Room in Law Library Named After Caspersen

The most famous room in the Harvard Law School library will be renamed for Finn M.W. Caspersen, a member of Harvard Law School Class of 1966 who has helped raise millions of dollars for the school, the Law School announced in a press release yesterday.

Langdell Library's Treasure Room, which contains the law school's rare books, documents and artwork, will now be named the Caspersen Room.

Caspersen said in the Law School's press release that he was extremely pleased with the announcement.

"Harvard Law is and always will be the world's premiere law school. The University bestows a humbling honor on our family name with this recognition," Caspersen said.

Dean of Harvard Law School Robert C. Clark said in the press release that he believed the honor was well deserved.

"We are pleased to honor Finn Caspersen," Clark said. "His accomplishments in industry, education and public service are a magnificent example for students and graduates."

Clark said he was grateful for Caspersen's leadership and service during the Law School's recent $175 million fundraising campaign.

"Finn's tireless efforts for the Executive Committee of The Campaign for Harvard Law School allowed us to complete successfully the largest fundraising campaign in the history of legal education. He has been a wonderful friend of Harvard," Clark said.

The Treasure Room was opened in 1948 and serves as a repository for some of the world's rarest law documents and books. It also houses portraits of eminent jurists and legal educators.

In addition, the room is a memorial to the 193 Harvard Law School students and alumni who lost their lives in the two World Wars.

Caspersen is currently the Chair of Beneficial Corporation, a financial services holding company based in Wilmington, Delaware.

He also is a member of various Harvard University committees, including the executive committee of the Harvard University Resource Committee and the executive committee of the Harvard Law School Campaign.

Outside of the University, Caspersen has been active in education. He is currently the chairman of the board of trustees of The Peddie School in Hightstown, N.J. Caspersen has also been a member of the New Jersey State Board of Higher Education, a trustee of Brown University and a trustee of the New Jersey Independent College Fund.

Caspersen is also president of the Coalition of Service Industries, former chair of the American Financial Services Association and current chair of its Government Affairs Committee