In advance of the 2022 Alice W. Chandler Staff Service Recognition Ceremony, we’re profiling some of the staff members who are celebrating this year the longest tenures at the University. The AWC awards are set for Thursday, June 30. You can view the livestream of the ceremony, beginning at 5:30 p.m. CT, plus check out the full list of honorees on the UChicago Intranet.

Denise Longden celebrates year 45 at UChicago. She started at the University as a receptionist in the Student Loan Center before eventually landing in her current role in the Bursar’s Office.

She answered our questions about her interests and experiences:

Q: What initially brought you to the University? What role were you in then?
I was hired as receptionist in the Student Loan Center and moved up to secretary within a month. A friend of mine had just started working at UChicago and encouraged me to apply.

Q: How has your role changed over the past 45 years?
Things have definitely become more efficient. We used to type all our documents with a manual typewriter and use carbon paper for file copies. Now we are paper free, and everything is stored electronically. In the past, loan disbursements were done by paper check and students had to come into the office each quarter to sign paperwork to pick up their checks. Now, that process is also paper free and everything is processed electronically.

Q: Where are you originally from?
I was born and raised on the southeast side of Chicago, but live in Indiana now.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your role?
I’ve enjoyed the interaction with so many different people and the friends that I have made over the years both within the University and outside associates.

Q: What do you enjoy about UChicago? What’s kept you here all these years?
The University has always been a good place to work with great benefits and diversity. It’s a beautiful campus. Most of our staff have been there for 15+ years, and it’s such a family atmosphere.

Q: What are your favorite UChicago memories from over the years?
The one that sticks out in my mind was the 100th anniversary of the University. All offices and classes closed early, and everyone joined together for a party on the Main Quad. There was food and entertainment, and it was so much fun.

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I like to read, do crafts, and enjoy camping, plus, spend time with my husband and our dog, Gus.