Staff Profiles

Meet the Staff: Annie Diamond

Annie Diamond Headshot

More than 100 staff members work in the Division of the Humanities. We’ll introduce you to our staff in this continuing series.

Annie Diamond

Academic Affairs Coordinator

Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations (NELC)

What do you like most about your job?

I live in Hyde Park and have since I moved to Chicago; one of my favorite things about my job is that I can walk to it! Within my job, I like that I get to experience the administrative side of academia after having been a student for most of my life. It’s pretty fascinating to see on this side of the curtain, so to speak. My role as academic affairs coordinator for the Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations (NELC) department is a new one (I am the first person to have it) and I am frequently getting feedback from professors that they are very grateful I’m here and doing my job; that’s the best, to be acknowledged and to feel actually helpful and useful.

What was the last good book you read?

The last good book I read is called Bridge of Words: Esperanto and the Dream of a Universal Language by Esther Schor. It’s a nonfiction book about the history of Esperanto, the most successful constructed language in the world, and its inventor, Ludwik Zamenhof. It combines history and memoir; Schor writes of her own experiences as an Esperantist as well as the political, organizational, artistic history of the language. I first learned about Ludwik Zamenhof in 2017 when I was living in Poland and have been fascinated with him ever since; he was a Polish Jewish ophthalmologist who lived from 1859 to 1917 and believed that an international language would help rid the world of war. He was nominated 12 times for the Nobel Peace Prize. This book has gotten me to start learning Esperanto on Duolingo!

You might work with me if …

You might work with me if you have been newly hired in NELC, if you are working on a NELC search committee, or if you are a job candidate for a position in NELC who has been invited for a campus visit. I am involved with all the administrative aspects of faculty searches and faculty reviews in NELC, but my role is not student-facing at all.

Meet the Staff: Verletta Bonney

Verletta Bonney

More than 100 staff members work in the Division of the Humanities. We’ll introduce you to our staff in this continuing series.
 

Verletta Bonney

Manager of Finance & Events

Franke Institute

What do you like most about your job?

Aside from being a part of a very collaborative team, I enjoy meeeting and working with the many event organizers, grant recipients, and our Franke Institute Fellows.

What was the last good book you read?

I was torn because I have two: You Owe You by Eric Thomas and Inspired & Unstoppable by Tama Kieves. I love motivational books.

You might work with me if:

Meet the Staff: Mike Zmija

Mike Zmija

More than 100 staff members work in the Division of the Humanities. We’ll introduce you to our staff in this continuing series.

Mike Zmija
Facilities Coordinator
Office of the Dean

What do you like most about your job?

That there's always something different every day. During the day, my assignments can range from placing work requests, packing and moving offices, updating offices, and ordering keys to being involved with capital projects and new construction in the Humanities Division. Also, I work with many people every day on campus. Through this interaction, I have developed many relationships over the years. I enjoy talking with members of the faculty, staff, engineers, and students.

What was the last good book you read?

Rather than reading books, I enjoy watching sports and going to the movies. The last movie I saw was Avatar:The Way of Water. I thought it was very good, although liked the first one Avatar movie a little better. I also like to watch the ID network and the A&E channel, as well as listen to CBS Radio Mystery Theater.

You might work with me if…

you need anything, from office keys and card access to any facilities-related issues, which include hot/cold calls, office moves, furniture, and any other office needs. Also, if you have any questions about the mail and photocopy services we provide.

Meet the Staff: Jennifer Woodrum

Jennider Woodrum Headshot

More than 100 staff members work in the Division of the Humanities. We’ll introduce you to our staff in this continuing series.

Jennifer Woodrum
Artistic Operations Manager
Music Department


What do you like most about your job?

I absolutely love getting to meet and work with the amazing Don Michael Randel Ensemble in Residence artists. I spent many years of my career as a touring musician and was often a visiting artist at universities nationwide. It brings me great joy to have the opportunity to support artists that come to UChicago with meaningful, relevant, and impactful residency activities on campus and in our surrounding community. I also love getting to step out of my office, away from my computer, and observe musicians rehearse, perform, and truly become embedded in the ecosystem of our UChicago community for the brief time they are here.

I also really like getting the chance to explore this beautiful campus and Hyde Park. This job keeps me very busy, but I never regret taking the time for an afternoon stroll. There are so many beautiful green spaces, incredible architecture, and, of course, a multitude of great coffee shops, restaurants, and shops.
I must mention that I greatly appreciate my colleagues here. I greatly value, trust, and admire everyone I work with and feel that reciprocated consistently.


What was the last good book you read?

I recently read American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins. It was an eye-opening glimpse into the horrific impact drug cartels continue to have on the people of Mexico, told by a mother seeking refuge in the United States with her 8-year old son. It was by no means an easy read, but I'm not one for light fiction. I'm almost finished with Michelle Obama's newest book, The Light We Carry. I've really enjoyed her perspective on parenting, especially now that Sasha and Malia are in their 20s, which is so hard to believe! As a parent, I'm inspired by her commitment to cultivate resilient and independent daughters from a very young age into adulthood.

You might work with me if …

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