A GOOD TIME FOR A GOOD CAUSE!
The 7th Lunch and Laughs With a Legal Legend was held on this past Friday, September 15, in Morgantown with the honoree being WVU Provost and former WVU College of Law Dean Joyce McConnell. Pictured above are the participants in the very successful event—-from left to right, WVU President Gordon Gee, Attorney Ellen Cappellanti, Federal Court Judge Irene Keeley, Provost McConnell, WV Bar Foundation President Ken Gray and WVU Law School Professor John Taylor.
Before a set crowd of more than 125 people, Judge Keeley, serving as Master of Ceremonies, introduced President Gray, who welcomed the attendees from all parts of the state, thanked the valuable Sponsors for their beneficial support and highlighted the Bar Foundation’s Grants program to improve the administration of justice and the provision of legal services for our citizens.
Strong support was received from these generous Sponsors:

ANTERO RESOURCES CORPORATION
JACKSON KELLY
AL AND JOANNE SCHOPP
SPILMAN THOMAS AND BATTLE
STEPTOE AND JOHNSON
WVU COLLEGE OF LAW
WVU FOUNDATION
WVU PRESIDENT’S OFFICE
WVU PROVOST’S OFFICE
WV BAR FOUNDATION
JUDY AND ROB FISHER, ESQ.

After a fine lunch prepared and served by the staff at the Erickson Alumni Center. the “friendly roast” of Provost McConnell began. As she did with all three “roasters”, Judge Keeley made a humorous introduction of President Gee and his earlier career positions as WVU Law School Dean and President. He then talked about his good health and his plan to remain President for many years—keeping the Provost from the anticipated ascension to that position!
Next, Judge Keeley introduced Ellen Cappellanti by making funny comments on their years together at the WVU Law School and then Ellen made a series of “one liners” about her friend, the Provost, relating to her personality, her unique habits, her life style, etc., etc. which had the crowd laughing continuously. Judge Keeley welcomed Professor Taylor to the podium by commenting on his strong feelings about pets with the Professor then discussing the Provost’s years as Professor and Dean at the Law School and concluding with a highly entertaining dialogue involving the Provost’s decision to build a bomb shelter on the WVU campus!
Finally, Provost McConnell was given the opportunity to respond, which she did in a funny vein and in a serious vein. Her poignant comments related to her decision to teach at the WVU College of Law, her opportunity to serve as Dean and, now, as Provost, her commitment to the student legal clinics at the Law School as her designated charitable activity and her joy with her life here in West Virginia. The standing ovation at the conclusion of her remarks demonstrated the admiration and the gratitude that the assembled judges, lawyers and community leaders have for Provost McConnell.
It was definitely a Good Time For A Good Cause!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
The Bar Foundation Board of Directors held its first quarterly meeting of the 2017-18 fiscal year on September 15, in Morgantown, at the Erickson Alumni Center, immediately following the Lunch and Laughs.
The Board consists of two judges and thirteen lawyers from all parts of the state and all types of law practice. For the past several years, the Board had been meeting exclusively by telephone conference call for cost effectiveness and time efficiency. However, as Board members provided evaluations upon their terms expiring, there were suggestions made to have a face to face meeting each year.
Therefore, a majority of the Board met in person with the remainder participating by conference call. At the conclusion of the meeting, there was agreement that a face to face meeting should be held every year.
During the meeting, the Board reviewed and approved last year’s and this year’s financial reports, which were both positive. The Independent Audit for 2016-17 will be done and presented during the December Board meeting.
In addition, the Board decided upon a fundraising plan to achieve the $1 million goal for the Justice Fund, accepted recommendations from the Grants Committee and set the dates for the Bar Foundation Fellows Dinner on April 26, 2018 and the Lawyer Leadership Institute on May 18-20, 2018.

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HONORABLE FRANK CLECKLEY MEMORIAL SERVICE
The Memorial Service for former WV Supreme Court Justice, longtime WVU College of Law Professor and legendary lawyer Frank Cleckley will be held on Sunday, September 24, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre, 1 Fine Arts Drive, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506.
The Memorial Service is open to all members of the judiciary and the legal profession.

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