As director of the Students Centers, Jennifer Kennedy oversees several centers for student life on campus, including the Reynolds Club, Mandel Hall, Ida Noyes Hall, four student-run coffee shops, and the Pub. She also provides event planning and support for students and RSOs (recognized student organizations), and overall, works to create a sense of community and belonging on campus.

Kennedy – an alum who in Autumn 2022 will mark 20 years of service to the University -- was selected to give the staff welcome at the October 2021, inauguration of Paul Alivisatos as the 14th president of the University of Chicago.

“While I’m usually more comfortable supporting events from behind the scenes, I’m proud to represent the staff at UChicago at this historic event,” Kennedy told UChicago News. “Staff make up a large portion of the UChicago community and are a talented and dedicated group. Over the past 20 months alone the collaboration and creativity of the staff at UChicago have been key to our success as an institution, and I’m proud to be given the chance to highlight their good work.”

As a student in the College, Kennedy studied sociology and worked in the Reynolds Club as a financial assistant. After graduation, that role led to a full-time finance position, followed by a stint as a coffee shop coordinator, and eventually to UChicago’s buildings and events sector. In July 2018, when the operations and event service functions of the Center for Leadership and Involvement combined with the Office of Event Services to form Student Centers, Kennedy became its inaugural director. Kennedy said leading 125 student employees annually is among her favorite parts of the role.

“I love all the aspects of my job, but I especially love working with our student workers,” Kennedy said. “We couldn’t offer half of what we have available to campus without student workers—it’s a joy to help our students hone their leadership skills that will make them successful after they leave this place, and I’ve stayed in touch with many of them. Staying connected with these alumni has enhanced my life.”

Read more about Kennedy in this Campus and Student Life profile from 2019.