Columbia College Chicago ASL Department

Matt Andersen ( / ) has announced that Spring 2025 will be his last semester at Columbia College Chicago () after nine wonderful years. He expressed mixed feelings about this decision, a blend of excitement for future endeavors and sadness for his students. Nevertheless, he remains committed to advancing ASL education, as he has for the past five years, and we support his transition to make an even larger impact.

Matt, we sincerely thank you for your exceptional contributions and dedication over the past nine years. As one of our students wrote on Matt’s office door, “Thank you for everything and for being here for us.” Your presence at Columbia will be missed. You brought so much to our program, fostering an authentic language experience filled with rich stories and laughter. As you embark on your future ventures, we wish you nothing but the best with your doctoral studies and your next job. May your next chapter be as remarkable and fulfilling as your tenure with us. We will continue to enjoy your stories by watching your videos and uphold your vision of the ASL program’s mission of connecting students to the Deaf community. You will be missed by all of us at , and we look forward to your future visits to campus in the coming years.

Early this semester, Dr. Jim Van Manen ( ) announced he is leaving Columbia College Chicago (). As Jim mentioned in his post, although this isn’t what he initially wanted, he’s excited about letting go of something good for something potentially great. We are sad to see him go but also excited for him and his next venture.

Dr. Jim, we sincerely thank you for your contributions and dedication over the past 17 years. Your commitment and passion for the DE’VIA movement and fingerspelling teaching have deeply impacted us. You’ve added so much color to our program, fostering an environment filled with rich information, laughter, and excellence. As you embark on your future ventures, we wish you nothing but the best. May your next chapter be as remarkable and fulfilling as your tenure with us. Rest assured, with the program’s remaining time, we will reminisce and celebrate your legacy and strive to uphold the standards you set. You will be missed by all of us at .

Hi everyone! Here is another exciting event hosted by the ASL Interpreting Program, with collaborative support from Columbia’s School of Theatre and Dance and the School of Communication and Culture.

Peter Cook is BACK for ONE NIGHT! 🤩 Reconnect with CCC’s ASL fam & celebrate 135 years! 🥂 Plus, learn wine basics: styles, handlings, pairings! 🍷 March from 6 to 930pm. More info on the poster above. Do not miss out on this fun event! Register today!

Our students had an amazing Saturday night out with and , at the Music Theater Works' production of The Little Shop of Horrors! 🌱✨ They truly brought the house down with their rendition of the carnivorous plant! You can’t beat a show where we’re all ready for ‘supper time’! 🍽️🪴 Bravo to , the cast, ASL interpreters and the crew!

Hey everyone! The ASL Center's tutors and Matt have planned an impromptu silent lunch gathering at The Steeling Food Hall (formerly Revival Food Hall) tomorrow to catch up with everyone. It's going to be fun! Let's all meet there at 12:30 pm. See you there!

It is a bring-your-own lunch event. Food prices at the Revival Food Hall range from $10 to $20. Food is not required to participate.

Columbia College Chicago

ASL Institute is BACK!! Here is your chance to learn the third most popular language to learn in the US. Our program offers you the opportunity to learn ASL from a Deaf native signing instructor at Columbia. In the upcoming term, we will offer a beginner class, and later, we will offer beginner and intermediate classes. After these two in-person courses, you will have knowledge, skills, and confidence that will allow you to continue to thrive independently as a new signer. Don't miss out. Register your seat today!

1. Take a screenshot of the QR code.
2. Open the photo in your photo album.
3. Press and hold on the QR code, and a link will show up.
4. Click on the link to register.

Questions? Email [email protected]

This is a friendly reminder: On July 8th, we will gather to bid farewell to our esteemed soon-to-be former Chair of the ASL Department, Peter Cook. Join us in celebrating his contributions and wishing him well.

We just completed an exciting 2-day ‘Deaf-Hearing Team Interpreter’ training, featuring interactive workshops and inspiring discussions. Participants left empowered, ready to elevate their interpreting skills and collaboration efforts within the interpreting field and Deaf community—many thanks to those who contributed and participated in this training. 🤟

You are INVITED!! Join us to celebrate, reminisce, and wish all the best after his incredible 25 years of dedication to the ASL Department at .

To RSVP, make a payment of $7 to either Angela or Meghan. Be sure to add your email in the memo/note, so they can provide you with the event address.

See you all there! 🤟☺️

Today, Chair Peter Cook () announced he is moving on to a new venture away from . As Peter mentioned in his resignation email/video, this is bittersweet—we are sad to see him go but excited for him.

Peter, we sincerely thank you for your exceptional leadership and dedication over the past 25 years. Your ASL-filled vision and commitment have profoundly shaped our department, fostering an environment of excellence and innovation. As you embark on your future ventures, we wish you nothing but the best. May your next chapter be as remarkable and fulfilling as your tenure with us. Rest assured, we will continue to build on your legacy and strive to uphold the high standards you set. All of us will miss you at . 💛

To our current students, monitor your Columbia email this summer for upcoming emails from us relating to the ASL Department’s future at Columbia College Chicago 🤓👍