In 2005, Lance Connolly began his journey to Purdue University from the small town of Rushville, IN. During Lance’s time here as a student he was an active member of Purdue’s Varsity Glee Club serving as Chairman of the Purdusirs his senior year. Being part of this organization proved to be some of the best experiences he had as a student. Lance was able to learn valuable time management skills while working towards his Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. When asked how he managed it all, he simply stated, “The Mortarboard,” utilizing this simple organizational tool, allowed Lance to manage his daily rehearsals with the Varsity Glee Club, academics, and traveling the world to such places as South Africa performing shows with the Purdue Musical Organizations (PMO).

While, being a student and part of the Varsity Glee Club was truly rewarding in itself, his experiences did not stop there. In 2009, Lance graduated from Purdue and joined the PMO staff as their Scheduling and Events Coordinator. This gave him a whole new perspective to PMO. First being a student and now a full time employee Lance was able to experience the “behind the scenes” work in organizing large events such as the annual PMO Christmas Show.

In 2012, Lance made the move within the organization by becoming their Director of Donor Relations and Events. Lance truly enjoys his job with PMO and appreciates the experiences he had with this program as a student, as it helped shape him into the person he is today.

PMO is currently busy gearing up for their Annual Christmas Show which will be held December 1-2 in Elliot Hall of Music. In May, they will travel to Europe for their International Tour performing over a two week period in countries such as Austria, Germany, France, and Switzerland.

–by Ashley Welchans