It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of Roosevelt University Board of Trustees member Al Golin.
A 1950 graduate and dedicated supporter of the University, Al, 87, actively served on the Board of Trustees for 16 years. He died Saturday morning while under hospice care, after a more than seven-year battle with metastatic prostate cancer.
A Chicago native, Al began his career in the early 1950s working in the Chicago offices of MGM studios as a publicist. In 1957, a phone call to McDonald’s then-CEO, Ray Kroc, led to his 60-year relationship with the fast food giant.
Al was widely respected for being a pioneer of modern communications. It was his keen insight for branding and civic engagement that made him an integral asset to McDonald’s and his Chicago-based firm, Golin.
For his work, Al has received countless honors such as lifetime achievement awards from the Public Relations Society of America and the Publicity Club of Chicago. In 2005, he received Roosevelt’s Distinguished Service Award; and in 2015, Al was inducted into the PR Hall of Fame.
Al is survived by his wife, June Golin, their three children, six grandchildren and great-grandson. A memorial service will be held in Chicago. Additional details will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Al’s name to Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Off the Street Club, the Goodman Theatre or Roosevelt University.