Alfred and Isabel Bader

Transforming Queen’s through philanthropy

Dr. Alfred Bader Sc’45, Arts’46, MSc’47, LLD’86, and Dr. Isabel Bader LLD’07, have given back to Queen’s University in countless ways, transforming the campus, enriching the student experience, supporting scholarship, and helping to enhance the University’s reputation as a top-tier educational institution.

Alfred and his wife Isabel have contributed to academic excellence through academic chairs in art history and chemistry and through awards in many disciplines. Their gifts of Old Master paintings made to the Agnes Etherington Art Centre — including two Rembrandts —have made the AEAC's collection the finest university collection in Canada.

In a magnanimous philanthropic gesture, the couple funded Queen’s purchase of a 15th century English castle, Herstmonceux, which has been meticulously restored and is now home to the Bader International Study Centre. Most recently, the Baders have given $22 million in support of the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, opening 2014. This is a much-needed and eagerly-awaited facility that will have an impact, not only at Queen’s, but on the broader Kingston community, ensuring that world-class performers and shows are able to take advantage of a state-of-the-art centre.