2011 Edition

Dear Friends in Song: It's official! On December 18th, the Purdue University Board of Trustees approved constructing our new home, Ralph and Bettye Bailey Hall! Schmidt Associates of Indianapolis will design the $8 million, 18,000-square-foot facility which will be paid for entirely from gift funds. Bailey Hall will be located at the southeast corner of Grant Street and Northwestern Avenue in West Lafayette. We hope to be in the building by the spring of 2013.

On behalf of our current students and staff, as well as all those who came before us and those who will come after, thank you to the 472 donors who helped make this dream a reality. A most special “thank you” to Ralph and Bettye Bailey, whose tremendous generosity will enhance the student experience for generations of PMO performers and allow our program to accommodate the ever-growing interest in musical opportunities at Purdue.

For PMO, 2010 was a year of collaboration. We were proud to partner in performances with Purdue Bands & Orchestra, Pur- due’s Black Cultural Center and the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra. We also collaborated with Purdue Convocations, Greater Lafayette Commerce, Lafayette-West Lafayette Convention & Visitors Bureau and Purdue Athletics. Perhaps our most visible partnership of 2010 was with Purdue’s Office of Marketing & Media to launch our new website, www.purdue.edu/pmo.

In 2010, our students performed in 126 shows in 31 cities across six states. Even though 2011 has just begun, we have already accomplished much. Highlights from our year thus far include accepting an invitation to perform at The Palladium, the new Cen- ter for the Performing Arts in Carmel, during their grand opening. Most recently, Glee Club performed with the Indiana Univer- sity Singing Hoosiers. This collaboration marked the first time these ensembles shared the stage since 1997. For a complete list- ing of what we have planned this year, visit our website and click on the calendar.

As we look to the future, we are planning an international performance tour in May 2013 which will bring Glee Club, Purduettes and Purdue Bells to Austria, Germany, Switzerland and France. More details regarding the tour will be available in 2012.

As you can see, we are experiencing an exciting time for Purdue Musical Organizations! You help make it all possible. Thank you for staying connected with us. Even if distance prevents you from participating in person, check out our Facebook page to stay connected with us anywhere in the world, www.facebook.com/PurduePMO.

We hope to see you again soon. Until then, Hail Purdue!

William E. Griffel A LOOK INSIDE... Director, Purdue Musical Organizations A Year in Review 2 Donor Impact and 4 Alumni Focus Student Spotlight 6 JOIN OUR E-MAIL LIST What’s New? 7 For occasional e-mail updates from PMO, join our e-mail list where you Upcoming Events 8 can set your preferences for what information you would like to receive from us. Visit our homepage at www.purdue.edu/pmo to get started! ↓ PMO students melted hearts on Valentine’s Day, performing more than 500 Singing Valentines in Greater Lafayette and over the phone.

Purduettes & Glee Club ↑ Glee Club performed the ↑ National Anthem during the performed together at Zionsville Indiana Pacers vs LA Lakers High School in what may game at Conseco Fieldhouse. become an annual collaboration.

↓ The PMO students produced and directed their annual rock concert PHENOMENA, which benefited Food Finders Food Bank.

↑ Mother and daughter duo Kelly Jacobs and Sheila Klinker ↑ Purduettes performed during the performed “Yellow Bird” at the 7th Annual Cancer Benefit Concert PMO Alumni Luncheon on raising $55,555 for Purdue’s April 10, 2010. Thank you to all Center for Cancer Research. the PMO alumni who joined us!

↓ Glee Club visited Neyland Stadium during a tour of the University of Tennessee before their concert in Greeneville.

↑ Glee Club senior Noah Demerly ↑ University Choir ended their serenaded Sonya Eddy, daughter of season sharing the stage with the PMO Founder Dr. Albert P. Stewart. Purdue Bells, Heart & Soul and All Campus & Community Chorale. For hundreds more photos, visit “Center Stage” on our website.

2 Yours in Song · 2011 Yours in Song · 2011 3

↓ Purduettes & Glee Club had ↓ Glee Club senior and student the amazing opportunity to work manager Jeremy Clifford with his with Calmus Ensemble, an mom, Peggy, at the 2010 PMO Club a cappella quintet from Germany. Donor Reception. Thanks to Purdue Convocations for sharing Calmus with us!

↑ Glee Club kicked off the new school year with an audience of more than 1,300 fans, including 40 alumni, during their annual “First Nighter” concert in the Purdue Memorial Union.

↓ On November 15, 2010 PMO held a celebration in the Elliott Hall of Music in honor of the ↓ During the Bailey Hall 472 donors to Ralph E. and Celebration, PMO Director Bill Bettye J. Holder Bailey Hall. Griffel spoke along with We hope to move in by the Purdue’s Vice President for spring of 2013. Thank you to Development Lisa Calvert, Cinda everyone who helped make and Bettye Bailey and Purdue this dream come true! President France A. Córdova.

↑ Students performed during the President’s Council Annual Dinner where Purdue alumni astronaut Neil Armstrong & ‘Hero of the Hudson’ Capt. Sully Sullenberger were in attendance.

↓ Purdue Bells performed ↓ Heart & Soul during the 77th Annual in the spotlight. Purdue Christmas Show.

↑ Thank you and congratulations to all our PMO seniors on an outstanding show! Jean (Busby) Beard, U-Choir '50 · ALUMNI UPDATES Jae (Julie) Truesdell, P’ettes ’06 · Jean and husband, Bill celebrated Jae and Marek Szeszycki (BA Bob Madison, PVGC and U-Choir Jerry Pullen, U-Choir ’81 · Jerry their 60th wedding anniversary 2009) were engaged to be married last year. They have two living ’57 · Bob retired from an exten- and his family has been involved in May ‘10. Jae was a PMO leader, children, Diana (John) Glen- sive career in Human Resources in international development denning, Lebanon, IN and Dr. management, including interna- work since 1990. They currently serving as manager of the Pur- Pamela (Ashruf) El-Dinary tional responsibilities, in 2000. reside in East Asia. duettes in 2006. Marek served as (Choral Club ’88), Clarksville, He then established a consulting section leader for the trumpets in Lynda Sears, P’ettes ’73 · Lynda MD. They have four grandchil- firm focusing on career transi- Purdue's All-American Marching was the accompanist for the Pur- dren and three great- tion and outplacement counsel- duettes and remembers well the Band. Theirs is a match made in grandchildren. Jean and Bill re- ing and executive/management scary audition for Al Stewart! Purdue musical heaven! tired in 2003 from their former coaching. Sadly, his wife, who he Seldom for pay, but always for business, Beard Industries, Inc. married while in Spain, died in fun, she has continued to accom- Todd Walroth, PVGC ’05 · Todd Bill has served as Clinton County 2008. Bob is still physically ac- pany various choirs, church and his wife, Sara, are excited to Commissioner since Jan. 1, 2004. tive in skiing and tennis. groups, and community choirs as welcome Alexa Grace Walroth John Bently, PVGC ’53 · John cur- Jeff McGee, PVGC ’04 · Jeff and his well as the occasional gig with born September 24, 2010 weigh- rently owns and operates a com- wife, Christy, are excited to an- local garage bands in the Minnea- ing 7 lbs, 1 oz and 20 1/2 inches. mercial pool/spa design/build/ nounce the birth of their first polis area. “Give me that old time Sarah Wannarka, P’ettes ’95 · service company in Highland child, David Matthew McGee. He rock n roll!!” And, at 60, she mar- Sarah is currently serving as an Park, IL. He is married to retired was born on October 16th, 2010, ried the love of her life this past Assistant U.S. Attorney with the Metropolitan opera star, Gloria and weighed 7lb, 3oz. summer (a Notre Dame marching Western District of Texas, in San Linari Lind Bently. Anne Mcgill-Perry, U-Choir ’83 · band alum, ha!) Antonio. After Purdue, she Carrie (Getch) Gaerte, P’ettes ’96 Anne lives in Germantown, TN Brian Thompson, PVGC ’84 · Thor- graduated from Baylor Law Carrie and husband, Scott, wel- with her husband and two chil- oughly enjoying the family, the School and has been in TX ever comed their fourth child on July dren. She still sings regularly (a Dallas metroplex, the job… sicken- since. Sister, Emily, her husband, 15, 2010. Daniel Christian Gaerte must) and is a member of her ing, isn't it?! Now if Purdue ath- Daniel, and their 2 boys recently weighed 7 lbs, 5 oz. and was 20 church choir with one other Pur- letes could just take better care of moved back to San Antonio. 3/4 in. long. due alum. Boiler UP! their knees! Aunt Sarah couldn't be happier! Have an update? Visit www.purdue.edu/pmo/alumni_news.shtml to share your news and see more alumni updates! PMO FINANCIAL STATEMENT FISCAL YEAR 2009 - 2010 WAYS TO GIVE

Mail: Purdue Musical Organizations · Attn: Joli Heavin 712 Third Street · West Lafayette, IN 47907 (checks payable to “Purdue Foundation”)

Phone: 800-893-3041 or 765-494-3947

Online: http://www.purdue.edu/pmo/makeagift.shtml

CORPORATE PARTNERS

Christmas Show Presenting Partner Plymouth Foundry, Sam & Karen Schlosser

Gold Level Purdue Federal Credit Union the National Group

Silver Level Beaux Cheveux Styling Salon Chick-fil-A Follett’s Purdue Bookstores Purdue Alumni Association Sgt. Preston’s Catering Texas Roadhouse

Emerald Level Loeb House Inn Bed and Breakfast Purdue Center for Cancer Research Union Club Hotel

Ruby Level Duke Energy Flowers by Rustic Bouquet Homecare by Design J. Alan Goetz & Sons Auctions & Appraisals Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc.

Media Partners WLFI TV-18 4 Yours in Song · 2011 Yours in Song · 2011 5

While most PMO alums graduate and pursue careers in fields unrelated to music, a select few seem destined for show business. We feature two of these alums below. DESTINED FOR SHOW BIZ J. Peter Smith initially enrolled at Purdue in 1943 in engineering. He was intro- duced to Al Stewart and PMO through Delta Upsilon, but Peter’s initial tenure at Purdue was short-lived. Like so many young men, he was called to join the war overseas. After a harrowing experience as a German prisoner, Peter returned to the States and Purdue. He was no longer interested in becoming an engineer, however. Al Stewart encouraged him to join a brand new degree program in the School of P.E. called “Industrial Recreation and Music.” Yet, as Peter recalls, “PMO was my major.” During his time at Purdue, he met and married his wife, Lois, with whom he had six children. His favorite memories include performing at President Harry Truman’s inauguration in 1948. Peter also made many lasting friendships and connections which led him further down the path to show business. In 1949, the Glee Club performed for the Indiana Club of Chicago. In the audience was Mr. Glen Hillis, a noted and wealthy lawyer from Kokomo. Mr. Hillis had previously sponsored students in the Indiana University School of Law, his alma mater. He was seated with Dr. Frank Hockema, then Vice President at Purdue, and asked if he knew of any Glee Clubbers interested in a career in music that might be in need of a sponsor. Dr. Hockema recommended Peter! He was sent to “audition” with Mr. Hillis’ daughter, Margaret, in New York. She said Peter definitely had talent but needed more training. Thus, Peter ended up at IU to study music. Mr. Hillis provided him with financial assistance. From IU, Peter began auditioning in New York. His big break was playing the understudy for “Lt. Joe Cable” in “South Pacific” on Broadway. He went on to star in two other Broadway productions, in addition to many other theatrical productions, TV shows and commercials. As his family grew, he opted for a career in arts management. Peter spent the final 25 years of his career as a talent agent, representing a bevy of major stage and screen stars, including Denzel Washington and Florence Henderson. “All of this blessed life started at Purdue through Al Stewart and finally Dr. Frank Hockema and Glen R. Hillis.” When Peter landed his first job, he thanked Mr. Hillis for all his support and also asked how he could repay Mr. Hillis. His answer was, “Just do the same for someone else when you can.” Several years ago, Peter and Lois made a deferred gift to Purdue in order to establish a scholarship fund for PMO students in memory of Dr. Hockema and Mr. Hillis. “Without Purdue and these great men, I probably would have ended up in an Indiana high school as a football coach and music teacher!” To read more, visit www.purdue.edu/pmo/newsletter.shtml and click “Destined for Show Biz.” STAR ON THE RISE Purdue Varsity Glee Club alumnus Levi Riggs is a star on the rise. A native of Danville, this 26-year-old’s first country single, "F-150," reached #19 on the New Music Weekly Country Charts this past July. Two months later, he released his second single, “Tailgate Time,” and has been asked by radio stations across the country to record custom versions for the Purdue Boilermakers, Indianapo- lis Colts, Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints and the requests continue to pour in. He recently signed an entertain- ment agency booking contract with 32 Degrees Entertainment and has been hard at work on a country album in Nashville. Yours in Song caught up with Levi about his experience at PMO and his next single. Levi Riggs & Grammy-award winning Yours in Song: What did you enjoy most about your four years in PMO? country-pop trio Lady Antebellum Levi Riggs: PMO gave me a lot of opportunities. A combination of the travel opportunities, getting to meet all kinds of different people and the camaraderie and friendships made along the way are what I enjoyed most.

YiS: Did your experience help prepare you for your current endeavors?

LR: My Glee Club experience has been my roadmap on how I handle myself professionally. Everything from stage performance and learning how to handle yourself when things don’t go as planned to getting my gear on and off the stage effectively are things I learned as a part of PMO.

YiS: Why do you choose to give back to PMO?

LR: I give back because I like to see people succeed. Someone helped me get where I’m at and I want to help people get where they want to go. YiS: What’s next for you?

LR: Before the album drops, I’ll be releasing a new single, “My Best Friend’s a Girl,” which is about the early stages of marriage.

Levi graduated with honors in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sales and Marketing. Visit www.leviriggs.com to learn more.

AN UNEXPECTED FRIENDSHIP In the fall of 2007, the Purduettes performed for an army infantry reunion, during which they performed their customary “run-out.” Monica (Ruberg) Helfrich, then a senior, serenaded a man by the name of Bobby Stevens. During their brief chat, Monica learned Bobby was celebrating his 87th birthday. This in- spired her to gather her fellow Purduettes together following the show to surround Bobby to sing “Happy Birthday.”

Sometimes the simplest gestures mean the most. “Bobby was overjoyed and overwhelmed,” Monica recalls. “He gave me a hug and thanked me for ‘the greatest night of his life.’” A few weeks later, Bobby sent pictures of the perform- ance and a thank you letter to Monica. She responded to say it was her pleasure and shared a little bit about PMO. The two became lasting pen pals and Bobby promised Monica he would dance at her wedding. Last year, Monica was engaged (to PVGC alum, Barry Helfrich) and wrote to invite Bobby to attend their wedding. “It was so kind of him to travel up from Tennessee. I hadn't seen him since the night I met him at our Purduette performance. Our friendship is an example of how PMO can truly touch people's lives.” David Pierrat · Granger, Indiana · Senior · Building Construction Management Keeping Busy I knew when I entered college I needed an activity, besides school work, to keep me busy and that's when I found out the Purdue Varsity Glee Club was searching for a percussionist. Its first impression was a lasting one and I've been drumming for PMO since.

As a drummer in PMO, I've had a unique experience compared to most students in the group. I've had the privilege of performing with the Varsity Glee Club, Purduettes, and Heart & Soul during my four years at Purdue, and it has been a great time. Being part of such an organization teaches you so much about life you wouldn't normally learn as a college graduate. For instance, learning how to behave and interact in formal black tie affairs can be very important someday down the line. Besides everything else, it has been a wonderful opportunity to continue my passion for percussion and to make friends who have the same passion for music as I do.

Can’t come to us? Bring us to you! Purdue Musical Organizations relies on performance revenue to fund our operating expenses. Without the support we receive from our generous show sponsors, we would not be able to provide our student per- formers with scholarships and awards, costume subsidies, travel opportunities and more. We are able to travel almost anywhere and tailor our performance to almost any occasion. To learn more, contact Lance Connolly at 800-893-3041 or via e-mail at [email protected]. Begin the booking process for a PMO ensemble today!

New Merchandise Purdue Musical Organizations just released Ambassadors of Song, a new recording from the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. The CD features 25 tracks and is available for $15. To learn more or place your order, visit our Merchandise web page and download our order form. Or, if you prefer, call us at 800-893-3041 to order over the phone. Regrettably, online ordering is not currently available. Shipping is $3 and Indiana residents should add 7% sales tax. Student Successes Congratulations to Purdue Bells student Debbie McCaffrey on receiving the 2010 Alpha Chi Omega Arts Scholarship. This university-wide award recognizes one student who has demonstrated excellence in the arts. This May, Glee Club senior Noah Demerly will graduate and be commissioned from AFROTC Detachment 220. He will serve as a Maintenance Officer in the United States Air Force and be stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. Debbie McCaffrey Noah Demerly

PMO students visit the University’s PMO students present PHENOMENA, an entirely low-ropes course student-produced and student-directed production for team-building benefiting Food Finders Food Bank

6 Yours in Song · 2011 Yours in Song · 2011 7 Meet the PMO Advisory Board “My involvement with PMO is one of the most uplifting and enriching experiences in my life.” – Betsy Marti, University Choir ‘69, PMO Advisory Board

The PMO Advisory Board consists of alumni, donors and friends who serve as ambassadors for the program. Special thanks go to these volunteers who assist and advise PMO with friend-raising and fundraising efforts. Each year, members Congratulations to U-Choir alum nominate one person for membership. and PMO Advisory Board member Nominations are presented to the PMO Betsy Marti on receiving Mortar Director for review. To learn more, visit:

Board national honor society's top www.purdue.edu/pmo/advisory.shtml award for chapter advisors. Our New E-Home Last summer, we collaborated with Purdue’s Office of Marketing & Media to design a new home for PMO on the world wide web. The new website, www.purdue.edu/pmo, offers a number of new features: Learn how to book an ensemble

Check out our PMO Strategic Plan

Connect with us on social media

Review media coverage and announcements

Check out upcoming alumni & donor events

Read alumni news and share your story

Update your information with the University

Make a gift online and join PMO Club

Schedule an audition

Check out our PMO merchandise

And, of course, plan your visit to the annual Purdue Christmas Show

Congratulations and Welcome Aboard! After 12 years of serving as Dr. Melissa Exum joined the Purdue’s Vice President for Boilermaker family as our Student Services, Dr. Tom new Vice President for Robinson retired last sum- Student Affairs last August mer. We congratulate him on after serving as Dean of his retirement and thank him Students and Associate Vice for his friendship and many Chancellor of Student Affairs years of support. We wish at the University of North him, his wonderful wife Carolina at Chapel Hill. Nancy, and his entire family Please join us in welcoming Dr. Tom Robinson all the best. Hail Purdue! Dr. Exum to Purdue and PMO! Dr. Melissa Exum GET CONNECTED

To get connected with PMO on Facebook, visit www.facebook.com/PurduePMO and click “Like.” On Twitter, visit www.twitter.com/PurduePMO and click “Follow.” On LinkedIn, click Groups, then Group Directory and search for “Purdue Musical Organizations.” On YouTube, subscribe to our channel at www.youtube.com/user/PurduePMO. Purdue Musical Organizations 712 Third Street West Lafayette, IN 47907 800-893-3041 www.purdue.edu/pmo

2011 DATES TO KNOW

March

11-18 Glee Club Spring Break Performance Tour

27 Purduettes, Center for Cancer Research Benefit 2pm Lafayette Theatre Lafayette, IN

April

7 PHENOMENA, Elliott Hall of Music 7:30pm West Lafayette, IN

15 PMO Alumni Day, University Church All day West Lafayette, IN

16 Purduette Spring Spectacular, Long Center 7:30pm Lafayette, IN

17 Purdue Bells, University Choir, Heart & Soul and All Campus & Community Chorale Concert 4:30pm University Church West Lafayette, IN

May

14 Glee Club End of Season, Loeb Playhouse PMO STAFF 7:30pm West Lafayette, IN Director

August Bill Griffel, Varsity Glee Club and University Choir

Assistant Directors 19 Glee Club and Purduettes, Camp Tecumseh 2pm Brookston, IN Ted Arthur Varsity Glee Club, PMO Kids Choir 26 Glee Club First Nighter, Purdue Memorial Union 7:30pm West Lafayette, IN Michelle Beimfohr Purdue Bells September Jon Ranard 17 PMO Parent Cookout Purduettes, University Choir and Heart & Soul

October Jeff Vallier Purduettes, All Campus & Community Chorale 22 Homecoming and Recruitment

November Director of Operations

6 Purdue Bells, University Choir, Heart & Soul and Steve Schlenk

All Campus & Community Chorale Concert Director of Alumni & Donor Relations

4:30pm University Church West Lafayette, IN Joli Heavin

12 PMO Club Donor Reception Scheduling & Events Coordinator Lance Connolly December Account Clerk 3-4 78th Annual Purdue Christmas Show Weekend Kim Van Meter

Secretary/Receptionist This is not a complete listing. For details and Andrea Ridge many additional performances, please visit: Business Manager www.purdue.edu/pmo Kent Shoults 8 Yours in Song · 2011