Speeches

Men's Glee Club 150th Anniversary Concert

 

April 10, 2010

It’s a pleasure to welcome everyone to tonight’s historic performance. I know we are all looking forward to a wonderful evening.

I want to extend a special welcome to the hundreds of Glee Club alumni who have returned to campus for this weekend’s celebration. I’m sure you are re-connecting with friends and classmates, including those you have not seen in some time.

And while hairlines and waistlines may have changed, you have an ageless bond in your Glee Club experience.

I thought about this legacy as my husband, Ken, and I walked here tonight from the President’s House. The first president of the University, Henry Tappan, lived in the same beautiful house. And 150 years ago, he had the same wonderful opportunity to stroll the campus and listen to a society of young men who loved to sing.

Through the years, so much has changed on our campus and in our world. Henry Tappan surely would not recognize Ann Arbor. But he and every audience member of the past 15 decades – audiences here on campus and around the world – would know the splendid sound of the Men’s Glee Club.

It is the sound of camaraderie, school pride, and musical excellence. It is the joyous noise of students reveling in fellowship and song, and as it has since 1859, our community applauds you for sharing your talent and your spirit.

The Glee Club traditionally closes each performance with “The Yellow and Blue.” But tonight, let me begin by saying hurrah for the yellow and blue, and hurrah for the University of Michigan’s Glee Club. Congratulations on 150 exceptional years.