Loren E. Monroe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Loren E. Monroe
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|---|---|
| Treasurer of Michigan | |
| In office September 5, 1978 – 1982 |
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| Governor | William Milliken |
| Preceded by | Allison Green |
| Succeeded by | Robert A. Bowman |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 5, 1932 Hillsborough County, Florida |
| Died | May 29, 2019 (aged 87) |
| Alma mater | Wayne State University |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1953-1955 |
| Battles/wars | Korean War |
Loren Eugene Monroe Sr. (born April 5, 1932 – died May 29, 2019) was a very important person in Michigan's history. He was the first African American to become the Michigan State Treasurer. This means he was in charge of managing the state's money. He helped Michigan with its finances during a challenging time.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Loren E. Monroe was born in Hillsborough County, Florida, on April 5, 1932. His parents were Eugene and Leona Monroe. Soon after Loren was born, his family moved to Thomasville, Georgia.
School and Military Service
In 1949, Loren finished high school at Frederick Douglass High in Thomasville. In 1953, he joined the United States Army. He served during the Korean War. While in the army, he worked as a Morse code interceptor, which means he listened to and understood secret messages. Loren was honorably discharged from the army in 1955.
College Years
After his time in the army, Loren and his wife, Loreana, moved to Detroit, Michigan. In 1958, Loren earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Wayne State University. He continued his studies at the same university. In 1970, he earned a law degree (J.D.), and in 1980, he earned another advanced law degree (LL.M.).
Career Highlights
Loren Monroe had a long and successful career in finance and law. In 1970, he became a member of the Michigan bar, which meant he could practice law. In 1974, he became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). This showed he was an expert in accounting.
Working for Michigan
From 1959 to 1970, Monroe worked as an auditor for the Michigan Department of Treasury. He checked financial records to make sure everything was correct. After that, he worked as a tax specialist for a big accounting firm called Coopers & Lybrand International from 1970 to 1976.
Becoming State Treasurer
Loren Monroe also helped start a law firm called Mosley & Monroe, P.C., and worked there from 1976 to 1978. On August 18, 1978, Michigan Governor William Milliken chose him to be the Michigan State Treasurer. He officially started on September 5, 1978, and served until 1982.
Helping Chrysler
One important event during his time as Treasurer happened in 1980. Monroe signed a deal with Chrysler CEO Lee A. Iacocca. Chrysler was having financial problems, so the Michigan Treasury loaned the company $150 million. This loan helped Chrysler during a difficult time.
Later Career
In 1985, Monroe helped create another firm called Pierce, Monroe & Associates, LLC. In 2004, he ran for the Detroit City Council but was not elected. In 2006, Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick appointed Monroe as Detroit's auditor general. He retired from this position in 2013 due to health reasons.
Monroe was also a member of many professional groups for lawyers and accountants. These included the Michigan Bar Association and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Personal Life
Loren Monroe was married to Annie Duncan, and they had five children together. Later, he married Lei'Wan Newby. Sadly, his oldest son, Loren Jr., passed away in 1971. Monroe was a member of the Prince Hall Freemasons and was a Baptist.
Death and Legacy
Loren Monroe passed away on May 29, 2019. His funeral was held in Detroit on June 4, 2019.
In 2013, a book called Black Firsts: 4,000 Ground-Breaking and Pioneering Historical Events recognized Loren Monroe. It listed his achievement as the first African-American Michigan State Treasurer. He was also included in a list of the "100 Most Influential Black Americans." This shows how important his contributions were.
