Brandeis mourns death of Henry Foster

Trustee Henry and Fellow Lois Foster, P ’75 with their son John '75

WALTHAM, Mass. — Henry Foster, P ’75, a former chair of the Brandeis Board of Trustees whose generous support of the university stretches back four decades, died on Oct. 14 at his home.

Foster and his wife, Lois, a fellow of the university, established the Lois and Henry L. Foster Research Center, funded construction of the Lois Foster Wing at The Rose Art Museum, and endowed the Rose director’s position. Additionally, they made gifts for student scholarships and fellowships.

“Brandeis today mourns one of the great men in the history of this university,” said President Jehuda Reinharz, PhD ’72. “Hank’s commitment and dedication to Brandeis were instrumental in helping Brandeis reach the top tier of American universities. I will miss his friendship and wise counsel.”

Foster, the founder and CEO of Charles River Laboratories, joined the Board of Trustees in 1973. He served as chair from 1979 through 1985, and continued as a board member until his death. Foster’s connection to the Brandeis campus actually predated the establishment of the university; he received his doctorate from the former Middlesex Veterinary College, which had been located where Brandeis sits now.

In addition to his wife, Foster is survived by three sons, John ’75, James and Neal, and five grandchildren.