Monmouth College

The legacy of the McConnell clan at Monmouth College began in 1912, when family patriarch The Rev. Harold Harper McConnell ’16 enrolled as a freshman. A football and basketball letterman, he was also a star debater and served as president of the Philo Society. His accomplishments attracted the attention of classmate and fellow English major Margretta Gardiner, whom he married after graduation. She would later receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award, in 1958.

 

Harold became a Presbyterian minister and the McConnells became the parents of twin sons—Harold Jr. and James, who also enrolled at Monmouth. Both followed in their father’s footsteps, becoming Presbyterian ministers.

 

The Rev. Harold McConnell Jr. ’43 majored in government and was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon, the football team and M Club. He was awarded an honorary degree by Monmouth College in 1964. He served on the Alumni Board in the 1960s and as national chair of the Monmouth Fund in 1970-71. In 1993, he delivered Monmouth’s baccalaureate address. He has also been active on reunion committees, serving as emcee at his 50th reunion.

 

The Rev. James McConnell ’46 majored in English and was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon, the football and basketball teams and M Club. He offered the prayer for graduates during the 1994 commencement ceremony, after which he received an honorary degree. He has been a member of many reunion committees. The Rev. Robert “Cam” McConnell ’72, the son of Harold Jr., continued the family tradition of attending Monmouth College, en route to a career as a Presbyterian minister. He is currently senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, Kansas. An English major, he was involved in Alpha Tau Omega, Interfraternity Council and Blue Key while on campus. He served on the Alumni Board from 1977-1986. Since 1992, he has served on the board of trustees and is currently a member of its Student Affairs Committee.