Allen Sanderson, who sparked ‘a love for economics’ in undergraduates, 1943-2025

Renowned sports economist remembered for his wit and devotion to his students

For four decades, Allen Sanderson was a familiar face to generations of University of Chicago students through his popular introductory economics courses. By his count, he taught more than 15,000 undergraduates—which he claimed was more than anyone in UChicago history.

One former student said Sanderson often joked: ‘Going to UChicago and not taking at least one economics course is like going to Rome, visiting the Sistine Chapel, and not looking up.’”

Sanderson, AM’70, a senior instructional professor in the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics and the College, known for his ability to make economics accessible to students and the general public—passed away Jan. 23 in Chicago after a brief illness. He was 81.

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Feature photo: Allen Sanderson in 2014. Photo courtesy of UChicago College.