún, Staff Reporter
Keila Sifuentes, una estudiante del barrio de West Lawn de Chicago sostiene una etiqueta de votante el martes 5 de noviembre de 2024.

Mayor apoyo latino para Trump se encuentra incertidumbres entre la comunidad

By Sofía Oyarzún, Bilingual Reporter
A "Día de los Muertos" presented in the lobby of the Student Center including student-made alters and designs on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024.

Columbia eligible to apply for federal grant funding as Hispanic-serving institution in 2025

By Sofía Oyarzún, Bilingual Reporter
A student worker paints on an interactive wall at The Power of Persistence fundraising event at the Student Center on Dec. 5, 2024.

Gala showcases creative work by Columbia students

By Sofía Oyarzún, Bilingual Reporter
El Conjunto Latino se presenta durante el evento Noche de Herencia Latina organizado por la Alianza Latina y la Asociación de Gobierno Estudiantil en el Conway Cenetr en 1104 S Wabash Ave el viernes el 15 de noviembre de 2024.

‘Noche de Herencia Latina’ celebra culturas latinas por la música

By Sofía Oyarzún, Bilingual Reporter
Voters line up at the Supersite location at 191 N. Clark St. on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.

Election 2024 Live Updates: Lines form early at polls on Election Day around Chicago

By Doreen Abril Albuerne-Rodriguez, Newsletter Producer
Sophmore student, Paola Escudero, performing a dance during the day of the dead event hosted by the Student Diversity and Inclusion office on the 3rd floor of 618 S. Michigan Ave. on Friday, Nov. 1st, 2024.

Estudiantes celebran sentidos de Día de los Muertos con actos musicales

By Sofía Oyarzún, Staff Reporter
People stand outside of Chicago's early voting Supersite location with signs at 191 N. Clark St. on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024.

International students unsure of Trump’s green card promise

By Sofía Oyarzún, Bilingual Reporter
Jóvenes latinos votan para sus padres que no pueden

Jóvenes latinos votan para sus padres que no pueden

By Sofía Oyarzún, Bilingual Reporter
Recent hurricanes leave “months to years” of recovery for North Carolina residents, Columbia alum

Recent hurricanes leave “months to years” of recovery for North Carolina residents, Columbia alum

By Kate Julianne Larroder and Sofía Oyarzún
Estudiantes en Columbia organizando materiales y comenzando sus manualidades que serán agregadas a la ofrenda comunitaria creada y organizada por Alianza Latina el miércoles, 9 de oct., 2024.

Alianza Latina, Diversidad e Inclusión Estudiantil celebran Día de los Muertos con ofrenda colectiva

By Sofía Oyarzún, Bilingual Reporter
Students attending the reggaeton dance session pose with the teachers at the end of the event at 1104 S Wabash on Oct. 1, 2024.

Latino Alliance, Student Diversity and Inclusion, Mi Gente celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with “Movimiento Martes” dance classes

By Sofía Oyarzún, Bilingual Staff Reporter
Amelia Hansing, junior acting major (left), takes direction from Director Andrew Jex (right) on Thursday, August 29, 2024.

“Freakuency” horror film moves forward in production, set to premier in December

By Sofía Oyarzún, Bilingual Staff Reporter
Student representatives of Mi Gente, a Latin dance club at Columbia, sit at their booth to recruit new students to join their club on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. Mi Gente provide Latin snacks and a drink called "Agua de Jamaica" for people to try at Convocation.

Estudiantes encuentran la comunidad a Convocación

By Sofía Oyarzún and Araceli Ramirez
Students gather on third floor of 33 E Ida B. Wells as English and Creative Writing classrooms give away free books on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024

Retiring writing faculty offer books to students in impromptu giveaway before school starts

By Sofía Oyarzún, Staff Reporter
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris waves to the crowd before delivering her speech accepting her nomination for presidency at the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024.

‘It’s her time’: Chicagoans react to historic nomination of first Black female presidential candidate Kamala Harris

By Patience Hurston, Sofía Oyarzún, and Araceli Ramirez
Antonio Sierra, a mexican food vendor from Michoacán, Mexico, proudly represents his culture through his food cart that displays the Mexican flag on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. Sierra sells traditional Mexican snacks such as raspados, elote, and more, right in front of the National Museum of Mexican Art at 1852 W 19th St.

Growing Latino vote could influence the U.S. election

By Sofía Oyarzún and Araceli Ramirez
Godly The Ruler, Chicago artist, performs their set on the Bacardí stage as their first time ever attending Lollapalooza in Grant Park on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024.

Chicago musicians, Columbia alum represent the city music scene at Lollapalooza

By Maya Liquigan and Sofía Oyarzún
Festival goers browse around the Bonus Tracks section at Lollapalooza in Grant Park on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. This area offers multiple experiences such as a photo booth and nail artists.

Lollapalooza’s Beyond the Music, Kidzapalooza, keeps attendees’ energy high in between their favorite music sets

By Maya Liquigan and Sofía Oyarzún
Festival goers walk down S. Columbus Drive as they browse food options in Chow Town offered at Lollapalooza in Grant Park on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024.

Vendors bring cultural food, history to Lollapalooza’s Chow Town

By Maya Liquigan and Sofía Oyarzún
Chappell Roan performs on the T-Mobile state in Grant Park at Lollapalooza on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. Fans scream in excitement as she walks onto the stage.

Queer artists take over Lollapalooza stage, represent LGBTQ+ community

By Maya Liquigan and Sofía Oyarzún
Columbia offers fewer foreign languages classes as enrollment declines, instructors become harder to find

Columbia offers fewer foreign languages classes as enrollment declines, instructors become harder to find

By Sofía Oyarzún, Staff Reporter
Pit crew members keep the road clear and stay dry under tents as the NASCAR Street Race announced that the race will be temporarily paused on Sunday, July 7, 2024. Each NASCAR racer has their own station with their designated race number.

Alex Bowman takes first place in slippery NASCAR Grant Park 165, shortened for the second year in a row because of rain

By Sofía Oyarzún and Maya Liquigan
NASCAR drivers drive slowly down S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive as they follow a safety car during the Xfinity Series race at the NASCAR Chicago Street Race on Saturday, July 6, 2024. A sunny day with blue skies made for a pleasant suprise in comparison to the previous rain-delayed year.

Shane van Gisbergen wins The Loop Xfinity Series Race as NASCAR returns to Chicago

By Maya Liquigan and Sofía Oyarzún
A road closure street sign sits on the sidewalk along East Ida B. Wells Drive in the South Loop in Chicago on Monday, July 1, 2024. The sign marks the closure of East Ida B. Wells Drive and East Congress Plaza Drive, due to the NASCAR street race event taking place July 6 and 7.

Columbia students launch print publication, family-friendly activities within the ‘NASCAR Tracks’ app for this year’s Chicago street race

By Sofía Oyarzún, Staff Reporter
The Academic Center for Tutoring can be found on the first floor of the 33 E. Ida B Wells building in the South Loop.

Breaking: Columbia to create new center for student services at 33 E. Ida B. Wells

By Sofía Oyarzún, Staff Reporter
Jowell y Randy entusiasmaron a la multitud en el festival Sueños en Grant Park el domingo 26 de mayo de 2024. Uno de los actos más populares del reggaetón, el dúo puertorriqueño agradeció al público por su apoyo a mitad de la actuación.

Los fanáticos se disfrutan a Sueños a pesar de la interrupción del clima

By Sofía Oyarzún, Bilingual Reporter
Ballet Folklórico de Chicago, a Mexican folkdancing organization, performs in the street at Sueños festival in Grant Park on Saturday, May 25, 2024. Founded in 2018, the company hosts dance classes for all ages.

Vendedores y bailadores comparten su cultura a Sueños

By Sofía Oyarzún, Bilingual Reporter
Religious, cultural backgrounds influence students’ sexual identities

Religious, cultural backgrounds influence students’ sexual identities

By Sofía Oyarzún, Bilingual Reporter
Students report more acceptance among their peers than with faculty, staff

Students report more acceptance among their peers than with faculty, staff

By Sofía Oyarzún, Bilingual Reporter
Musicians perform a song at the Pan Africa event, which was held Friday, May 4, 2024, at Columbia's 1104 S. Wabash Ave. building.

Pan African showcase celebrates different countries through art, music, poetry

By Sofía Oyarzún, Bilingual Reporter
Artistas del grupo Brisa durante el segundo Fuego Fest, el viernes 19 de abril de 2024 en Haus.

Los estudiantes latines celebran la cultura brasileña en Fuego Fest

By Sofía Oyarzún, Bilingual Reporter
First-year film students Chaise Lawson and Henry MacDonald attend RegFest on Tuesday, April 10, 2024 at the Student Center. This event helps students prepare ahead of registration for the upcoming semester.

RegFest helps students prepare for next semester despite uncertainties

By Sofía Oyarzún
Junior media design major Ondreas Carpenter seeks help from Columbia Central office in 600 S. Michigan Ave., on Thursday, April 4, 2024. Columbia Central helps students navigate financial issues such as FAFSA, scholarships and account holds.

Financial aid delays ‘brutal’ on new student enrollment, says Columbia’s assistant vice president for undergraduate admissions

By Sofia Oyarzun and Citlalli Magali Sotelo
Activists gather on the corner of Van Buren and State streets near campus on Saturday, March 9, 2024. A new city policy is taking effect that will force migrants out of shelters after 60 days except in "extenuating circumstances."

Advocates protest moving migrants from shelters after 60 days without better plan for housing, work

By Sofía Oyarzún, Bilingual Reporter
Quadball captains, Brady Charles and Maverick Wolf explain quadball to interested students during SOC Block Party event, on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024.

Annual ‘Block Party’ draws more than 200 students to check out student clubs

By Sofía Oyarzún, Reporter
Junior dance major Paris Anderson runs through a dance for Intermediate Contemporary Modern Techniques on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, in 1306 S. Michigan Ave. building.

NEA awards $110,000 in grant funding to Columbia’s Dance Center and photography museum

By Sofía Oyarzún and Kate Julianne L. Larroder
File Photo

Los estudiantes Latines cuestionan el incremento de matrícula, desaconsejan asistir a la universidad

By Citlalli Magali Sotelo and Sofía Oyarzún
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