Fischer_org_72.jpg

Aaron Fischer
BSCh'28
Alumni Achievement Award

Aaron Fischer is director emeritus of Sigma-Aldrich Corporation in St. Louis, Missouri, and an industrial consultant to various other companies. Sigma-Aldrich is the parent company of Sigma Chemical Company and Aldrich Chemical Company. Sigma Chemical was co-founded by Mr. Fischer in the mid 1940's.

Mr. Fischer received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Washington University in 1928. After Graduation, he became a research chemist with Mallinckrodt Chemical Works in the organic chemical division.

Mr. Fischer joined Universal Match Corporation in 1934 and was successively product research engineer, chief research chemist, purchasing agent, general production manager, and vice president in charge of production. He was president from 1950 to 1959. During this period, Universal Match successfully expanded into a number of other fields. From 1959 to 1969, he served as consultant to the board of directors.

In 1959, Mr. Fischer also became chairman of the board of directors and a major shareholder of The Binkley Company, producer of a wide range of fabricated metal products. He served as Binkley's chairman until 1974 and still serves on the board of directors. He also serves on the board of directors of Cypress Manufacturing Company and Deer Creek Foundation.

At Founder's Day in 1971, Washington University honored Mr. Fischer with an Alumni Citation Award.


Klein_org_72.jpg

Milton Klein
BSChE'44
Alumni Achievement Award

Milton Klein is vice-president and head of the Office of Special Projects of the Electrical Power Research Institute (EPRI), the research and development arm of the United States electric utility industry.

Mr. Klein graduated from Washington University in 1944 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. He also holds an M.B.A. from Harvard University.

Mr. Klein began working at Argonne National Laboratory in 1946. From 1950 to 1974 Mr. Klein served the U.S. Government, mostly in energy-related activities. He has been assistant general manager of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, as associate administrator for Research, Development, and Demonstrations of the Federal Railroad Administration, and manager of the MASA-AEC Space Nuclear Systems Office.

At the AEC, Mr. Klein was responsible for both the nuclear reactor programs and the development of non-nuclear technology for the Commission. From his NASA-AEC office, he directed the programs of both agencies for the development and production of nuclear-powered generators for space missions such as Apollo, Pioneer, Viking, and Voyager, and the development of nuclear-powered rocket engines. Among his special activities was service as a member of the board investigating the Apollo 13 accident in space.

Prior to joining EPRI in 1980, Mr. Klein was director of Research, Development, and Technology Applications at the International Energy Agency in Paris. He went to IEA from the MITRE Corporation, where he was associate technical director, responsible for directing tis energy program.

Among Mr. Klein's awards are the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, and a Washington University Alumni Citation in 1972. He is a member of the Atlantic Council's Energy Committee, AAAS, AIAA, Tau Beta Pi, and Sigma Xi.


 Matthey_org_72.jpg

Louis W. Matthey
BSEA'41
Alumni Achievement Award

Louis W. Matthey is chairman and president of KDI Corporation, a broadly diversified company with headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is credited by Wall Street experts in KDI's turnaround through the 1970's.

In 1941, Mr. Matthey received his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Administration from Washington University. While an undergraduate, he had been a letterman and active with Phi Delta Theta. Following graduation, he was employed by General Electric Company. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy as an electrical officer at a ship repair base in Palermo, Sicily. He joined the Key Company, a manufacturer of oil refining process equipment, in 1948, and became vice-president and general manager.

In 1955, Mr. Matthey became a consultant with the firm of Worden & Risberg, management consultants and industrial managers in Philadelphia. His work there involved developing and implementing corporate growth and profit improvement programs for major American as well as European-based multi-national companies. Mr. Matthey, who later became president of Worden & Risberg, developed the firm's practice in specialized engagements to rehabilitate financially troubled companies, frequently stepping into direct management roles at client businesses.

Mr. Matthey's position at Worden & Risberg led to his involvement with KDL. He became president of KDI in 1970, at a time when the company was in serious financial straits. He developed successful plans to resolve the immediate problems, as well as a long-term strategy for the growth of the business. KDI's diversified subsidiaries now are leaders in specialized industries, including military and communications electronics, military fuzing, high precision plastic molding, chemical repackaging, distribution of sponsored motion picture films, satellite network broadcasting, TV production and editing, and swimming pools.