Lick Observatory was founded in 1888 and has led the field of astronomical research for 126 years. During the UC budget crisis of 2010-2012, UC leadership questioned continuing investment in Lick in light of other larger telescopes, such as the Keck and Thirty Meter Telescope, that UC astronomers will also have access to. In fact, the capabilities at Lick are essential to a well-balanced and comprehensive optical-infrared program, as UC leaders have since come to realize. The speaker has been a Lick staff astronomer since 1972 and served as Interim Director during the budget crisis. She will describe the historic science achievements at Lick, the ongoing research and public outreach programs, and summarize the results of a major strategic planning process -- now underway -- that is aimed at keeping Lick vibrant into the 21st century.