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Loyola University Chicago mourns the passing of Michael R. Quinlan, a loyal alumnus, devoted benefactor, and former McDonald’s CEO and board chairman, who passed away on September 22, 2025, at age 80.
President Mark C. Reed shared a message with the community reflecting on Quinlan’s extraordinary life and lasting impact on Loyola, from his transformational gifts to his years of leadership and service.
“Michael Quinlan expressed passion for Loyola in many ways—through his time, his gifts, his drive and his vision,” said Reed. “His legacy of leadership will continue to shape and strengthen Loyola for generations to come, ensuring that Loyola students receive the education and formation they need to become leaders who are, above all, people for others.”
A native of Chicago’s West Side and a pioneering business leader whose rise from humble beginnings to the helm of McDonald’s Corporation is remembered for his extraordinary achievements and generous spirit.
From 1963 to 1970, Quinlan earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and psychology and then a master’s in business administration from Loyola.
In 1988, Loyola awarded Quinlan an honorary Doctor of Law degree. Quinlan served on the Loyola Board of Trustees from 1983 to 2016 and led the Board as Chairman from 1999 to 2013, during a period of robust enrollment growth and significant capital improvements across the University’s campuses. He became Chairman Emeritus and Life Trustee in 2016.
In 2004, the Quinlans made a major donation to fund the construction of the Michael R. and Marilyn C. Quinlan Life Sciences Education and Research Center on Loyola’s Lake Shore Campus.
We will always be inspired by his grit, success, and desire to give back to the school and University that meant so much to him.
— Michael Behnam, dean of the Quinlan School of Business
In 2012, Quinlan made a transformative $40 million gift to Loyola’s business school, which led to its renaming as the Michael R. Quinlan School of Business. This gift enabled the school to fund new programs, support more students, and expand its facilities.
“Mike’s legacy surrounds us every day at a school named in honor of his generosity,” said Michael Behnam, dean of the Quinlan School of Business. “We will always be inspired by his grit, success, and desire to give back to the school and University that meant so much to him.”
The 820 north block of State Street (corner of N. State St. and E. Pearson St.) where the Quinlan School of Business is located is designated Honorary Michael R. Quinlan Way.
For more about Quinlan’s remarkable life—from his West Side Chicago roots and Loyola education to his decades of leadership at McDonald’s and his transformative philanthropy—visit this page.
