Michael C Evangelides was born in December 1961 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was the son of Janet Conrad and Constantine Gus Evangelides, and older brother to Mark. Soon after, the family moved to Southfield, Michigan, where he participated in various Little League sports. At Birmingham Groves High School, he excelled academically and on the football field. He earned many honors, and colleges and universities nationwide recruited him. Michael continued his academic and football career in his home state at Alma College.

 

He graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and moved to Chicago to begin a career as a computer programmer with Sears Roebuck. After several years, he moved into the technology consulting practice of Arthur Anderson, then to McKinsey, where he earned an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago while working full-time before finding his professional home, Deloitte.

 

Throughout his 30 years with the firm, Michael was a trusted colleague and mentor to many in the Deloitte Chicago office as well as others throughout the country within the Life Sciences & Health Care and Human Capital Practices. He loved the challenge of serving his clients, learning from others, and passing on his knowledge to those who followed behind. He was committed to creating an environment characterized by a compassionate work/life balance.

 

Michael was also a dedicated philanthropist, generously giving his time, talents, and treasure to organizations that touched his heart. After the passing of his eldest son, Gus, in 1995, he and his wife, Eleanor, founded The Gus Foundation to raise awareness and funds for pediatric brain tumor research at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. In 12 years, The Gus Foundation raised over $4 million, which endowed a fellowship and a Chair in Neuro-oncology. He was a Lurie Children’s Medical Center Board member and Vice Chair of the Lurie Children’s Foundation Board. Michael also served on the boards of the Chicago Consulting Alliance, the After School Matters Advisory Board, and the Mercy Home for Boys and Girls Board of Regents.

 

Michael was a loyal friend, uncle, and brother. He cherished those relationships and thrived on making every moment memorable. Whether organizing extravagant dinners or impromptu dance parties, seeing others happy fueled his joy.

 

Michael was a loving husband to Eleanor, his wife of nearly 36 years. They also recently celebrated the 43rd anniversary of their first date.  But most importantly, Michael was a devoted father to his children. August (Gus), Olivia, and Noah were his greatest priority and endless source of pride. He was their biggest cheerleader at swim meets, water polo, and football games. Despite his heavy workload and travel schedule, his children knew their dad was there for them anytime, day or night. It was also guaranteed that once he came home, there was no talk of work, only what was important to the family. Together, they shared countless travel adventures and endless laughter, creating memories that Eleanor, Olivia, and Noah will hold close for a lifetime.