Michael R. Quinlan Dies at 80

Loyola alumnus Michael R. Quinlan died Sept. 25 at age 80. A graduate of Loyola’s business school, the devoted alumnus and philanthropist lived an underdog story, rising from the mailroom of McDonald’s to become the fourth CEO at age 50. 

Born Dec. 9, 1944, Quinlan attended Fenwick High School where he became a member of the Hall of Fame, according to Sullivan Funeral Home. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in philosophy and psychology and a masters in business at Loyola from 1963 to 1970.

President Mark C. Reed commended Quinlan’s life of service to the Loyola community.

“Michael Quinlan expressed passion for Loyola in many ways — through his time, his gifts, his drive and his vision,” Reed said in Loyola Today. “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.”

While at Loyola, Quinlan got a job in the McDonald’s mailroom through a fraternity brother whose mother was the secretary for Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald’s. He began work there for two dollars per hour and went on to become McDonald’s CEO. 

In 1988, Loyola awarded Quinlan an honorary Doctor of Law degree. He then served on the Loyola Board of Trustees from 1983 to 2016, serving as Chairman from 1999 to 2013. Loyola experienced robust enrollment growth and capital improvements during this period. He became Chairman Emeritus and Life Trustee in 2016.

Throughout the years he donated generously to the university but cemented his belief he “received more than he gave” to the Loyola community, embodying Jesuit values. 

In 2012, Quinlan donated $40 million to the university’s business school, according to Loyola Today. Dean of Business Michael Benham said Quinlan’s donations provided the school with extraordinary opportunities.

In 2004, Quinlan and his wife Marilyn made a major donation to establish the Michael R. and Marilyn C. Quinlan Life Sciences Education and Research Center on the Lake Shore Campus, which completed construction in 2012. Marilyn preceded him in death by five years.

“His legacy is summarized by his quote prominently displayed in the Schreiber Center lobby about how a Jesuit education helps students navigate being both ethical and successful,” Benham wrote in an email to The Phoenix. “These values continue throughout all that the Quinlan School of Business does.” 

Loyola renamed its School of Business Administration and Graduate School of Business to the Michael R. Quinlan School of Business in his honor. The 820 north block of State Street outside the building was designated honorary Michael R. Quinlan Way.

Quinlan’s family declined to comment.

A funeral mass will be held at Notre Dame Church in Calderon Hills Oct. 1, according to Sullivan Funeral Home and Cremation Services. The interment is a private family event.