Careers of commitment: UChicago honors 500+ staff at annual Alice W. Chandler Staff Service Recognition

When looking back on her 45 years as a staff member at the University of Chicago, Manisha Chaudhuri has many memories—but one stands out.

“In Hugo Sonnenschein’s inauguration, he danced nonstop with the crowd,” Chaudhuri, senior director of accounting, budget, and procurement at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, recalled fondly of the University’s 11th President.

Chaudhuri joined more than 500 others—eight of them celebrating 45 years—as honorees in the annual Alice W. Chandler Staff Service Recognition, which honors UChicago staff members who have reached 10 years of continuous service and each additional five-year milestone thereafter.

"What is the underlying fabric that makes it possible for the University to be what it is, is really all of you and what you offer to our institution,” President Paul Alivisatos said to attendees of the June 22 ceremony held at the David Rubenstein Forum. “I want to express, on the behalf of everybody at the University, our deepest, deepest gratitude to all of you and a recognition that, as staff, you make us so much better than we could be in any other world."

Wanda Quinn, now a project assistant in the Department of Neurobiology, started her career at UChicago as an assistant to a professor in the former Charles Stewart Mott Building back in 1977. In an ironic twist, she was honored in the building that now stands in its place—the Rubenstein Forum.

“Being able to work in a place where I feel welcomed, in a fair environment, and where my experience is appreciated has kept me here (in Neurobiology) for the last two decades,” said Quinn in her Q&A, who has served various roles throughout her UChicago career, including stints at the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures, Chicago Booth, the Legal Department, and in the Development Office during the tenure of President Emerita Hanna Holborn Gray.

Much has changed in 45 years: a curated video (now available on demand) at the ceremony played scenes of what was happening at both the University and in the world at the 25- (1998), 30- (1993), 35- (1988), 40- (1983), and 45-year (1978) increments. Forty-five years ago, the blizzard of ’78 gripped the Midwest, Prince Charles visited the UChicago campus, and both Dallas and Mork and Mindy debuted on television.

Mitzi Nakatsuka, now web developer in the Department of Statistics, also remembers how different things were in her first role as a secretary in the same department 45 years ago.

“Most tasks were done manually, such as correspondence, class handouts and slides, manuscripts, and duplication—there were no desktop computers or copy machines in the department, only a ditto machine and various IBM Selectric typewriters,” Nakatsuka recalled in her Q&A.

But like many of her counterparts celebrating big milestones, Nakatsuka acquired many new skills over the years before landing a role in web development. Chaudhuri started as a post-award administrator in the Comptroller’s Office, working in nine different roles—including the Student Activities Office and Chicago Booth.

“The University’s working environment has a given me the opportunity to balance my home and work life,” Chaudhuri added in her Q&A. “While working, I was able to raise my kids, enrich my home life, and enhance my higher/professional education further and achieve career growth.”

Michele Rubin (née Simmons), an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) in the Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery at UChicago Medicine, regretfully couldn’t attend the ceremony. As one of the nation’s experts in inflammatory bowel disease, she was slated to speak at a conference for the National Society for Infusion Nurses on the same day.

After starting at UChicago Medicine in 1978 as a new nurse from a small town in Iowa, Rubin worked her way up and built an exceptional career of promotions, honors, and firsts. She helped establish UChicago Medicine’s J-Pouch clinic, its APRN executive council, and now serves as the associate director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center.

“When I started at the University of Chicago, I found my passion,” Rubin said in her Q&A. “The University has really allowed me to grow that passion, become an expert in my field, and a known lecturer.

“Once you find your passion in life, it will never be a job, and I found it at the University of Chicago. I love my patients and what I do.”

The event at the Rubenstein Forum also featured comments from several UChicago leadership, including Hayley Harris, Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer; Christian Mitchell, Vice President for Civic Engagement and External Affairs; Mark Anderson, Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean of the Division of Biological Sciences and Pritzker School of Medicine; Lori Berko, Vice President and Secretary of the University; and MaryFrances McCourt, Chief Financial Officer.

You can view video of the full ceremony event on-demand or see the full list of 2023 Alice W. Chandler honorees on the UChicago Intranet.