Goldman is a native of Winnipeg, Canada. He earned his bachelor's degree in English and sociology at the University of Manitoba, and then moved to the United States in the mid-1950s to attend the University of Chicago. He earned both his master's degree and doctoral degree in social sciences with a major in education from the University of Chicago.

He became an American citizen in January 1978.

He was a Professor NYU and Syracuse University prior to being dean of College of Education at Ohio University.

In 1980, Goldman left Ohio University to become dean of the former College of Human Resources at SIU Carbondale. He subsequently joined former President Albert Somit's staff, focusing on regional research and service. Goldman then served as a professor in the Department of Educational Administration and Higher Education in the College of Education and Human Services. In addition to his research, administrative and classroom work, Goldman served on the Faculty Senate's Judicial Review Board. Goldman was a member of the committee that drafted SIUC's strategic plan, Southern at 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment.

Goldman retired in 2003 and remained very active in the Southern Illinois community. He worked separately with Hospice of Southern Illinois and Southern Illinois Regional Social Services in both fundraising and marketing.

Upon completion of his three-year term as chair of Carbondale Human Relations Commission (2003-2006), he was appointed to the Carbondale Convention and Tourism Bureau and served as board chairman. He was a certified clergy volunteer at the Illinois Youth Center in Murphysboro, Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Marion, St. Joseph's Hospital in Murphysboro and Herrin Hospital. In addition, Sam was very active as a leader in the local Jewish community, and for years led High Holiday and other services at Temple Beth Jacob in Carbondale. As well as officiating numerous weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, and funerals.

He has won numerous honors for his contributions in education and in community service, including: Kentucky Colonel award from the governor of Kentucky for service to public education in that state; Honorary Tar Heel, from the governor of North Carolina in recognition of his service to public education in that state; special citation from the Ohio Legislature for "an extensive record of community services especially in the areas of community health and public education"; 2000 Citizen of the Year from the Southern Illinois District of the National Association of Social Workers; and the 2001 Essence Award from the Center for Comprehensive Services in Carbondale. He was the 2012 Carbondale Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year.

He also worked closely for many years with The Jewish Federation of Southern Illinois, SE Missouri and NW Kentucky, as well as Camp Ben Frankel, the Jewish Federation summer camp. He served as president and board member of the federation.

From 2005 to 2008 he was a member of the SIU Board of Trustees, from which he resigned in order to take the position of chancellor. He served as chancellor from 2008 to 2010.

As chancellor, he oversaw the addition or modification of several degree programs during his two years including: online MBA program, the master's and doctoral concentrations in applied psychology and brain and cognitive sciences, the professional science master's in advanced energy and fuels management, and the joint SIU Edwardsville and SIUC nursing program.He worked with colleagues to broaden the university's international reach in recruiting students, successfully negotiating agreements with universities located in many different countries, including China, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Sam also skillfully navigated the University through the May 8, 2009, wind storm, including commencement ceremonies and subsequent clean-up efforts.

Sam was actively involved for many years with youth sports in Carbondale, being a driving force behind the creation of the super block recreational complex in Carbondale. He also was actively involved in supporting local elementary and high school education, a key player in many efforts over the years to ensure funding for the local public schools.

Also a former Jackson and Union County Port Authority board member and Carbondale Elementary School District 95 Hall of Fame member

Survivors include his two sons, Joseph of Carbondale, and Peter (Shannon), of Chicago; two grandchildren, Quinn and Evan, both of Chicago; niece, Lianne Swanson (Eric) of Nashville, Tennessee; niece, JoAnn Kurtz Ahlers of California; and nephew, Michael Kurtz (Susan) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Goldman; father, Peter Goldman; mother, Fayga Goldman; brothers, Aaron Goldman, and Buck Goldman; sister, Min Sterling (Ralph); nephew, Michael Sterling; sister in law, Shirley Kurtz; and brother in law, Saul Kurtz.

A memorial gathering for Dr. Sam Goldman will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 5, 2024, at the SIU Student Center Ballroom.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of love may be directed to Camp Ben Frankel, Jewish Federation of Southern Illinois and Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

To view the obituary and/or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.

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Published by The Southern Illinoisan on Apr. 27, 2024.