Katee (Raible) Monahan '13 came to Westminster College drawn to its welcoming community, small class sizes, and strong sense of connection. Today, Katee is a Partner at Louis Plung & Company, LLP, where she advises clients across a variety of industries. For Katee, Westminster provided more than an academic foundation; it gave her the confidence, relationships, and values to pursue ambitious goals and continue making an impact in her career, family, and community and most importantly, the importance of being your own cheerleader. Read on to see how that lesson shaped her success.

Why did you choose Westminster?

I chose Westminster College because it immediately felt like a welcoming and inviting community. From the first time I visited, I was struck by how genuinely friendly everyone was and how beautiful the campus was. The campus has a setting that makes it easy to feel comfortable, connected, and proud to call it home. I was also drawn to Westminster’s smaller class sizes. They created a more personalized learning environment where I could build meaningful relationships with professors, ask questions, participate actively in discussions, and receive individual guidance throughout my academic experience. That sense of support, combined with the strong sense of community and opportunities to get involved, made Westminster the right fit for me.


What has your journey looked like since graduation?

Since graduating from Westminster, I have been fortunate to build both a fulfilling family life and a rewarding professional career. I married my wonderful husband, Kevin Monahan, shortly after college, and we will celebrate our 12^th  wedding anniversary this September. Together, we have three amazing daughters who have brought so much joy to our lives. Professionally, I began my career in public accounting at a firm where I spent more than a decade specializing in auditing financial institutions. Over the course of my time there, I grew into leadership roles and ultimately became a partner. I have since joined Louis Plung & Company, LLP, as a partner, where I work with clients across a wide range of industries. My work includes serving investment funds, not-for-profit organizations, employee benefit plans, construction companies, manufacturers, and many other businesses. I enjoy advising my clients and helping them navigate their business needs.


How well did Westminster prepare you for your career?

Westminster prepared me for my career by providing both a strong academic foundation and values that have stayed with me throughout my professional life. The accounting program gave me the fundamental knowledge of accounting that I continue to rely on every day, while also helping me develop effective study habits and discipline. Those skills were especially valuable as I prepared for and passed the CPA exam. Just as importantly, Westminster taught me that hard work pays off and encouraged me to pursue my goals with confidence and determination. I learned to think outside the box, approach challenges from different perspectives, and remain open to new ideas. The College also reinforced the importance of treating others with respect, an important lesson that has shaped how I work with clients, colleagues, and teams throughout my career.


How would you describe the level of academics you experienced during your time at Westminster College?

I would describe the academic experience at Westminster as both well-rounded and rigorous. The College provided a broad educational foundation that encouraged critical thinking, strong communication skills, and the ability to approach challenges from different perspectives. At the same time, the accounting program gave me an especially strong base in the technical and practical fundamentals of the profession. That foundation carried me through the early stages of my career and was invaluable as I prepared for and passed the CPA exam. Westminster’s academics challenged me to work hard, stay disciplined, and apply what I learned in meaningful ways with skills that have continued to serve me throughout my professional journey.


What internships or student research projects did you conduct during your time at Westminster?

During my final two years at Westminster, my advisor helped me secure an internship with a manufacturing company in Warrendale, Pennsylvania. The experience gave me valuable hands-on exposure to cost accounting, general ledger work, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and fixed-asset audits. It was an excellent introduction to practical accounting, provided a strong foundation as I began my professional career, and ultimately helped me stand out among other candidates during my public accounting interviews in my senior year.


What Westminster professor influenced you the most and why?

Two professors had a particularly meaningful influence on my Westminster experience: Professor Ligo and Professor Smithey. Professor Ligo made accounting feel practical and relevant by bringing his real-world experience into the classroom. He had a gift for making complex concepts easier to understand while also being honest about the realities of life and work after college. One piece of advice that has always stayed with me is his encouragement to have three sources of income, an example of how he taught us to think not only as accounting students, but also as professionals planning for the future. Professor Smithey, my political science professor, influenced me in a different but equally important way. She challenged her students to think outside the box, question assumptions, and never take information at face value. Her class strengthened my critical-thinking skills and taught me the importance of considering different perspectives, which has been valuable throughout my career.

Were you involved in any student organizations, clubs, or athletic teams while you were on campus?

I was very involved in campus life at Westminster, and those experiences helped shape both my leadership skills and my commitment to giving back. I was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha, where I served as both Judicial Chair and Philanthropy Chair. Serving in those roles developed my appreciation for philanthropy and community involvement. That passion later led me to create a philanthropy committee at my first public accounting firm because I saw how meaningful service opportunities could be, particularly for younger professionals. I also served as President and Treasurer of the Campus Programming Council, which was responsible for bringing entertainment and events to campus. In addition, I was Treasurer of the Pre-Law Society, as at one point, I thought I might pursue a career in law. These organizations gave me opportunities to develop leadership, organization, and teamwork skills while becoming more connected to the Westminster community.

What makes the Westminster College experience unique?

What makes the Westminster College experience unique is the combination of a close-knit, welcoming community with strong academics and meaningful opportunities to grow outside the classroom. The smaller class sizes allow students to build genuine relationships with professors and advisors, who provide individualized guidance and help connect classroom learning to real-world experiences, such as internships and career opportunities. Westminster also encourages students to become involved, take on leadership roles, and give back to the community. My experiences in student organizations, along with the support I received from professors and advisors, helped me build confidence, develop practical skills, and form values that have continued to guide me personally and professionally.

What significant life lesson did you learn at Westminster?

One of the most significant lessons I learned at Westminster was that hard work truly pays off, but it is equally important to believe in yourself and be your own biggest cheerleader. Westminster taught me to set high goals, work diligently towards them, and have the confidence to pursue the opportunities I wanted. I also learned that college is not only about succeeding in the classroom; it is about preparing for life beyond it. Professor Ligo demonstrated that lesson in a way I will always remember. When I needed to miss class to close on a house with my fiancé, he understood and told me that preparing for life outside the classroom was a lesson itself. That experience reinforced the importance of balancing responsibility, planning for the future, and continuing to grow both personally and professionally.


Why should a prospective student consider coming to Westminster College?

Students should consider Westminster because it offers an environment where they are known, supported, and encouraged to make the most of their college years. The College combines a strong educational foundation with opportunities to lead organizations, serve others, and gain experiences that translate directly into professional and personal growth. Westminster helped me leave campus with practical skills, lasting relationships, and the confidence to pursue ambitious goals.


Knowing what you know now, what piece of advice would you give to yourself on that first day on campus?

I would tell myself to embrace every opportunity, work hard, and trust that I belong. College moves quickly, so I would encourage myself to get involved, build relationships with professors and classmates, and step outside of my comfort zone, even when it feels intimidating. Most importantly, I would remind myself to always be my own biggest cheerleader and enjoy the journey, because the experiences, friendships, and confidence gained at Westminster would continue to shape my life long after graduation.

Has Westminster's alumni network benefited you in your job search or career? If so, how?

The Westminster alumni network played an important role in my first job search. A fellow Westminster graduate and Zeta Tau Alpha sister hired me for my first position in public accounting, where I went on to spend more than a decade building my career. That experience showed me the lasting value of the Westminster community and the meaningful connections it creates long after graduation.

To connect with Katee, reach out to her on LinkedIN or at Kmonahan@louisplung.com.

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