Vivian Richey

Manifest returns for 25th year with renewed public push, alumni homecoming

The college’s signature urban arts festival will take place on Saturday, May 16 throughout Columbia’s buildings, including the Student Center. The block between Harrison and Balbo streets will be closed to vehicular traffic.

Vivian Richey, Enterprise Editor
May 14, 2026

‘Getting a compliment from him felt like a Pulitzer’: Former Columbia professor, comic book writer Len Strazewski dies at 71

Known for his sharp critiques and deep experience, Strazewski shaped generations of student journalists. He also built a career in comics, writing for DC Comics on titles including “The Flash,” “Starman” and “Justice Society of America.”

Vivian Richey, Enterprise editor
April 28, 2026

Columbia’s spring enrollment falls to lowest level in more than two decades

The college reported 3,958 students in Spring 2026, continuing a years-long decline. Colleges typically enroll fewer students in the spring than in the fall, in part because of December graduates and students who transfer or leave.

Vivian Richey, Enterprise editor
March 16, 2026

‘This Is Our Renaissance’: Shantay Bolton installed as president of Columbia College Chicago

In her formal investiture address, President and CEO Shantay Bolton, the first Black woman to lead the college, framed the moment as a turning point for Columbia as it navigates major challenges in higher education.

Vivian Richey, Enterprise editor
March 5, 2026

‘It doesn’t feel genuine anymore’: how online misogyny is changing dating

United Nations agencies warn that the spread of online misogyny is reshaping how young people understand gender and relationships.

Vivian Richey, Enterprise editor
February 18, 2026

Nationwide ‘national shutdown’ protest over federal immigration enforcement and Minneapolis shootings draws mixed reaction

Some Chicago businesses shut their doors for the day, while others warned that a daylong strike could harm small businesses.

Vivian Richey and Marc Balbarin
January 31, 2026

Students adjust to new registration system amid course concerns

The college will hold RegFest from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 10 to 13 in the Student Center.

Vivian Richey, Editor-in-Chief
November 12, 2025

Columbia to meet with students for ‘Hi-Tea’ forum

President and CEO Shantay Bolton is scheduled to meet with students at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21 during the Student Government Association’s weekly Tuesday meeting.

Allison Shelton and Vivian Richey
October 21, 2025

Breaking: Columbia’s budget deficit grows to $40 million, but State of the College offers few specifics

Faculty told Chronicle that the annual address struck an upbeat tone but avoided details about how the college plans to close the gap.

Vivian Richey, Sydney Richardson, Kate Julianne Larroder, and Emma Jolly
October 9, 2025

Columbia students face fifth week without loan refunds after delays

Loan disbursements that were expected in the third week of the semester are still on hold, leaving students without funds for food, travel and other expenses — and with few answers about the cause.

Allison Shelton and Vivian Richey
October 2, 2025

Trump administration ends funding for Hispanic-Serving Institutions like Columbia

The college's HSI status remains intact, but the new Department of Education policy will close off a critical funding source intended to bolster student support.

Emma Jolly and Vivian Richey
September 11, 2025

Breaking: Wi-Fi comes back on at UC after weekend without internet

A failure at AT&T’s Chicago data center had cut off internet access in Columbia’s largest dorm for most of the weekend before service was restored by mid-afternoon on Monday, Sept. 8.

Simara Jenkins and Vivian Richey
September 8, 2025

Review: Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Man’s Best Friend’ figuratively raises both middle fingers

The 12 track album relays the realities of heartbreak. The order of the album follows her growth beginning at a place of anti-relationship and then, eventually, saying “Goodbye.”

Allison Shelton and Vivian Richey
September 8, 2025

Breaking: Weekend Wi-Fi outage at University Center leaves students scrambling to connect

A failure at AT&T’s Chicago data center cut off internet access in Columbia’s largest dorm for most of the weekend, disrupting homework.

Vivian Richey, Editor-in-Chief
September 7, 2025

Editor’s Note: Our commitment to accountability without harm

The Chronicle is implementing a new policy on anonymous sources as ICE operations expand in Chicago.

Vivian Richey, Editor-in-Chief
September 4, 2025

Breaking: College will remain open if National Guard comes to Chicago

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said at a news conference on Tuesday, Sept. 2 that the Trump administration had already begun preparing the Texas National Guard to deploy into the city.

Emma Jolly, Vivian Richey, and Allison Shelton
September 3, 2025

Columbia’s new president draws standing ovation after outlining her vision

Shantay Bolton, who took office in July, earned praise from faculty after her first formal address on Wednesday Aug. 20. The reception marked a sharp contrast to last year’s tense meetings over program cuts, although the college is still confronting enrollment declines and financial strains. Enrollment for Fall 2025 is about 4,300 students.

Kate Julianne Larroder, Allison Shelton, and Vivian Richey
August 20, 2025