Michael received numerous scholarships, including one from L.U.L.A.C. Council No. 151, and he enrolled in the Business School at the University of Texas at Austin in the Fall of 1974.  During his first semester a chance meeting with a fellow dormitory resident who was practicing his castanets led him to enroll in an Ethnic Dance class in the Spring of 1975 that was taught by Sanjuanita Martinez.  In the Fall of 1975 Ms. Martinez called Michael to a meeting at the Anna Hiss Gym where students Roy Lozano, Sylvia Quiñones, Patsy Haynes and J.P. Gutierrez were discussing the formation of a ballet folklórico.  After completing a one-year probation, the group became a Sport Club under the auspices of the Division of Recreational Sports.  In addition to receiving training as a dancer, Michael was elected as Public Relations officer in 1975,  Treasurer in 1976, then Chairman through 1979.  During the formative years he was instrumental in the research, design, and completion of the group's wardrobe and accessories.

In the Fall of 1980 when the majority of the founding members had graduated, Michael took the role of Director and Choreographer in order to preserve the dance traditions that had begun five years earlier; he continues as Coach today.  In addition to creating new works and arranging dance workshops by renowned folklorists in Mexico, he has maintained the wardrobe, accessories and music of the group.  His exemplary volunteerism towards the club has been an inspiration to his students over the years.

Although he never completed his undergraduate degree Michael has worked his way through various administrative assistant positions within the private and public sectors. He currently holds a full-time position as a Business Systems Consultant with the Travis County Purchasing Office.  Michael has received numerous nominations and recognition for his outstanding customer service towards his fellow employees.  His technical computer, software and programming skills are mostly self-taught, but recent training in MS Access and Oracle have augmented his skills base.

As an extension of the Austin Energy's "Do the Right Thing" cultural diversity effort, Michael served as head of the Culture Committee from April of 1992 though October of 1993.  During this time he coordinated the celebration of events to commemorate Cinco de Mayo, Black History Month, St. Patrick's Day, and an all-inclusive Cultural Unity Day for the Utility's employees.  In recognition of his leadership he was presented with a commemorative plaque in February of 1994.  Further, the Committee's efforts, under his leadership, were among the many facets for which Austin Energy received a Community Service Award from the American Public Power Association in 1994.

Michael is a valuable resource for Mexican folk arts in the Austin area, and through contacts received via two of the websites he built and maintains, he has traveled to several cities throughout the U.S. to conduct workshops and lectures.  .  He has served as a consultant to the Spanish Academy of the Austin Independent School District.  Not only has he mounted exhibits of costumes, folk crafts and art, he has also generously helped others to mount exhibits at their places of work.  Most notably, Michael served as the "right-hand-man" to his dear friend, Roy Lozano, throughout the formation and present existence of Roy's professional dance company, including wardrobe, research, and technical and general business advice.