Queen’s University Celebrates a Legacy of Giving With ‘Bader’s Day’ – Kingston | The Canadian News

Queen’s University proclaimed November 15 as “Bader Day” to celebrate one of the school’s greatest philanthropists.

Monday, November 15, 2021 marks 80 years since Dr. Alfred Bader arrived on campus to begin his studies at Queen’s.

Since then, he and his family have contributed untold millions of dollars to the school. Although Alfred Bader passed away a few years ago, his family continues to give back.

“Eighty years ago Alfred Bader entered this campus for the first time. I would spend six years here and earn three degrees here, ”said Karen Bertrand, the university’s deputy director of promotion.

In 1995, Dr. Alfred Bader told CKWS television at a book signing for his book Adventures of a chemical collector her life would have been totally different if it hadn’t been for Queen’s.

Daniel Bader, president and CEO of Bader Philanthropies, told Global Kingston how the university had changed his father’s life.

“My dad was an immigrant to this country at the age of 17. English was his second language. He was Jewish at the time when there were very few Jews on campus and Queen’s gave him a chance, ”said Daniel Bader.

A highly successful businessman, Bader has always given back to Queen’s and is considered the school’s most generous benefactor.

To mark Bader’s Opening Day, it was announced that 12 17th-century Dutch paintings will join more than 200 works, including four Rembrandts that the Baders have donated to the Agnes Etherington Art Center.

“In Canada we are probably the most important institution when it comes to seventeenth century Dutch art. We are a major center for European art as a result of donations over the years from Dr. Bader and Isabel Bader as well, ”said Suzanne van de Meerendonk, Bader’s European art curator at the Agnes Etherington Art Center.

Other gifts from Bader over the years include Herstmonceux Castle in England.

It was also announced that there will be funding for an outdoor gathering space inspired by an Ojibway roundhouse and the endowment of a permanent full-time indigenous art and culture curator at Agnes.

“We look forward to working with this new curator in the new year and activating our collections of indigenous art and other art,” said Alicia Boutilier, chief curator and curator of Canadian Historic Art at the Agnes Etherington Art Center.

Daniel Bader says the long-standing relationship between the Bader family and Queen’s University will continue.

“I see no end to the partnership between the Bader family, between our foundation, Bader Philanthropies and Queen’s University. I think it will continue for a long time, ”he said.

Bertrand was equally enthusiastic about the ongoing partnership.

“Today we celebrate all philanthropy, big and small and, as Alfred said, they are equally important,” said Bertrand.

The day culminated when the school formally recognized Bader Philanthropies with a plaque on the Queen’s Wall of Benefactors, a place of honor for a family that has given so much to the school.