Welcomes and Farewells Best Moments from the 2024 Annual Meeting
Patricia Redmond , Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson , P . A . President , American College of Bankruptcy
As I prepared for my last meeting as Chair of the Board of Regents of the College , and the incoming challenges as President , I contemplated the excitement of new events and our deep gratitude to those to whom we would say farewell .
The College was back in Washington , D . C . for a second year and the attendance by fellows was again in excess of 300 . The College welcomed 31 new fellows , and for the first time , Distinguished Law Students from each of the eleven circuits . The plans and logistics for the meeting , overseen by Shari Bedker and Jenny Cudahy , were in place and every detail covered . The buzz throughout the meeting was the reality of Shari Bedker ’ s retirement after her service to the College for over a quarter of a century and her major contributions to our prosperity and success .
It was , for sure , a weekend of “ firsts ” and “ lasts ”. The committees held meetings and showcased their efforts over the past year through programs and networking events .
We Welcomed
The energy of the Annual Meeting and the College were evident from the Thursday evening President ’ s Reception hosted by incoming Chair Charlie Beckham . Charlie recognized the eighteen international fellows attending the weekend events . The International Committee chaired by Robbin Itkin and Robert van Galen had planned a variety of educational programs and networking events including an interactive program on Saturday afternoon with Professor Douglas Baird to attract fellows from around the world . The result was the largest attendance by international fellows in the history of the College .
Charlie also recognized the eleven Distinguished Law Students . For the first time , all of the circuits selected a distinguished law student . Chair Lisa Futrell managed the process of selection seamlessly , and all fellows had the opportunity throughout the weekend to meet and spend time with these outstanding young people .
Charlie welcomed our 31 new fellows - 27 from Class 35 , and four from previous classes . This group reflects the College ’ s commitment to DEI , with diverse new fellows comprising over 40 % of the class , and the College ’ s commitment to geographic outreach with fellows for the first time from places such as Buffalo and Pensacola . Our new fellows arrived on Thursday evening , already informed and educated with respect to the College , its mission , structure and opportunities . Many thanks to Judge Lisa Beckerman and the Freshman Fellows Committee for gathering the new fellows before the Annual Meeting .
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