Honoring Michael W. Derchin and Robert S. Birch
Our 2016 celebration centered around the remarkable achievements of two distinguished men who were close friends: Michael W. Derchin and Robert S. Birch.
Mr. Derchin is probably the world’s expert on the history and development of the airline industry throughout the world. His work has involved global coverage of every aspect of international commerce: Institutional Investor Magazine and other polls have named him the number one airline analyst on Wall Street. His most recent delightful tribute was having an Airbus A-320 Aircraft named after him by Volaris Airlines of Mexico. His generous support of the Foundation has been a significant factor in the growth and stability of the Foundation.
Mr. Birch had a lifetime of protean interest in the world around him; his love of the arts and music prompted his unstintingly generous philanthropy. A managing partner at Oppenheimer, he led the firm’s investment round table. Much of Mr. Birch’s philanthropy was anonymous, ranging from saving a critical piece of land in Cape Cod to gifts to churches, schools and other New York institutions. He advised and supported the Foundation since its inception; his counsel and the generosity of his contributions were vital to the success of our mission.