Alumnus Makes Lasting Impact Through Educating Future Generations

“Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another.”~ G. K. Chesterton

Since 1858, Benedictine College has focused on transforming the hearts and minds of its students and positioning them to make their way in the world, often in ways that make a lasting impact on others. G.K. Chesterton profoundly stated, “education is simply the soul of a society,” and Benedictine College is preparing future educators to pass it on to coming generations.

One new classical educator, Coley O’Connor, is a recent graduate of Benedictine’s Master of Arts in Classical Education (MACE). He began his time at Benedictine studying Theology and Philosophy during his undergraduate years. Being part of the Sheridan Honors Institute and its John Paul II Fellows, O’Connor acquired great friendship with peers and mentorship with his professors, Dr. Edward Mulholland and Dr. Andrew Salzmann.

Although O’Connor was not previously inclined toward an educator career path, his mentor, Dr. Mulholland, invited him to look into Benedictine’s MACE program.

After deep consideration and research on classical education, O’Connor realized the impact it has on an individual. Knowing that Dr. Mulholland and Dr. Salzmann would be heavily involved in the Master’s program, O’Connor went on to enroll in Benedictine’s MACE after completing his undergraduate studies in 2023.

“If it was in their hands (Dr. Edward Mulholland and Dr. Andrew Salzmann), then I knew the formation would be a top tier program,” O’Connor said. “It was remarkable to understand the philosophical roots of both classical education and modern progressive education. Seeing where those two come from and how deeply they influence what actually happens in the classroom really sold me on classical education.”

O’Connor began his studies as a graduate student in Summer 2023. Balancing classes and studying, he was also a student-teacher. As a MACE student, an individual is assigned to schools across different regions to support intentional and continuous learning.

“Part of the MACE program involves teaching; that’s a significant part of the credits earned,” O’Connor explains. “You come to understand the why of classical education and its actual philosophical movement. You understand where modern progressive education draws from the philosophical way—how that’s all rooted in human anthropology and how human anthropology, how we look and understand the human person, determines how we educate.”

Leaning into the pillars of the MACE program, O’Connor excelled in the Philosophical, Great Books, and Pedagogical disciplines. Through his teaching experience while learning the formations of classical education, he prepared for his anticipated career.

In Spring 2025, O’Connor graduated and accepted a job at St. John Paul the Great Catholic High School in Denver.

“I feel very grounded in Greek and Roman thought,” he said. “Despite the specifics of being new, I feel like I know the world well. I’m able to elucidate the unique side of history.”

“It’s really helpful being in a classical school and understanding why we’re doing the things we’re doing, why we approach things the way we do, why we don’t teach to a test, why we’re more invested in a holistic formation,” he said.

O’Connor is educating young minds. Relying upon classical texts–C.S. Lewis, Kristin Lavransdatter, Herodotus’ Histories, and remarkably, G.K. Chesterton–O’Connor is happily engaged with his students and the curriculum.

Through Benedictine’s MACE graduate program, this opportunity was made possible for him. The program’s professional development and hands-on experience empowered him to create a lasting impact for generations to come.

By Emma R.C. Lyons