About Foster G. McGaw

Foster G. McGaw was born on March 7, 1897, the son of Reverend Francis Alexander McGaw and Alice S. (Millar) McGaw. He attended the Northwestern University School of Commerce.

In 1922, Mr. McGaw founded the American Hospital Supply Corporation. By establishing strict ethical guidelines for selling to hospitals and insisting on a high level of quality and service, Mr. McGaw shaped the hospital supply industry and helped create the standards under which it operates today. In 1985, American Hospital Supply Corporation merged with Baxter International, Inc.

Mr. McGaw received numerous awards, citations, and honorary degrees. He is renowned for his philanthropic activities, including major gifts to establish the McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University and the McGaw Hospital of Loyola University Medical Center, both in the Chicago area, and the James D. Vail III Nursing Program at Queens College in Charlotte, NC.

Mr. McGaw passed away April 16, 1986.