Wanda Quinn
Project Assistant, Department of Neurobiology

In honor of the 2023 Alice W. Chandler Staff Service Recognition Ceremony held June 22, we’re profiling some of the staff members who are celebrating this year the longest tenures at the University of Chicago.

You can view the on-demand portion of the ceremony, plus check out the full list of 2023 honorees on the UChicago Intranet.

Wanda Quinn celebrates year 45 at UChicago. She started at the University as an assistant to a professor in former Charles Stewart Mott Building—where the David Rubenstein Forum stands today—and took on various roles throughout the University before landing in the Department of Neurobiology, where she’s worked for over 20 years. Today, she serves as a project assistant.

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 a legal secretary at the First National Bank in the loop, and I was tired of the commute—a coworker told me about an opening at UChicago as an assistant for a private professor who was conducting a study. I began working for Dr. Columbus Salley, where I assisted him with surveys for principal and superintendent studies.

Q: How has your role changed/grown over the past 45 years?
My role has changed considerably. I’ve worked at the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures—then called the Oriental Institute—and Department of Near Eastern Languages, for the Business School (in Stuart Hall) performing general secretarial duties for a professor, and later for the Legal Department. I also worked in the Development Office in Administration Building while President Hannah Holborn Gray was in office. I worked in the Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care (DACC), where I learned medical terminology, made poster board presentations, and was assigned to 11 different doctors. One of those doctors was David Mingay, who worked with the famous author, Michael Roizen, then the DACC chairman.

Lasty, and best, the Department of Neurobiology. I arrived by 2001 and started as the departmental secretary. I arrange events and perform general clerical work, make copies, answer the phone, etc. I later also began assisting the chairman and executive administrator. I was here during the big layoffs in 2008–09, when I was given facility operator responsibilities. I assist my department with matters involving security, the plant department, and environmental services. I distribute keys, process work orders for leaks, floods, pest control, etc., and make sure the offices and labs are cleaned—there is never a dull moment.

Q: Where are you originally from?
I’m from Chicago’s Southeast side.

Q: What is it that you enjoy most about your role?
It’s not routine and therefore, never boring. I arrange symposiums, events, and seminars when we have guests and faculty candidates. I schedule cars, make lunch and dinner reservations, prepare itineraries, greet, escort, and make sure the guests are treated in high fashion and are impressed by us. I work with the hotels and restaurants, and part of the perks are when I get invited to different events and openings.

Q: What is it that you enjoy about UChicago? What’s kept you here all these years?
The flexibility of being able to change work positions is what led me to my current job. I enjoy working in the Department of Neurobiology: the chairman, the executive administrator, professors, and my coworkers are great. Plus, 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 the last two decades. My job is also fun—keeps me on my toes.

Q: Do you have any favorite UChicago-related memories from over the years you can share with us?
The cookouts and lunches given by our department chair, Dr. Sherman, and his wife, as well as Dr. Sisodia and Mr. Hasnain—we have many fun gatherings.

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy learning ways to create income in the cosmetics and skin care industry.