Michael Joseph Acuña

During this most difficult time, I pray that the love of your family eases your pain. I pray that the memories of your beloved Mike bring you laughter. Lastly, I pray that his spirit bring you strength now and until you meet again in the kingdom of our Lord. Thinking of you all.

Mike, you are missed! I am glad that I worked with you on the study abroad Maymester programs and you were always such a big help to the students. Your work meant so much to so many people. We appreciate you and miss you. I enjoyed coming over to your office for our weekly meetings. Your office was always such a calm place and we always laughed a lot. You were a fun and caring colleague and I am very sad knowing I will not run into you on campus anymore and share laughs.

Mike was such a great guy and brother. He will be deeply missed. Deepest condolences.

Mike and I were in several classes together in the Spanish department at UT. I have warm memories of going for coffee before class and studying together. He had a warm heart and an old soul. I will miss you, Mike.

Mike was always so cheerful, friendly and helpful whenever our paths crossed on the UT campus, and my condolences go out to his dear family.

I especially remember how excited he was to be working on the Santa Barbara Master's program, and later his Ph.D.

We are all so fortunate to have known such a great guy, and he will be missed.

Mike was a great mentor to me during mytime at the University of Texas at Austin. He was one of the few people that shared a love for bull fighting! I hadn't seen Mike in over 5 years when I left the University but, I always did have him in my head telling me not to give up. I will truly miss him even more now. I used to could be able to pick up the phone and call when I needed advice and he was always there for me no matter how busy his schedule was. He was definitely a great man. But, God...

Mike was a warm, caring friend to UT students, faculty and staff colleagues. I send my heartfelt sadness at his passing. He will be missed for his smile, humor, warmth, and care.

I believe that a person’s greatest worth is in how they touch the lives of others. Whether face to face or behind the scenes, Mike affected so many of our lives in a positive way. At work or play (although I’m not at all sure he would have considered the two separate), he had a way of reminding those around him that, above all, life is good. This attitude was reflected in Mike’s gift of being able to laugh at many things, including himself, without lacking respect for life’s hardships and...