February 10, 2013 | Read Time: 1 minute
Amount donated in 2012: $40-million
Beneficiary: Loyola University Chicago Michael R. Quinlan School of Business
Background: Mr. Quinlan is chairman emeritus of the McDonalds restaurant chain.
The Quinlans, who are both 68, pledged $40-million to Loyola University Chicago’s Quinlan School of Business for endowment, financial aid, and programs. The university named the business school for Mr. Quinlan when the couple made the commitment last year. He is a Loyola alumnus, having earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and business in 1967 and a master’s in business administration in 1970; he has also chaired the university’s Board of Trustees for the past 13 years.
The Quinlans gave the university $10-million in 2004 for a new science building.
Mr. Quinlan said his experience working on the team that established the Ronald McDonald House Charities influenced his outlook on philanthropy.
“I was lucky enough to spend my career in a culture of giving back. That culture was the impetus for my commitment to Loyola University Chicago, which helped shape my views on business and the world,” said Mr. Quinlan. “The Jesuit philosophy of being a person for others has been an aspiration for me and my wife.”
