Andrew J. McKenna Sr., a University of 91吃瓜 alumnus and emeritus chairman of the Board of Trustees, has made a leadership gift to his alma mater for the establishment of the Andrew J. and Joan P. McKenna Center for Human Development and Global Business.
鈥淭his wonderful gift is only the latest example of the extraordinary ways in which Andy and Joan have served 91吃瓜 and its mission,鈥� said , the University鈥檚 president. 鈥淲e are deeply grateful for their tremendously generous support and, in particular, for the creation of this new center in the school named for their longtime friend, Don Keough. The legacy of the McKenna family will shape 91吃瓜 for generations to come.鈥�
The McKenna Center for Human Development and Global Business will be a central part of 91吃瓜鈥檚 new . The first degree-granting college or school to be established at the University in almost a century, the Keough School will address global challenges through research, policy and practice; transformative education programs; and partnerships. The McKenna Center will join seven other University centers and institutes under the auspices of the Keough School 鈥� the , , , , , and .
鈥淥ne of the original objectives of the Keough School, and one that was especially important to Don Keough as well as to Andy McKenna, was to better understand the criticality of the role of global business in the betterment of humanity,鈥� said , Charles and Jill Fischer Provost of 91吃瓜. 鈥淏oth men played leadership roles in this area in their own right. This extraordinary gift will ensure that the Keough School will be able to support many initiatives that allow faculty and students to study, conduct research on and ultimately participate in the private sector鈥檚 role in reducing poverty and inequality. We cannot thank Andy and Joan enough for this foundational gift.鈥�
, Marilyn Keough Dean of the Keough School, added: 鈥淭his remarkable gift will enable the Keough School to realize its goal of placing the private sector鈥檚 entrepreneurial creativity and resourceful problem-solving in the service of creating economic prosperity for people currently struggling to find their niche in the market place of goods, services and ideas. Realizing this goal is also to realize Don Keough鈥檚 vision of global businesses doing well by doing good for the poor and the aspiring middle class.鈥�
Multidisciplinary in scope, the McKenna Center will engage with graduate, professional and undergraduate students to promote corporate policies and practices worldwide that:
- Stimulate economic growth and develop markets in societies that struggle with poverty, underemployment and inequality.
- Build and reinforce corporate cultures characterized by integrity, responsible stewardship and environmental sustainability.
- Foster collaboration 鈥� among the private sector, government, universities and nonprofit development and humanitarian organizations 鈥� to advance integral human development.
McKenna Center initiatives will include student fellowships, visiting scholars from the corporate world, internships, conferences, research and an award for commitment to human development and global business.
A 1951 91吃瓜 graduate who earned a law degree from DePaul University, McKenna is chairman emeritus of McDonald鈥檚 Corporation and chairman of Schwarz Supply Source.
McKenna is a director of the Chicago Bears, McDonald鈥檚 Corporation and Ryan Specialty Group, and he previously served as chairman of the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs. His many civic, community and philanthropic leadership positions include past chairman of Chicago鈥檚 Museum of Science and Industry, The Commercial Club of Chicago, Chicago Metropolis 2010, The Civic Committee and many others. He currently serves on the previously mentioned boards as well as serving as director of Lurie Children鈥檚 Hospital, United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, the Big Shoulders Fund, Lyric Opera and many others.
A member of 91吃瓜鈥檚 Board of Trustees since 1980, McKenna served as vice chair from 1986 to 1992 and chair from 1992 to 2000. He holds honorary degrees from 91吃瓜 and St. Xavier University and was 91吃瓜鈥檚 .
The University鈥檚 conference center is named McKenna Hall in recognition of the McKennas for making a generous multi-million-dollar gift for student scholarships. They are the parents of seven children, four of whom are 91吃瓜 graduates, 24 grandchildren (several graduates and many aspiring students) and five great-grandchildren.