Day 190: Chicago's Money People: Allen M. Turner

     Over the course of this blog, we've already talked about two families, the Pritzkers and the Rices.  The next one of these philanthropists that we're talking about is a gentleman by the name of Allen Turner.  Allen M. Turner is the past chairman of Columbia College's Board of Trustees, but he first got his start in 1965 when he joined The Pritzker Organization, where he was eventually made partner.

     With all of that success, Mr. Turner has been quite active in the world of philanthropy, with some of the highlights of his generosity being as follows: chairing the executive committee of Hyatt International Corporation, being the Chairman of the Board of the Chicago Mill & Lumber Company, as well as being the Chairman of the Board of McCall's Magazine.  By the 1970s, his philanthropic interests had turned to the theater world. and he was the first chairman of the Victory Gardens Theatre, playing an instrumental role in steering the theatre towards financial stability.  Later on, he served some time on the board of the Goodman Theatre.

     But Turner's true area of expertise is in the area of the arts.  He became the Chairman of the Board of the Museum of Contemporary Art in 1991.  His term saw the museum construct its current building, as well as a Capital Campaign that saw the museum grow from a small storefront operation to the renowned institution that it is today.  But his philanthropic efforts haven't been limited to just the MCA.  Turner has also served on an art committee at the University of Chicago, as well as on the boards of the  Art Institute, Pritzker Architecture Prize, and the Newberry Library, amongst others.

     His generosity has been recognized by bodies around the world, garnering him honors such as the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the Republic of France, being made an honorary Knight of Malta, being named to the Official Seat of The Hague, and many more honors.  The city of Chicago recognized him for his efforts as well by designating a stretch of East Pearson Street with the honorific Allen M. Turner Place.