were fellows, D. J. Miller, Robert Thornton and Steve Kargman. The program kicked off a four-part international perspective series which will continue throughout the year.
The Third Circuit Program named in honor of Honorable Kevin Carey was sponsored by the College and the Delaware Bankruptcy American Inn of Court. The program featured a retrospective on Judge Carey’ s most influential decisions, and a fire & side chat with Judge Brendan Shannon and Professor Grohsgal.
The Sixth Circuit also held the annual Chris Meyer community-based event in Cleveland on November 18th. The program brought together people who loved and respected Chris in every aspect of his life especially College fellows.
During the summer and fall, my main responsibility is the Patrons and Sponsors Program. During these two( 2) years, fellows have graciously accepted calls from me and the Patrons and Sponsors Committee and contributed significantly to support the College and our programs.
In 2025, firms and fellows enabled the College to fund activities, including educational programs, annual meetings and induction events, including our expanded Distinguished Law Student Program, committee activities, national bankruptcy archives and pro bono and professional pipeline grants through the American College of Bankruptcy Foundation and the Colleges Pro Bono Committee. For 2026, 163 firms have already pledged support. Their commitment ensures that the College can continue advancing its mission through world class educational programs, meaningful outreach and vital pro bono initiatives.
This result would not be possible without the tireless dedication of our Patrons and Sponsors Fundraising Committee, and
I thank them from the bottom of my heart. They are: Hon. Joan N. Feeney( ret.), Bob Keach, Jay Goffman, Karen Giannelli, David Stratton, Claudia Springer, Michael Baxter, Charlie Beckham, Stephen Lerner, Melissa Kibler, Mark Shinderman, Rob Charles, Annette Jarvis, and Jayna Lamar— whose leadership and commitment strengthen the College at every turn. If your firm has not yet joined for 2026, there is still time. We would be delighted to count you among our supporters.
I couldn’ t finish this column without expressing my thanks to Charlie Beckham for his strong leadership over the past six years. I have had the opportunity( and challenges to follow Charlie in each of his college leadership roles. As Chair of the Board of Regents, I wrote in my column about what big Texas shoes I had to fill. Then as President, my challenge was to make Patrons and Sponsors better than before.
Charlie leads with resolve and razor focus. He listens, questions and then, after all is said, proposes an elegant solution which is embraced by the group. Charlie has an ability to tend to detail and yet, see and appreciate the big picture for the good of the College. His decisions are never about Charlie, but always about making the College and its fellows, the absolute best, in keeping with our standards of excellence.
In closing, I am hopeful of being able to live up to the high standards set by Charlie and all of those who came before him in college leadership.
Best wishes for a happy, healthy and joyous holiday and prosperous new year.
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