'Monty' honored for 40-yr. career

Bruce Montgomery is a Renaissance man, according to his sister Elizabeth, who toasted her brother during a gala celebration earlier this month. Elizabeth Montgomery Thomas said the University performing arts legend could have done anything from composing Broadway music to painting Maine landscapes. But Montgomery -- affectionately known as "Monty" -- chose instead to spend the past 40 years of his life directing the Glee Club. And on Saturday night, the club and its alumni group honored Montgomery's 40th anniversary as its director with a gala celebration. The evening began as the Glee Club performed a choreographed medley of songs that Montgomery had arranged over the past 40 years. The program continued with a chronological series of speeches, presentations and performances by Glee Club members who have known Montgomery in different eras of his career. Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell appeared at the event to recognize Montgomery officially on behalf of the city. He noted that, while the Glee Club has brought the spirit of the University to 35 countries on five continents, it has also brought joy and excitement to the people of Philadelphia. Other speakers included LaRue Olson, a college friend of Montgomery's who has sung with him since 1946. Both were members of the Pitch Pipers quartet of Bethany College in Kansas. Director of Student Life, Activities and Facilities Fran Walker praised Montgomery for his ability to recognize and nurture talent and to enrich the lives of the students with whom he works. "I may not be able to fully appreciate his technical talent, but I know how to recognize love when I see it, and that is what is happening in this room tonight," she said. Legal Studies Professor and Glee Club fan Nicholas Constan echoed Walker's sentiments. "Nobody has had a positive effect on more students at the University of Pennsylvania than Montgomery has in his time," Constan said. The event ended with Montgomery conducting a combined chorus of Glee Club undergraduates and alumni in traditional Glee Club favorites. "It was incredible to see so many people on stage and to know that they were all there for one reason and that was this man," explained Glee Club President-elect Amol Dixit, a Wharton junior. "It made me realize how many people he has affected." Montgomery said he was deeply touched by the tribute. "I can't possibly explain what this evening and the 40 years preceding it have meant to me," he said. "I am the luckiest man in the whole wide world to love my job and the people with whom I perform my job as immensely as I do." Glee Club member and College freshman Matthew Seneca said Montgomery's reaction made the event worthwhile. "The amount of work we did in rehearsal was unbelievable, but seeing Monty's face as he was conducting us was very fulfilling," he said. And Glee Club member and College freshman Eduardo Placer said the event made him realize what the Glee Club is all about.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.