Monte's Legacy

Last August I wrote a note to Monte right before I left for my first year of graduate school in Hawaii. I was so nervous, second guessing myself, and, today looking back, entirely less prepared than I thought I was. But now, a little over a year from that time, Monte is retiring from teaching, with a career of 40 YEARS under his belt. The words I wrote last year still ring truer than ever; this last year especially, he is the person that whole heartedly believed in me through my first year of grad school, and the reason I am continuing on through my second year.

And now, the photo guru is actually retiring. Although I am sad he is done teaching, I am also so very happy for him and extremely grateful that I had the opportunity to be his student. I can say with absolute certainty that I would not be where I am right now had I not had the opportunity to be Monte’s student. I am just happy I graduated college before he decided to retire- or maybe he knew I would never have stood for him leaving before then. Who’s to say…
To show the quality of Monte’s character, he is ending his teaching career with an exhibition of not his own work, but the work of his best students through years past. This summer when I got to see the work that was submitted, the work of so many people who have passed through his classroom, I was extremely inspired. Watching him sort through the submissions, reminisce about his students and the stories connected to each photo, he was gleaming with pride. I feel honored to be chosen to show amongst these talented artists.

Monte, you should be beyond proud of yourself and the accomplishments you have gained from your 4 decades of teaching. I can definitely say that St. Xavier’s art department has some big shoes to fill in replacing you. I have no doubt in my mind that there are hundreds of other students that would agree wholeheartedly on your deservedness of praise and acknowledgement for all that you have done, and a long time coming at that. I know from experience, as my mentor, you have changed my life in insurmountable ways. I personally cannot possibly thank you enough for believing in me, challenging me, and changing the direction of my life. Your devotion to the University and its students is something that I have not seen in any other teacher I have ever encountered. 40 years in the classroom and he still believes in each and every student, and pushes boundaries to help them aim to achieve their absolute potential. I would be happy to amount to even half of the educator and photographer he is.
Although he will no longer be in front of the classroom teaching every day, Monte will forever be my teacher, always guiding my art practice and my will to be better. I still judge every photo I make with “Monte’s Laws” in mind.

The Legacy Show is a great testament to your work, your accomplishments, and a record of all of the lives you’ve inspired by your genuine enthusiasm for teaching and photo making. I can’t wait to (virtually) see the results of the show when it opens tomorrow.
I am eager to see what retirement brings for you and your work, and I wish you the absolute BEST in this new endeavor. You deserve it.
A universal thank you for all of your amazing lessons through all of these years, your “Legacy” will surely live on. You are the best there is Monte, CONGRATS!!!