2026 Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon Recap

Every year, the Indiana Bar Foundation’s Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon gives us the chance to pause, celebrate, and reflect on the people behind our mission. This year’s event was no exception. From recognizing outstanding leaders to welcoming new board members and sharing stories that reminded us why this work matters, it was an afternoon filled with gratitude, inspiration, and community. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us, especially our President’s Circle members, Timothy J. Abeska, Faegre Drinker, Barnes & Thornburg, and Ken Allen & Allen Law Group, along with our sponsors whose generosity continues to make our work possible. The afternoon also gave us the opportunity to look ahead as we welcomed new leadership, celebrated meaningful accomplishments, and shared stories that continue to inspire our mission.

One of the most memorable parts of the luncheon was celebrating this year’s award recipients, Amanda Antey, Monica A. Fennell, and Hon. Paul D. Mathias. Amanda accepted the Champion of Civic Education Award and shared heartfelt reflections on the impact of civic education and programs like We the People and Mock Trial. She spoke about the teachers, mentors, colleagues, students, friends, and family members who encouraged her throughout her journey and reminded us that the work we do today leaves a lasting impact on future generations. Although Monica Fennell could not be with us in person, her video message was a meaningful part of the program. Her remarks resonated with the audience and left a lasting impression. Judge Paul D. Mathias closed the awards presentation with an inspiring message about living a life of service and dedicating ourselves to something greater than ourselves. His words challenged everyone in the room to continue investing in people and communities, and they were met with a well-deserved standing ovation. We are grateful to Amanda, Monica, and Judge Mathias for sharing their stories and for the extraordinary example each of them sets through their leadership and service.

The luncheon also gave us the opportunity to recognize those whose leadership has helped guide the Foundation over the years. We extend our sincere thanks to our outgoing board members, Hon. Terrence Cody, Dr. Robert Dion, Jimmie McMillian, Jackie Pillar, Hon. James Sweeney, Hon. Elizabeth Tavitas, and Alexander Orlowski, for their dedicated service and commitment to the Foundation. We were equally excited to welcome our incoming board members, Rachele Cummins, Kristin Froehle, Mike Jasaitis, Hon. Dana Kenworthy, and Hon. Doris Pryor, and we look forward to the perspective they will bring as they begin their service.

Additionally, we wish our President & CEO Chuck Dunlap all the best as he begins a well-deserved three-month professional sabbatical. Before closing the program, he invited the Indiana Bar Foundation staff to stand and thanked them for their dedication and hard work in helping make the Annual Meeting a success.

Save the date for next year on June 11, 2027, at the Westin Indianapolis.