Background
Graham, William B. was born on July 14, 1911 in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Son of William and Elizabeth (Burden) Graham.
pharmaceutical company executive
Graham, William B. was born on July 14, 1911 in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Son of William and Elizabeth (Burden) Graham.
Bachelor of Science cum laude, University Chicago, 1932. Juris Doctor cum laude, University Chicago, 1936. Doctor of Laws, Carthage College, 1974.
Doctor of Laws, Lake Forest College, 1983. Doctor of Laws (honorary), University Illinois, 1988. Doctor of Humane Letters, St. Xavier College and National College Education, 1983.
Doctor of Humane Letters (honorary), Barat College, 1997. Doctor of Humane Letters (honorary), DePaul University, 1998.
President and General Manager Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Deerfield 1945-1953, President, Chief Executive Officer 1953-1971, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer 1971-1980, Chairman 1980-1985, Senior Chairman since 1985. Director First National Bank of Chicago, Northwest Industries, Deere and Company. President, Director Lyric Opera of Chicago, Director National Park Foundation, Washington, D.C., Botanic Garden Skokie, III.
Trustee University of Chicago, Evanston Hospital and Orchestral Association. III. St. Andrew; Professional Chairman 1978. Several honorary degrees.
HIMA Pioneering.
President Lyric Opera Chicago 1984-1992, co-chairman 1992-2002, chairman emeritus, 2003-2006. Big Shoulders, Wendy Will Care Federation, Chicago Horticultural Society. Trustee Orchestral Association, University Chicago, Evanston (Illinois) Hospital.
Past president Community Fund of Chicago. Member American Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (past president), Illinois Manufacturers Association (past president), Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (past chairman, award for special distinction leadership 1981), Chicago Club (past president), Commonwealth Club, Commercial Club, Indian Hill Club, Casino Club, Old Elm Club, Seminole Club, Everglades Club, Bath and Tennis Club, Links Club, Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Xi, Phi Delta Phi.
Married Edna Kanaley, June 15, 1940 (deceased 1981). Children: William J., Elizabeth Anne, Margaret, Robert B. Married Catherine Van Duzer, July 23, 1984.