Hickey: Be One. Have Fun. Thank You.

A year ago, I began my IndyBar presidency with three simple messages: Be One. Have Fun. Thank You. Those words have served as more than just a goal for the Bar throughout 2010. They have served as a reminder of guiding principles for good life.

Be One. If there is one great lesson that I have learned over the years, it is that you must be present to win. There is little you can truly gain from any experience if you stand on the sidelines. Our call to IndyBar members this year was to be one of those members who shows up, participates, and joins in. And you did just that. To all of you who volunteered for anything, came to IndyBar functions, and got to know others in the Bar a little better, you answered that call. Over the past year, I have seen many friendly faces, some new and some that have been a long-time presence at the IndyBar. There were many times that new attorneys and law students, new members and those looking to join, took the time to say thanks for a warm greeting and to express gratitude for the opportunities to spend time with other IndyBar members. When a fellow board member was asked why she takes time away from her family and her office to attend Bar activities she responded that being with her IndyBar friends is like being home. I couldn’t have said it better.

Have Fun. There is everything right with injecting fun and happiness into all that you do. A board meeting need not be boring, and volunteer time should be enjoyable. Work need not be tedious and hard work is not the exclusion of a good laugh. This year has been all about hard work and fun. Good friends and good times. From Bench Bar to board meetings and membership luncheons to destination CLE, there was plenty of lightness and laughter to go around.

Thank You. There is much to be thankful for and there are many people deserving of my gratitude.

To Julie Armstrong and the entire IndyBar staff: You are the cream of the crop. The tremendous job that you do each day is reflected in the strength of our Association. Thank you for seeing the big picture, taking care of details, and helping us achieve great things.

To the IndyBar Board and Counsel, Committee/Section/Division Chairs: You deserve a standing ovation. Your leadership and hard work this year was unparalleled. You are the epitome of dedicated professionals and it was an honor to serve alongside you.

To future and past presidents of the IndyBar: You are an important part of this Association and your commitment and continued involvement is invaluable. To Mike Hebenstreit, incoming president, and Scott Chinn and Kerry Blomquist who follow, the IndyBar couldn’t be in better hands. You will do tremendous jobs leading this Association.

To every committee member and IndyBar volunteer: No matter your role, it was important and appreciated. For every creative idea and for all the time and talent you dedicated to the Bar, thank you.

To every member who had a kind word, sent an email to express appreciation for a column, or simply said good job, thank you. To Rubin & Levin for encouragement and support, and to all of the lawyers who have mentored or reached out to others along the way during their career, thank you for making this the very best legal community possible. Finally, this would not be complete if I did not include my husband and my children, for whom I have so much love and gratitude. It has been an amazing year with amazing people and for this bittersweet final message I can only say…be one, have fun, and most of all, thank you.