President’ s Message continued from page 5
The second panel was“ Chapter 15 and Foreign Third-Party Releases Post Purdue: Back to the Drawing Board-Status Quo or A Better Path Forward,” moderated by Zack Clement. The program raised important issues with respect third party releases in cross border cases after Purdue Pharma.
Saturday morning brought more fascinating and informative programs. The first panel presented Professor Melissa Jacoby talking about her new book,“ Unjust Debts / Feasible Steps to Building a Better Bankruptcy System.” Professor Jacoby was challenged by panelists Professor Douglas Baird, Jennifer Hagle, and Richardo Kilpatrick.
The next panel was Cryptocurrency’ s New Regulator, an introduction to U. C. C.’ s New Article 12, moderated by Judge Mindy Mora teaching us all about how to control, lien, and enforce against a digital asset.
The last panel in the morning was,“ How Ethics Dies, the Role of Laws and Lawyers in Nazi Germany,” featuring Professor Eric Muller, University of North Carolina School of Law. The program left the audience deep in thought.
The Big Event
On Friday evening at the National Historic Landmark Building that houses the Center for American Art and Portraiture, we bestowed the Distinguished Service Award on Patrick Vance for his lifetime of service and commitment to the excellence of our profession. Pat accepted the honor with gratitude and elegance and emphasized his lifelong commitment to pro bono. Pat’ s comments underscored the work that the Foundation and Pro Bono Committee of the College are doing. This year, the Foundation
raised more funds than ever and is able to commit to additional pro bono organizations that provide services to clients who would otherwise be without access to our legal system.
Personal Note
As many of you will recall, I was the winning bidder at the Foundation Auction to raise funds for a seat on the Iris Float in Mardi Gras, the oldest and largest Krewe in New Orleans. I was joined by Lynn Tavenner who won another seat in the Foundation Raffle. Being part of the Iris Float was an experience of a lifetime which I will never forget. As we threw all sorts of beads and toys to the people along the parade route, it was most heartwarming to see the faces of the children hoping to catch a toy. I think I saw more smiles and warmth that day than in recent memory.
Many thanks to Jan Hayden and Vince Lazar for this and all of their work for the Foundation and for their commitment to the College and the mission of giving back and paying it forward in the insolvency space.
Networking
From the circuit luncheons, to the new fellows’ breakfast, to the post-induction dinners, we spent time welcoming new friends and making memories with cherished lifetime friends. It was an unforgettable weekend for everyone.
I look forward to seeing everyone at a summer program or in September in Chicago.
Stay safe and please stay connected with the College until we see you again in the Fall. Hope you have a joyous and magical summer!
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