Mourners gathered Wednesday, Nov. 2, to honor and celebrate the life of Mike Munkel, General Manager of Sodexho Dining Services for the past 14 years.

Friends, family, and colleagues came together for a heartfelt memorial ceremony, filling the UC dining hall. The service, “Mike Munkel: A Celebration of Life”, highlighted many of the stories and achievements of his 58 years of service.

On a stage created for the event, two large viewing screens flanked a podium, showing pictures that recalled various moments in Munkel’s life.

David Belote, Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, opened the service, saying that “Munkel was more than just a measure of his deeds; his character was both a magnet and beacon, drawing people to him and lighting up every room he entered.”

“When Mike was around, sunlight followed, filling the space with life, laughter, and happiness. His motto was to celebrate the day and the life we’ve been given, always making room at the table for others,” Belote said.

Chancellor Nick Dunagan spoke of Mike, always smiling and encouraging, and of his love for students, often telling new students that he was going to be their new “mom or dad” while they were enrolled here, and meaning every word.

Dr. Phil Watkins, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Emeritus, recalled that Munkel didn’t know what defeat was.

“If a battle was lost, he simply saw that as another challenge. If a task was difficult or said to be impossible to do, he not only found a way, he made it fun in the process.”

“This was the ‘M&M effect.’ Mike loved M&Ms, and anything to do with them, often saying they were really named for him. His M&M effect on others was to make them realize that they were so much more inside than they imagined they could be or appeared to be on the outside,” Watkins said.

Next to speak was Bro. Fady Al-Hagal, Minister of Exciting Southside Baptist Church, and a close friend and neighbor, who delivered a spiritual eulogy and prayer, challenging everyone to “make room for God on campus and in their lives, echoing Mike’s belief to make room at the table as Christ makes room for us.”

Haley Simmons, a UTM student, followed by reading a poem titled “I Met Such a Man”, written by Darrell Simmons in honor of Mike’s children.

In tribute to Munkel, bowls of M&Ms had been placed on each table. Alumni Affairs director Charley Deal led a toast, asking everyone to take a few, and raise their hands in honor to Mike Munkel, “family man, best man, and biggest Skyhawk fan. God bless and God speed.”