Patricia Grabovac
50-Year Honoree“We have an incredibly dedicated research and clinical faculty. I feel fulfilled in my job because if I can support them in some small way, I am satisfied.”
In honor of the 2024 Alice W. Chandler Staff Service Recognition Ceremony set for June 20, we’re profiling some of the staff members who are celebrating this year the longest tenures at the University of Chicago.
Patricia Grabovac
Executive Assistant to the Vice Dean for Basic Research Science, the Vice Dean for Clinical Research Science, and the Associate Dean for Basic Science, BSD Academic Administration
Patricia Grabovac celebrates year 50 at UChicago. Originally from Whiting, Ind, her first job at the University was in the Bursar’s Office, and over the years she’s held several different positions in various offices in the Biological Sciences Division. For the past 14 years, she’s supported three deans and played a major role in faculty recruitment in the BSD.
She answered our questions about her interests and experiences, including many memorable elevator rides with some of the University’s most notable names.
Q: What initially brought you to the University? What role did you start in? What other roles have you held?
I came for a summer job recommended by a friend. I’ve probably overstayed my welcome. My first job was in the Bursar’s Office where I supported a student loan officer for two years. My first wage was $2.84/hour! I worked in the Department of Pediatrics for over 17 years doing pre-award administration and academic affairs; in OB/GYN for over four years doing human resources and managing the Residency Training Program; in BSD Academic Affairs for over six years; and I supported the Chair in Human Genetics for six years, before taking on my current role 14 years ago.
Q: How has your role changed/grown over the past 50 years?
I make more than $2.84/hour—I’m grateful for 50 years of merit increases. Responsibilities have certainly grown over the years, and we have a wonderful team in the BSD Dean’s office. We are all on the same page and very supportive of one another. We have an incredibly dedicated research and clinical faculty. I feel fulfilled in my job because if I can support them in some small way, I am satisfied.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your role?
Planning meaningful recruitment visits for strategic faculty recruitment candidates. I enjoy escorting them around our beautiful campus and impressive science buildings.
Q: What is it that you enjoy about UChicago? What’s kept you here all these years?
I like the feeling of being part of a community, almost like being a part of a family. Occasionally, the Core sustains a shudder or shake, but the University always seems to land on its feet because the Core is strong. Folks don’t always agree on all points all the time, but that really is part of the beauty of the attraction, amiable discourse.
Q: Do you have any favorite UChicago-related memories from over the years that you can share with us?
Elevator rides. A few memorable examples: riding in the hospital parking garage with Michelle Obama—a lovely, warm person with a welcoming, beautiful smile. A ride with President Hugo Sonnenschein from the first floor to the fifth floor. I was wearing a turtle pin, and he began to tell me about his daughter’s turtle collection. By the time we reached the fifth floor, I wanted to unpin my pin and donate it to her collection. Elevator rides with Mrs. Hanna Holborn Gray – I always admired her gorgeous suits, and Alice Chandler (the former office manager for the President and Provost who served at UChicago for more than 75 years) always had something funny or witty to say. She was such a joy. There was also a very memorable ride in the 55th Street garage elevator with Neil Shubin, Paul Sereno, Zhe-Xi Luo and Zeray Alemseged—the finest paleontologists in the world. Imagine, all four of them in a 5-by-6-foot space with me! I truly was in the presence of greatness and that feeling will never be forgotten.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love to cook and bake and try new recipes.