John Monroe ’15 Named 2023 Benedictine College Young Alum

Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan., announced that John Monroe, from the Class of 2015, is the Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipient for 2023. The award recognizes alumni who are under 35 years old, have distinguished themselves in their community and profession, and who support the values promoted at Benedictine College. Each year the honoree returns to address the graduating seniors at the traditional Senior Champagne Brunch the day before Commencement.

“Character is everything,” Monroe told the gathered seniors. “Character shapes who we are as individuals. It influences how we behave, how we treat others, and how we make decisions. Good character leads to positive outcomes in all areas of life, including personal relationships, academic and professional success, and overall happiness and well-being.

“I believe that the character which Benedictine built within each one of you will set you on a successful path if you hold true to it.”

Monroe was a student-athlete on the Raven Baseball team and graduated with a degree in Political Science. He currently serves as the Vice President of Government Affairs and Partner at 1861 Consulting, LLC. In his role, he provides governmental consulting and lobbying efforts on behalf of more than 50 businesses, organizations and associations.

He received an MBA from the University of Kansas and serves as the Family Advisory Council Chair for the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center. Before starting 1861 Consulting in 2019, Monroe had worked for Hein Governmental Consulting, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback, and U.S. Senate Campaigns in New Jersey and Louisiana.

He currently resides in Lawrence, Kansas, with his wife Kalynn and his 1-year-old daughter Charlotte.

Founded in 1858, Benedictine College is a Catholic, Benedictine, residential, liberal arts college located on the bluffs above the Missouri River in Atchison, Kansas. The school is honored to have been named one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report as well as one of the top Catholic colleges in the nation by First Things magazine and the Newman Guide. It prides itself on outstanding academics, extraordinary faith life, strong athletic programs, and an exceptional sense of community and belonging. It has a mission to educate men and women within a community of faith and scholarship.