In true Columbia College Chicago style, 90 students — representing 11 of the school’s departments — showcased their talents in visual arts, music, dance, theater and fashion at the Open Doors Gala on Dec. 7. Held at the school’s Media Production Center (1600 S. State), the event — co-chaired by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Marshall Field V, Richard Kiphart and Sylvia Neil and attended by guests such as Linda Johnson Rice — also honored the former chairman and CEO of Sara Lee Corp., John H. Bryan, who received the Chicago Legacy Award (in memory of publishing pioneer John H. Johnson) for his contributions to the arts. The sold-out crowd helped raise more than $800,000 for the Open Doors Scholarship fund, which assists Chicago public school graduates in continuing their education at Columbia College. The Sun-Times was the media sponsor of this event. Story by Katerina Bizios | Photos by Ramzi Dreessen

In true Columbia College Chicago style, 90 students — representing 11 of the school’s departments — showcased their talents in visual arts, music, dance, theater and fashion at the Open Doors Gala on Dec. 7. Held at the school’s Media Production Center (1600 S. State), the event — co-chaired by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Marshall Field V, Richard Kiphart and Sylvia Neil and attended by guests such as Linda Johnson Rice — also honored the former chairman and CEO of Sara Lee Corp., John H. Bryan, who received the Chicago Legacy Award (in memory of publishing pioneer John H. Johnson) for his contributions to the arts. The sold-out crowd helped raise more than $800,000 for the Open Doors Scholarship fund, which assists Chicago public school graduates in continuing their education at Columbia College.

The Sun-Times was the media sponsor of this event.

Story by Katerina Bizios | Photos by Ramzi Dreessen