Robert D. Keder of Seymour, Conn., honored at Fairfield University

Robert D. Keder of Seymour, Conn., honored at Fairfield University

Robert D. Keder of Seymour, Conn., will receive the St. Ignatius Loyola Medal during commencement ceremonies on May 23. The Loyola Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the Fairfield University Alumni Association, is given to a senior committed to the "service of faith" and "promotion of justice."

Keder is involved in a number of campus activities, but University officials said it is the tremendous passion and dedication he shows that make his a stellar example of Jesuit ideals.

Academically, Keder is a member of several honor societies, including Alpha Epsilon Delta, the national premedical honor society; Omicron Delta Kappa, the national leadership honor society; Alpha Sigma Nu, the national Jesuit honor society; Psi Chi, the national psychology honor society; and Phi Beta Kappa.

For all four years, Keder has been a member of the board of the Hunger Cleanup, helping to fundraise and recruit volunteers for the one-day work-a-thon each spring. He is also a Eucharistic Minister and retreat leader, who created a moving video that asked the friends of each EM to show why he or she is an everyday hero.

Keder has been an essential leader of the Ballroom Dance Club, for which he has been president and treasurer. He also implemented an annual Halloween Masquerade Ball and "Dinner, Dancing & Murder," an annual charity fundraiser.

Keder was a resident assistant and worked to implement Ignatian Residential College, a program for selected sophomores that incorporates academic, cultural, mentoring and worship opportunities. He spent his sophomore year spring break living and working on the Passamaquoddy reservation in Maine, was a Mission Volunteer to Kentucky and participated in the Urban Plunge in Bridgeport.

Keder spent three summers researching the effects of technology and literacy on children and families with Judy Primavera, Ph.D., professor of psychology. He credits Dr. Primavera and Robert Chessin, M.D., a Trumbull pediatrician who allowed Keder to "shadow" him at his practice, with fostering his desire to pursue medicine. This fall, he will begin his studies at the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.

Posted On: 04-21-2004 10:04 AM

Volume: 36 Number: 257