Intro paragraph to introduce Denise. What is she like as a person? 

Jorgens answered our questions about her 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?

I was initially recruited to UChicago by Professor Marvin Zonis as a graduate student in Middle Eastern Studies. After completing my MA in Middle Eastern Studies in 1983, I went on to complete my PhD in 1995 in the Department of History. As a PhD student, I was privileged to be a student and research assistant of the great Ottoman historian Professor Halil Inalcik, under whose direction I completed my dissertation, which was published in New Perspectives on Property and Land in the Middle East, edited by Roger Owen, Harvard University Middle Eastern Monographs · Jan. 1, 2000.

Following the completion of my PhD at UChicago, I turned to the field of international higher education, serving in various roles at International House of Chicago and in our global network, including a four-year term as president of International Houses Worldwide – a consortium of sixteen houses spanning four continents.

When I arrived at UChicago as a graduate student, I lived at International House for two years. I benefited from the graduate student life experience and the internationally focused programs, which remain today of vital importance to our fundamental mission of welcoming people from around the world and contributing to a supportive, stimulating community at UChicago. Then and now, these programs heighten understanding of global challenges, raise awareness of critical issues, and illuminate our world and how we are all connected. It was this combination of my UChicago academic experience and my involvement with International House that drew me to the field of international higher education.

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

So much has changed in the world and at International House since I first came to UChicago in the 1980s. Despite these changes, International House remains a dynamic environment with an important mission. In 2013, I was appointed Director of International House of Chicago. I was the first alumna and the first woman to be appointed to lead International House of Chicago since we opened our doors in 1932. Today, as Director and as an International House alumna, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to witness first-hand how the I-House student life experience and our public outreach programs contribute to a better world.

This past spring, I assumed an additional role as a board member of The International House Association, a newly relaunched global organization which dates to 1939 and was founded by International House of Chicago alumnus David Rockefeller, PhD’40. In addition, I am an active member of NAFSA: Association of International Educators and the Chicago-based International Women Associates (IWA), a board member of Chicago Sister Cities International, and collaborate closely with the Chicago Consular Corps and many other international organizations.

Q: Where are you originally from?

I am originally from Minnesota, so I have remained a Midwesterner, although I am fortunate to travel frequently.

Historically, all Rockefeller International Houses have been open to both international and domestic students with about an 80/20 split. I was inspired to live at International House as I was a student of Middle Eastern Studies. I was drawn to the vibrant community where international and domestic students could share and expand their worldview and form lifelong bonds. International House provided a space for conversation, understanding, friendship, inspiration, sharing culture, and finding common ground.

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

I believe the role and mission of International House are more important today than ever. It brings me immense satisfaction that my work helps bring the world to UChicago students and scholars, takes UChicago to the world, and contributes to the intellectual and cultural fabric of the greater Chicago community.

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

Each year, I am reminded of how our community continually renews itself while remaining true to our mission and historic position. This past year, the first International House in New York City celebrated its 100th anniversary. The International House of Chicago celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2022–2023. These significant milestones remind us all that International House has always served as a distinctive intellectual and educational community, and the values that underpinned its establishment in 1932 have been an important guide and will continue to be so in the future. It is this dynamic flow of ideas that has inspired my work over all these years.

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

I received the 2016 UChicago Diversity Leadership Staff Award. As you are aware, the Diversity Leadership Council annually recognizes a University staff member who has exemplified leadership in fostering a more diverse academic community and/or in improving the University's relationship with our surrounding neighborhoods or business partners. I am proud to be a recipient of this award and the recognition it brings to my work at International House and UChicago.

Another special memory is meeting my husband at UChicago, along with the many individuals who have become our lifelong friends.

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy gardening and bicycling. My husband and I enjoy Chicago’s magnificent lakefront and diverse neighborhoods. We travel internationally a great deal, including to his native India, where we now have a second home, a big family, and lots of friends!