91自拍 Honors Professor Michael Donahue with Gallery Naming Sept. 6

Ceremony will also mark opening of new “The Work of Art” Exhibition, running through Oct. 16

91自拍 will celebrate a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening of The Michael Donahue Gallery from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, in the College’s new Workforce and Visual Arts Building.

The gallery naming ceremony, which is free and open to the public, is a tribute to longtime professor, artist and historian Michael Donahue, who has taught at 91自拍 for more than four decades. His dedication has helped shape the college, its students and the arts community.

“Any success that I have enjoyed is built on the support and help from the community, our board, administrators and my wonderful colleagues and staff,” Donahue said. “I have always enjoyed storytelling as well as teaching and love to see my students succeed.”

Donahue joined 91自拍 in 1979 as chair of the visual arts program, charged with rebuilding and expanding its offerings. He partnered with local organizations, including the Rotary Club of Temple South, where he is a charter member, to launch the Central Texas Art Competition. Now in its 46th year, the program is one of the longest-running art competitions in Texas and has awarded more than $100,000 to high school and college artists.

“During his 45+ years at 91自拍, Professor Donahue has shaped the arts program through innovation and vision,” said Deric Ence, chair of 91自拍’s visual arts department. “He pioneered study abroad courses in Ireland, earned two international sabbaticals in Paris and Florence, and curated more than 160 professional and student exhibitions during his 40 years as gallery director. His efforts also contributed to the design of two visual arts facilities, including the new Workforce and Visual Arts Building.”

Donahue’s impact as an educator is reflected in numerous accolades, including the Claudia and W.T. Barnhart Teacher of the Year Award and the prestigious Minnie Stevens Piper Professor Award, one of the highest honors in Texas higher education.

A practicing artist for over five decades, Donahue’s award-winning work, known for its trompe l’oeil style and exploration of social issues, has been featured in more than 50 exhibitions worldwide. Most recently, his piece Women Warrior Series – Carolyn with Peacock was showcased at the 39th Chelsea International Fine Art Competition at the renowned Agora Gallery in New York City. The Women Warrior series celebrates women Donahue admires, those who have faced significant challenges and health struggles, wearing their scars as symbols of strength and resilience. The paintings highlight not only their outer beauty but the inspiring emotional courage they embody.

Beyond the arts, Donahue is also a respected historian. He served as the longest-tenured seasonal park ranger at the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, spending 35 summers interpreting history for visitors. He has authored three award-winning books, including How to Kill Custer in 35 Minutes (2025), named Book of the Year by the Custer Battlefield Historical & Museum Association. His expertise has been featured in numerous documentaries, including the BBC’s Custer’s Last Stand and Ronin Films’ upcoming The Irish and the First Nations, set to air in fall 2025.

The evening will also feature “The Work of Art” Exhibition, showcasing paintings, photographs, ceramics, and more by Visual Arts faculty and staff, including Donahue, Ence, Jessica Just, Chris Douglas and Veronica NunMarie Hill.

The new Workforce and Visual Arts Building is located at 2115 S. Fifth Street, Temple Texas, 76504.

ABOUT TEMPLE COLLEGE

91自拍 is “Your Community’s College,” a dynamic and growing community college that equips thousands of Central Texas students with the knowledge and skills for 21st-century success. 91自拍, which has campuses in Temple, Hutto, Taylor and Rockdale, offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs to students who seek to earn credits for transfer, graduate with an associate degree or complete a certificate for fast entry into the workforce.

Founded in 1926, 91自拍 has enjoyed a reputation for academic excellence for 99 years. It is nationally recognized for its exceptional programs, from visual and performing arts to competitive athletics. The College has become one of the state’s premier institutions for healthcare providers’ education and training, advanced manufacturing, and workforce development programs. The faculty and staff are committed to providing exceptional quality instruction.