The Atlanta Lawyer May 2018 | Page 7

Women Lawyers, and Gate City Bar Association. I celebrated empowerment with the Georgia Latin American Association, the Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network, the Stone Wall Bar Association, and the Anti-Defamation League. And I rang in the Lunar New Year with the Geor- gia Asian Pacific American Bar Association. But, beyond the whirlwind of social events and soirées, there was quite a lot of behind the scenes effort. Thanks to the Board of Directors and Atlanta Bar staff: fiscal responsibility resulted in a 5th straight year of a surplus budget; in a season of national membership decline, we increased our membership for the first time in over six years; the Summer Law Internship Pro- gram celebrated a milestone 25th Anniversary. Also, the newly invigorated Lawschool Outreach Committee hit it out of the park. Increasing law student membership to over 300 new members, and spreading the word to students so that when they graduate their first order of business should be to join the Atlanta Bar. down the fort while I was out and about. And he thoroughly enjoyed the social side of things. Although he never quite made it through every set of cufflinks in the rotation. To my mom, who I’m so thrilled was able to travel to Atlanta for the annual meeting. Mom, I can’t even begin to tell you how much you mean to me. To my son, Vincent who officially became a teen- ager this year. Vincent, you are a wonder. I love you to the moon and back. And thank you to all of you. In our Atlanta Bar, we have a wealth of kno wledge, a virtual treasure trove of intellect, wisdom, and talent. Of com- passion, of character, and a great willingness to help and to get involved. And it is a good thing we do. Because history has its eyes on us. As I reflect back upon my year as President, I am grateful for this time to serve. Grateful to my colleagues at Georgia State for the allowance to lessen my paying work obligations while I pursued my volunteer work obligations. I am grateful to the Bar Board, staff, and to Execu- tive Director Terri Bryant who was instrumental to this year’s triumphs. Margaret Hughes Vath President, Atlanta Bar Association 2017-18 I’m grateful to Immediate Past President Jim Blitch who left things in such fine order, it made my job easy. I’m grateful to my family. To Michael who has been a consummate first gentleman. He held The Official News Publication of the Atlanta Bar Association THE ATLANTA LAWYER 7