John R. "Jack" Donovan, a University of South Alabama alumnus and senior vice president of Aramark Corp., served as Mitchell College of Business spring semester Executive-in-Residence speaker.

He encouraged the students to adopt a lifelong learning model, continually improving their skills and education. Donovan urged them to find a career they could feel passionately about. "When I get up in the morning, I can't wait to go to work," he said. "I love what I do."

After sharing his business experiences with several classes, Donovan had lunch with USA President Gordon Moulton, businessman and philanthropist Abraham Mitchell, Mitchell College of Business Dean Carl Moore and members of the faculty, as well as senior campus administrators. He told them that his master's in business administration from the University had made a tremendous difference in his career and life.

USA Alumnus and Mitchell College of Business executive-in-residence Jack Donovan (left) spoke to students about his experiences as a senior vice president of Aramark Corp. recently. After his seminars, he met with (from left) businessman and philanthropist Abraham Mitchell, Mitchell College of Business Dean Carl Moore and USA President Gordon Moulton for a luncheon and discussion of the current business climate.

Donovan's career pace with Aramark has been meteoric since joining them in 1988. He is considered among the country's top executives. In his 17-year Aramark career, he has served as president of correction, campus and educational services. In 2004, Donovan was named senior vice president and president of Aramark business, sports, and entertainment services.

In his present role, Donovan oversees Aramark's services to thousands of stadiums, arenas, amphitheaters, convention centers and tourist attractions. These include NFL, NBA and Major League Baseball stadiums and arena sites, as well as major concert halls and office buildings throughout the country. In 2004, his Aramark personnel handled such special events as the Super Bowl, Major League Baseball All Star Game, and a formal dinner for 5,000 at former president George Bush's 80th birthday celebration.

Prior to joining Aramark, Donovan held positions with Morrison Inc. of Mobile and Servomation Corp.