2008 Woodie Awards
UCM Graduate, Restaurant Owner, Remains Involved in Alma Mater
Donna Story: Muleskinner
Issue date: 2/7/08 Section: Features
It has been more than 35 years since Mike Donegan roamed the UCM campus. He earned his bachelors degree from Central Missouri in 1971, but he is still involved and gives back to UCM. The restaurants Donegan owns in Kansas City allow him to give back in his own way.
Donegan studied business management at UCM with an emphasis in marketing. He said the time he spent at the University was a great experience where he learned a lot. Adding that one of the most valuable things he learned at UCM was how to work with people and build valuable relationships.
"I'm still friends with many people I met at Central," Donegan said.
John Culp, program development and retention coordinator for student athletes at UCM, said he remembers Donegan from their days as fraternity brothers.
"He was a fraternity brother of mine when we were in TKE [Tau Kappa Epsilon], Culp said. "He was always level headed. Being in a Greek fraternity, we needed guys that were level headed."
Donegan claims not to be very involved in the Mules football boosters because he said he rarely makes it to Warrensburg for games, he does listen to the games whenever he can. Donegan also provides support for the Mules and Jennies in various other ways.
"I provide catering and support when [Central Missouri's athletics] needs the help," Donegan said.
According to Jerry Hughes, UCM athletics director, Donegan has donated items to sports auctions, helped with the UCM golf tournament and provided catering in the Kansas City area for athletics and alumni events.
Hughes added that Donegan's catering services are a big help, noting it is important to have alumni that are willing to help with social events and athletic recruitment. Culp agreed when he said Donegan is very proud of UCM, and is always willing to help out where he can.
"Mike is a good person with a big heart, he is a difference maker," Culp said.
Donegan bought his first restaurant, Stroud's Chicken, 30 years ago when he was only 27. His first restaurant was in downtown Kansas City, though that location has since closed and the city has torn down the building.
Donegan studied business management at UCM with an emphasis in marketing. He said the time he spent at the University was a great experience where he learned a lot. Adding that one of the most valuable things he learned at UCM was how to work with people and build valuable relationships.
"I'm still friends with many people I met at Central," Donegan said.
John Culp, program development and retention coordinator for student athletes at UCM, said he remembers Donegan from their days as fraternity brothers.
"He was a fraternity brother of mine when we were in TKE [Tau Kappa Epsilon], Culp said. "He was always level headed. Being in a Greek fraternity, we needed guys that were level headed."
Donegan claims not to be very involved in the Mules football boosters because he said he rarely makes it to Warrensburg for games, he does listen to the games whenever he can. Donegan also provides support for the Mules and Jennies in various other ways.
"I provide catering and support when [Central Missouri's athletics] needs the help," Donegan said.
According to Jerry Hughes, UCM athletics director, Donegan has donated items to sports auctions, helped with the UCM golf tournament and provided catering in the Kansas City area for athletics and alumni events.
Hughes added that Donegan's catering services are a big help, noting it is important to have alumni that are willing to help with social events and athletic recruitment. Culp agreed when he said Donegan is very proud of UCM, and is always willing to help out where he can.
"Mike is a good person with a big heart, he is a difference maker," Culp said.
Donegan bought his first restaurant, Stroud's Chicken, 30 years ago when he was only 27. His first restaurant was in downtown Kansas City, though that location has since closed and the city has torn down the building.
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