As emcee of a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Class of 1970 and of longtime Professor Michael Berch, on April 9 at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, Gallagher entertained 300 guests with stories of the old days:
Olivia Birchett's official title was admissions officer and registrar, but she more played the "house mother." U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren attended convocation in 1968. People like Jon Rose, John Morris, Milt Schroeder and Berch joined Dean Willard H. Pedrick's faculty.
All kidding aside, Gallagher described Berch, who turned 75 on April 1, as a "one-of-a-kind" caring, considerate, supportive, enthusiastic, generous teacher who has a special fondness for students who aren't as bright he.
In 1986, Berch and his wife, Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Rebecca White Berch established the Rebecca and Michael Berch Scholarship Fund that has awarded $50,000 to students over the years. This year, the couple issued a challenge to alumni that the Berch family would match dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000 in support of the scholarship fund. The alumni answered the call and exceeded the goal.
The celebration was punctuated with remarks by Dean Paul Schiff Berman, Curt Clausen, Berch's son, and Berch himself. A poignant video of Pedrick was broadcast, as was a touching - and hilarious - tribute to Berch.
To watch a video of the evening, click here.