June 16, 2003

Classroom Dedication Honors Father

Alvin Golman served in the armed forces during World War II, had a distinguished business career, and was an educator at three Chicago-area colleges. In honor of his father, Jeffrey Golman (Accountancy '77) made a generous donation to the College of Business to dedicate a classroom in Wohlers Hall. Jeff Golman's personal and philanthropic interest in the College of Business both honors his father and acknowledges his personal desire to support education in the face of declining state revenues.

"Our father would be proud," said Jeff Golman (below, center) at the dedication ceremony where he was joined by his two sisters, Franci Golman Rudolph and Gail Golman Holtzman ('74), both of whom traveled from Florida for the event. "Educational excellence and the entrepreneurial spirit are things my father stood for. Graduation [from the College of Business] allowed me to be in a position to give back."

College of Business Dean Avijit Ghosh noted in his remarks that philanthropy for education is a unique American tradition and that the contribution by Jeff Golman will help the College continue its tradition of excellence. The dean (left) and Associate Director of Development Tim Durst (far right) presented Jeff Golman with a copy of the plaque honoring his father.

Alvin Golman's business career spanned decades. He directed marketing for A. Brandwein and Company, was the comptroller/treasurer at Dallas Distributors for more than twenty years, and then becamse a senior vice president at Merrill Lynch for more than two decades. He never lost his enthusiasm and interest in education. He earned his bachelors from Northeastern Illinois University, passed the CPA in 1976, and received his MBA in 1981 from the Univeristy of Illinois' Circle Campus at the age of 58. Alvin Golman served as an adjunct professor, instructor, and guest speaker at three Chicago-area colleges and taught a preparatory course for CPA candidates.

Family members brought boxes of Dots candy -- Alvin Golman's favorite -- to the ceremony to share with those present.

Jeff Golman is vice chairman of Mesirow Financial and head of its investment banking group. He and his wife, Cidney, are involved in many civic organizations in the Chicago area.