Michael O’Connor is a former president of the BYU Alumni Association. He is well-known for his enthusiasm and pride for BYU, his alma mater. O’Connor graduated from BYU in 1989 with his bachelor’s degree in Spanish with an emphasis in international relations. He was appointed to his position in the Alumni Association in 2012 and served there until 2014. During his time as president, O’Connor gave four commencement addresses to graduating students. During these speeches, he encouraged graduates to stay connected by returning to the university and serving others in the same way they have been served. His attitude of service and giving has influenced many and will continue to do so.
O’Connor originally hails from Moreno Valley, California. During his teenage years, O’Connor met with missionaries and made the decision to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He later accepted a call to serve as a missionary in Argentina, where he first heard of BYU from his fellow missionaries. The name caught his interest. He made the decision to apply, was accepted, and then began attending when he returned home. O’Connor certainly cannot be blamed for his BYU pride; he met his wife while studying at BYU and they now have four children. His excitement about supporting the university and, most importantly, the students and alumni makes an impression on many.
O’Connor is currently the executive vice president of HUB International Insurance Services, where he has worked for over ten years. He has not let his lifetime of service end at BYU; in addition to his service to the BYU Alumni Association, he served for two years as a local Boy Scouts of America council president. O’Connor is a fine example of the values BYU hopes its students will exemplify as they “go forth to serve”.
