2021 Quantrell winners

Five faculty members have been recognized with the Llewellyn John and Harriet Manchester Quantrell Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, which is based on letters of nomination from students. This year’s recipients are Sally Horne-Badovinac, associate professor of molecular genetics and cell biology; Patrick Jagoda, professor of English and of cinema and media studies; Jonathan R. Lyon, associate professor of history; Ada Palmer, associate professor of history; and Blase Ur, Neubauer Family Assistant Professor of Computer Science. Established in 1938, the Quantrell is believed to be the nation’s oldest prize for undergraduate teaching.

New majors and minors

In 2021–22 the College will offer two new majors: media arts and design and data science. In addition, the former interdisciplinary studies major has been redesigned and renamed inquiry and research in the humanities (IRHUM). Each IRHUM major receives funding to support research with faculty and a senior thesis.

Nine new minors have also been added. Seven of the minors are in molecular engineering: quantum information science; molecular, cellular, and tissue engineering; immunoengineering; systems bioengineering; molecular science and engineering of polymers and soft materials; molecular engineering of sustainable energy and water resources; and computational molecular engineering. Wrapping up the list are quantitative social analysis and Romance languages, literatures, and cultures.

Recruiting season starts in August

Because online recruiting grew so much during the pandemic, the Office of Career Advancement kicked off its annual recruiting season on August 2, eight weeks before Autumn Quarter begins. Students can search for job and internship opportunities for 2021–22 and attend virtual recruitment events. Employers interested in hiring UChicago students should contact Nadia Casperson, director of employer engagement, at ncasperson@uchicago.edu.

New director of Athletics and Recreation

Angie Torain has been appointed the director of Athletics and Recreation. She comes to UChicago from the University of Notre Dame, where she was the senior associate athletics director of culture, diversity, and engagement. As UChicago athletics director, Torain oversees 20 varsity sports, nearly 40 sports clubs, an intramural sports program with thousands of student participants annually, and the FitChicago program of exercise classes.

Green Fund

Campus and Student Life, in collaboration with the student-led UChicago Environmental Alliance, launched the Green Fund supporting research and projects to increase sustainability at the University. Six projects received grants during the 2020–21 academic year, including Battle of the Buildings, a competition among the University’s residence halls to reduce water and electricity use. The winners were Max Palevsky Residential Commons for the largest electricity reduction (down 19 percent from their average use) and International House for the largest water reduction (down 26 percent).

Quantum engineering program for high school students

UChicago Quantum Quickstart, an introduction to quantum engineering for Illinois high school students, was held for the first time this summer. The program aims to pave the way for more courses and opportunities to engage students interested in pursuing quantum engineering at the college level.

Campus philanthropy tour with Dean Boyer

Who were Joseph Regenstein and Leon Mandel? How many campus buildings did John D. Rockefeller fund? Find out during a campus philanthropy tour led by Dean John W. Boyer, AM’69, PhD’75. If you’re in Hyde Park, you can download the Vamonde app, search for “University of Chicago Campus Philanthropy Tour,” and take a self-guided walking tour. You can also use the app to take a virtual tour from anywhere in the world. For more information about this tour and others, check out the Chicago Studies tours page.