Bader Philanthropies Designated an International Landmark
MILWAUKEE – (October 21, 2026) – The American Chemical Society (ACS) recognized the contributions of Dr. Alfred Bader (1924-2018) with an International Historical Chemical Landmark designation during a special ceremony on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Bader Philanthropies in Milwaukee. The American Chemical Society’s International Historical Chemical Landmarks program recognizes achievements and discoveries that have significantly shaped the science of chemistry and benefited society.
The designation honors Dr. Bader’s transformative impact on chemistry through the founding of Aldrich Chemical Company and his role in advancing scientific research worldwide. Established in 1951 in a rented Milwaukee garage, Aldrich Chemical Company grew into a global leader in chemical supplies and research materials before merging with Sigma Chemical Company in 1975 to form Sigma-Aldrich.
The event brought together scientific leaders, educators, philanthropists, family members, and community partners from around the world to celebrate Dr. Bader’s enduring legacy. Video tributes from colleagues and partners around the globe were also featured.
The program featured remarks from distinguished leaders representing the many dimensions of Dr. Bader’s life and work, including:
- Yechiel Bar-Chaim, Philanthropic Consultant, Bader Pirkei Avi Initiative (Video tribute)
- James M. Cook, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- David de Witt, Senior Conservator and Senior Curator, Museum Rembrandthuis
- Patrick Deane, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University (Video tribute)
- Jiri Damborsky, Professor, Loschmidt Laboratories, Masaryk University (Video tribute)
- P. Andrew Evans, Professor, Department of Chemistry at Queen’s University (Video tribute)
- Rigoberto Hernandez, President of the American Chemical Society
- Jere McGaffey, Chairman of the Board and Treasurer, Bader Philanthropies
- Mark McKeown, Ph.D., Co-Founder, Queen’s University ACS Student Chapter
- Rabbi Mendel Shmotkin, Executive Vice President, Lubavitch Wisconsin
- Daniel Reddy, Ph.D., Co-Founder, Queen’s University ACS Student Chapter
Following the ceremony, guests were invited to explore a self-guided exhibit highlighting key moments from Dr. Bader’s life, including his childhood in Vienna, rescue through the Kindertransport, years in Canada, founding of Aldrich Chemical Company, contributions to Jewish education, philanthropic work, and lifelong passion for art and science.
“While Alfred’s achievements in chemistry were extraordinary, his life’s impact extended far beyond science,” said Daniel J. Bader, president and CEO of Bader Philanthropies and son of Alfred Bader. “He believed deeply in education, philanthropy, faith, the arts, and creating opportunities for others. We are honored that the American Chemical Society is recognizing the remarkable contributions he made to both chemistry and society.”
Born in Vienna, Austria, in 1924, Alfred Bader escaped Nazi persecution as a child through the Kindertransport rescue effort. Following his internment in Canada during World War II, he attended Queen’s University and later earned a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Harvard University. His journey from refugee to prominent chemist, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and art collector has inspired generations.
ABOUT BADER PHILANTHROPIES, INC.
Milwaukee-based Bader Philanthropies, Inc., helps people and honors the values of its founders, Helen Daniels Bader; and Isabel and Alfred Bader. The organization strives to do this through grants and program-related investments, by convening partners, engaging with the community, and developing leaders. The Foundation is guided by the values of Dignity, Compassion, Humility, Integrity, and Service, and the organization aims to live these values in every relationship and decision it makes. Since its founding in 1992 as the Helen Bader Foundation, the organization has committed over $600 million in grants and program related investments, such as loans, loan guarantees, equity investments and other credit enhancements that advance its charitable mission. For more information on Bader Philanthropies, visit bader.org.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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