Allen Sanderson, a long-time economics professor at the University of Chicago, passed away on January 23 in Chicago after a brief illness. He was 81 years old. Over his four-decade career, Sanderson taught more than 15,000 undergraduates, making him one of the most recognized faces among students at the university.
Sanderson was known for his engaging teaching style and ability to make economics accessible to students and the general public. Prof. Azeem Shaikh, chair of the Department of Economics, described him as “a beloved instructor,” “an exemplary university citizen” and a “strong advocate for our undergraduate students.”
Victor O. Lima, senior instructional professor in Economics and co-director of Undergraduate Studies and Master's Programs, remarked: “I would describe Allen as a believer. He really, truly believed in Chicago economics as a way to understand the world and as a way to improve the world.”
Sanderson's career included positions at Brigham Young University and Princeton University before he joined UChicago in 1984. He served eight years as associate provost of the University and worked with NORC focusing on education, labor markets, and affirmative action.
Derek A. Neal from UChicago noted Sanderson’s talent for writing aimed at broader audiences: “Allen had this public policy interest and wanted to communicate to broader audiences... That was his calling card.” Sanderson wrote columns for major publications like the Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles Times and frequently appeared on NPR.
His collaboration with John J. Siegfried led to numerous articles focused on sports economics over two decades. One notable article titled "The Case for Paying College Athletes" argued that college players should be compensated.
Sanderson received recognition for his teaching abilities with awards such as the Quantrell Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching in 1998. Former student Aatman Vakil praised him for igniting an interest in economics among newcomers: “He designed his introductory courses extremely meticulously...”
Colleagues noted Sanderson's dedication beyond classroom instruction through initiatives like organizing "Big Problems" courses addressing societal issues such as inequality.
Larry T. Wimmer from Brigham Young University called Sanderson’s career remarkable: “Respect for Allen enabled him to enlist participation (for these Big Problems courses) of many of Chicago's noted faculty…”
In addition to teaching duties at UChicago; he supported programs enriching student experiences including Collegiate Scholars Program or Sawiris Scholars Program which brought young scholars from Egypt annually.
Former student Aaron Schur highlighted how deeply invested Sanderson was in his students’ success both academically but also personally outside class hours too by taking them out lunch baking treats during holidays etcetera showing genuine care towards them throughout their time together there until graduation day arrived finally ending what could only be described fondly now looking back upon those memories shared between everyone involved then still cherished today even long after leaving campus behind forevermore never forgotten though always remembered fondly nonetheless despite everything else happening around us all along life journey itself ultimately leading up until present moment here today now once again reflecting back upon past events experienced firsthand earlier days gone bye yet still fresh mind eye view perspective gained over course lifetime lived fully well spent doing things loved most passionately above anything else mattered greatly so much dearly held close heart 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