Robert L. Berchem, a principal of and president of the law firm Berchem, Moses & Devlin, P.C., has been selected as the recipient of Fairfield University’s Alumni Service Award. He will be among the honorees at the university’s 2013 Awards Dinner on April 10 at the Grand Hyatt New York in New York City.
Mr. Berchem, who graduated from the university in 1962, is an active alumnus who has served the school in numerous ways. A university trustee from 1990 to 1996, he has represented Fairfield pro bono in various special matters. He has been a member of the school’s President’s Circle since 1981 and was its chairman in 1989. In 2012, as co-chairman of the Class of 1962’s 50th Reunion Gift Committee, he helped raise the largest 50th Reunion class gift in Fairfield University’s history.
In 1992, Mr. Berchem, the first member of his own family to receive a college degree, established a scholarship at Fairfield for other first-generation students. Named for his mother, The Barbara M. Berchem Scholarship provides a stepping stone for those who seek a similar chance to succeed.
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The president of Fairfield University commended Mr. Berchem on receiving the 2013 Alumni Service Award. “Bob Berchem’s deep commitment to Fairfield University is exemplary. He has contributed so much to his alma mater, from serving on the Board of Trustees and co-chairing his 50th Reunion Gift Committee to assisting us in community relations,” said the Rev. Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J. “His dedication and leadership have contributed mightily to Fairfield’s success. Bob truly embodies what it means to be a man for others and is without question most deserving of this award.”
Bryan L. LeClerc, a partner at Berchem, Moses & Devlin and graduate of Fairfield University serving on the Executive Committee for the 2013 Awards Dinner, said
the firm is proud its leader is being honored by the university. “Bob has given much time and effort to the university over the years. His endeavors speak to
his interest in, and respect for, the opportunities offered by higher education.”
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Mr. Berchem holds a degree in politics from Fairfield University. When he came to the university as an
undergraduate, he received a full academic scholarship after completing high school studies at Fairfield College Preparatory School in just three years. On graduation from the university at the age of 20, he was awarded a full scholarship to Villanova University School of Law. He received his J.D. from that school in 1965, finishing first in his class. That same year, at age 23, he was admitted to the Connecticut Bar and became law clerk to a federal judge, the Honorable William H. Timbers. He then received a William W. Cook Fellowship to the University of Michigan Law School, where he received his Master of Laws degree in 1967.
In addition to being president of Berchem, Moses & Devlin, Mr. Berchem chairs the law firm’s Business Services Department. His clients include professional service groups, municipalities and boards of education, as well as businesses ranging in size from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies.
Berchem, Moses & Devlin is a multi-specialty law practice with offices in Milford and Westport. Since 1933, the firm has provided high quality legal services to clients throughout Connecticut. For more information, please visit www.bmdlaw.com.
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