Written by: Eric Kautz

On Friday, January 9, the Saint Joe's community celebrated Mr. Monahan Day,  honoring Mr. Monahan for his commitment to the school and its students. The celebration consisted of raising a flag dedicated to Monahan in front of the campus ministry building, following a proclamation being read in Monahan's honor. The celebration created a large crowd, showing the true impact of Mr. Monahan. 

Currently at Saint Joseph's, more than 15 partners in mission attended Saint Joe’s, returning to the place that once shaped them into who they are today. Among those partners is Michael Monahan ‘11, who now years later, finds himself back to where it all began. This time, Monahan is on the flip side of the coin, not being formed as a young man anymore, but contributing to the formation of well-rounded young men of the next generation of Falcons. 

During his time on Plainfield Avenue as a student, Monahan was an active member of the Spanish Club, moderated by the recently retired Senora Bonelli, the chess club, and was on the volleyball team. The libero and defensive specialist recorded 52 digs in his senior season, helping the Falcons secure the sectional championship. The alumnus would then attend Catholic University in Washington, D.C., carrying a piece of Saint Joe's with him.

Before becoming a partner in mission present daily on campus, Monahan was formerly a varsity basketball assistant coach as well as the freshman basketball head coach, both teams with remarkable success. Today, he serves as the student service coordinator and a member of the admissions team, supporting students academically, socially, and personally. Amongst students, Monahan is known as an approachable and dependable leader whom students can rely on no matter the situation

Monahan's impact grew so profoundly that a group of students in the class of '27 were so heavily impacted by his mentorship that they collaborated with Dean of Students Ryan Carter to establish a tradition of Mr. Monahan Day annually on January 10th, celebrated by the entire student body and all partners in mission. 

When asked why he was motivated to return to his alma mater, Monahan explained, “To give back to our students, share my life experiences with them for them to learn from it.” His commitment to their growth has not gone unnoticed. Logan Ring ‘27, a member of Coach Monahan's county-championship freshman basketball team during the 2023-2024 season, commended the leader, saying, “ Mr. Monahan was one of the most influential coaches I've ever had because he is more than just a coach, he's a great mentor.” Fellow junior Giacamo Florio ‘27, a part of the Mr. Monahan Day founding group, added, “Mr. Monahan is a walking image of what it truly means to be a St. Joes man.”

“Saint Joe's is home for me; it helped me see a more diverse world than I grew up with. My experience here created lifelong memories and friends,” the role model shared. During his student years, one of his closest friends was Charles Neri ‘11. Today, Neri and Monahan now work side by side, Neri serving as a social studies teacher, but still united in their mission to guide and inspire students.

Walking the halls where he once learned and laughed, Monahan continues to make a difference, shaping the future while still tributing his past. Monahan's dedication to Saint Joe's and its core values and teachings demonstrates the true spirit and power of the Saint Joe's difference in action. Through heart and authenticity, Monahan inspires all around him, leaving a lasting impact through generations of Falcons.