The California State University, Fresno Foundation has named the Hon. Robert H. Oliver, a Fresno County Superior Court judge, its 2010 recipient of the Foundation Service Award.
The award will be presented Friday, April 23, at the university’s annual Pinnacle Society event.
Since 1949, this award has recognized an individual for meritorious services or contributions made to Fresno State and to the Fresno community. It is presented to those who have achieved a high level of stature in their profession that reflects favorably upon the Fresno community and to those who have demonstrated significant leadership in the goals of the university.
Oliver received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Fresno State; juris doctor degree from Golden Gate University School of Law; the Chartered Life Underwriter designation from the American College in Bryn Mawr, Pa.; and is a graduate of the Air War College of the U.S. Air Force.
He practiced law for 22 years with the firm of Wild, Carter, Tipton, & Oliver, emphasizing business law and estate planning. He was appointed to the Fresno County Municipal Court in 1995 and elevated by consolidation to the Superior Court in 1998. He has served as presiding judge of the five-court Juvenile Department and as a member of the appellate panel of the Superior Court.
He sits in the Trial Department of the Superior Court, chairs the Courts’ Jury Oversight Committee and is a member of statewide committees dealing with jury and court outreach issues. He was a member of the executive committee of the Fresno County Superior Court from 2003-2009 and is an elected member of the executive committee of the California Judges Association.
Serving his community and alma mater, Oliver was chair of the Fresno State Foundation Board of Governors for 16 years and continues as chair emeritus. He serves on the board of the San Joaquin College of Law. He was a member of the board of the Fresno State Alumni Association and has served as president or chair of the Rotary Club of Fresno; Fresno State Business Associates; Fresno Estate Planning Council, Fresno City and County Historical Society and Fresno County Interagency Council for Children and Families.
Other positions of community involvement have included board and executive committee membership of the Fresno Regional Foundation, St. Agnes Medical Center, boards of KPTV public television, the Fresno State Craig School of Business Advisory Council and Sequoia Council, Boy Scouts of America.
Oliver served in the United States Air Force/Air National Guard for 22 years, retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Among his numerous awards are Outstanding Alumnus of Golden Gate University School of Law, Outstanding Alumnus of the Craig School of Business and the Leon S. Peters Award.
He and his wife Stephanie have two sons, Charles and Bradley.
