The 7th Lunch and Laughs With a Legal Legend was held on Friday, September 15, in Morgantown with the honoree being WVU Provost and former WVU College of Law Dean Joyce McConnell.
Before a set crowd of more than 125 people, Federal Court Judge Irene Keeley, serving as Master of Ceremonies, introduced WV Bar Foundation President Ken 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 WVU President Gordon 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 Attorney Ellen Cappellanti by making funny comments of 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 WVU College of Law 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!