Forty years ago, a young technician with a talent for repairing IBM Selectric typewriters received a job offer that would begin a four-decade career at the University of Chicago. After learning the trade at Thornton Community College, Ken Witrykowski was recruited to join the University as a technician in the Office Machines department. Since then, he has watched technology and his career evolve, progressing from Lead Technician to Service Manager and eventually to Operations Manager.

Along the way, Witrykowski has worked with typewriters, fax machines, printers, and today’s large multifunction devices and print servers. Through all those changes, he has remained at UChicago because of the people, opportunities to learn, and the chance to grow alongside the University.

Witrykowski answered our questions about his interests and experiences at the University:

Q: What initially brought you to the University? What role did you start in? What other roles have you held?

My journey to the University of Chicago began after I attended trade school to learn how to repair IBM Selectric typewriters. Two of the instructors in the class both worked at the University, one was a manager, and the other was a service manager. After I completed the program, they asked whether I might be interested in working at the University in the future, and I said yes.

About a year later on my 21st birthday, while I was working for another employer, the service manager came to my house and offered me a job at the University. I was hired as a technician in the Office Machines department, which at that time was part of the Bookstore. After two years, my role changed to Lead Technician for the IBM Selectrics. As technology evolved, so did my career. Over the years, I progressed from Lead Technician to Service Manager, and now to Operations Manager.

Q: How has your role changed/grown over the past 40 years?

When the Bookstore transitioned to Barnes & Noble, our department merged with IT Services, and the nature of the work continued to change. We moved from supporting typewriters to fax machines and printers, and eventually to managing large multifunction devices and print servers.

At one point, I was allowed to serve as Interim Manager for Desktop Support for a year. I learned a great deal during that time from the Desktop Support staff and truly enjoyed working alongside them. Today, I manage print servers and help place large multifunction devices for departments and students, ensuring that their documents remain secure.

Q: Where are you originally from?

I am originally from Calumet Park, a small town on the South Side of Chicago. Growing up, my family would often travel to the Museum of Science and Industry and spend time in Hyde Park. I remember seeing the University of Chicago as a young person and being struck by its beautiful buildings. They reminded me of Germany, where my mother was from, and that connection stayed with me over the years.

Q: What is it that you enjoy most about your role?

What I enjoy most about my role is the opportunity to keep learning and adapting as technology changes. It is rewarding to know that the work I do supports the University community in a practical and meaningful way.

Q: What is it that you enjoy about UChicago? What’s kept you here all these years?

What I enjoy most about UChicago is the sense of community and purpose. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with so many dedicated and talented people, and that has made a lasting impression on me. I have always appreciated being part of a place that values learning, growth, and innovation.

What has kept me here all these years is the people, the opportunities to continue learning, and the ability to grow along with the University as technology and needs have changed. UChicago has given me the chance to build a long and meaningful career, and that has been very rewarding.

Q: Do you have any favorite UChicago-related memories from over the years that you can share with us?

I have many wonderful memories from my years at UChicago, but two stand out. One was meeting Alice Chandler for the first time and getting to know her. I spent time with her on many occasions, and she often said that UChicago was like family to her. I will never forget her.

Another special memory was meeting Mr. Tetsuya (Ted) Fujita in his lab. One time, I had my young son with me, and Professor Fujita took the time to show us and explain so much about tornadoes, weather, and El Niño. I also visited his home from time to time to repair his typewriters and printer. Now whenever I see tornadoes mentioned on the news, I find myself saying, “I knew the person who created the Fujita Scale.” Those are memories I will always treasure.

Editor’s note: Learn more about Alice W. Chandler’s extraordinary legacy at the University, and Prof. Tetsuya Theodore “Ted” Fujita’s pioneering research.

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, going to live music events, and visiting family in Germany. Those experiences help me stay connected to the people and places that mean the most to me.