Meet Some University Employees
Jay
The job allowed her to learn about the University in a very comprehensive way. She worked with faculty and staff in the Divinity School, Humanities Division, School of Social Service Administration, the Smart Museum, the Law School and other departments and schools. She assisted with media coverage for such notable speakers as Bill Clinton, Janet Reno and Bill Richardson. "The news office job was truly a dream job. I learned something new everyday and was able to take advantage of everything the campus had to offer."
Three and a half years later, Jay decided to leave the University as a full-time employee and pursue her writing career as a freelance journalist. The connections she made with the University continued, however, and she often found herself working on University projects in addition to local and national newspaper and magazine writing.
Most recently, Jay has come back to the University as a full-time employee. The Graduate School of Business hired Jay as their resident writer and editor. In this position, Jay will promote the GSB's capital campaign, a fundraising effort designed to increase research funding and endowed professorships; attract and retain excellent faculty; provide more resources for interdisciplinary research; offer more scholarships and innovative programs; and attract new facilities that will integrate teaching, research, and GSB life.
Jay feels her new job will allow her to use the skills she acquired at the News Office and as a freelancer and showcase them in a new light. Additionally, she will retain much of the flexibility she became accustomed to as a freelancer, as she will telecommute from home two days a week. "I'm thrilled to continue my affiliation with the University. It is a great environment to work in. People here really enjoy what they do. They feel free to put in their best work."
During the four years Jay has been at the U of C, her affiliation has never been limited to the office. For the last three years, she has been a Resident Head in Shorey House, a job that provided room and board, as well as an around-the-clock schedule. "It was challenging to be so engaged in students' lives, but a privilege at the same time." Jay also taught journalism classes at the Graham School, which offered her many opportunities for learning and advancement.
No matter where her life at the University may take her next, Jay feels very lucky to be a part of this campus. "It is an extraordinary thing to walk out of your office into manicured gardens, to see the quad all lit up in the winter, and to hear student groups singing a cappella outside your window. The University is a very special place."
Jay has worked at the University of Chicago in many different capacities, including as a writer, teacher, media relations professional and Resident Head. Her different affiliations have all offered opportunities to explore and expand her skills as a writer and as a professional. Jay joined the University's News Office in 1996. As News Editor, she promoted faculty research in the local and national media.
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