Michael and Renee Minogue P'28, '31

Champions of Giving: Michael and Renee Minogue

Meet the Donors

Michael and Renee Minogue are parents, philanthropists, and leaders whose lives reflect a shared commitment to faith, education, and service. As founders of the Michael and Renee Minogue Foundation, they focus their giving on initiatives that expand access to high-quality education and help students thrive intellectually, socially, and spiritually.

 

They are also deeply connected to Austin Prep as parents of two students. Their relationship with the School is grounded in a belief that education should challenge students academically while forming their character and faith. “We were drawn to Austin Prep because of the mission that includes the Augustinian values that are so central to everything they do there,” Mike shared. “Unitas, veritas, and caritas are in every aspect of the education, and we really love that.”

The Inspiration to Give

For the Minogue family, education is both a calling and a responsibility.

“Our foundation believes that the best way to break the cycle of poverty and to give kids confidence is to give them a great education,” Mike said. “What Austin Prep does is it focuses on the academics, but it instills faith into these kids.”

They see faith-based education as essential preparation for the challenges young people face today.

“If we think about the future, the anxiety students face, and all the challenges they are going to encounter, it’s one thing to have strong academics, but it’s also very important for them to have a faith-based foundation to fall back on,” he added.

This belief shapes how they invest in schools and programs that educate the whole child, forming not only capable students, but grounded and resilient young adults.

Supporting Austin Prep 

One of the most visible expressions of the Minogues' generosity was their gift of the Austin Prep Christmas tree, a cherished tradition that brings the community together each Advent season.

“I love the celebration and the energy that Austin Prep puts into the tree lighting ceremony,” Mike said. “We cut the tree down and it will be part of the celebration. And what it signifies is the start of the season to celebrate Jesus’ birth. And I think that’s a wonderful thing for the School to celebrate.”

 

Their support of Austin Prep also extends beyond traditions. Through their philanthropy, the Minogues help advance mission-driven priorities, including academic initiatives that support students with varied learning styles and needs through the Center for Integrated Learning. Their giving reflects a belief that strong academics, paired with personalized support and faith formation, create the conditions for students to flourish.

Austin Prep’s impact is felt most clearly through their own children’s experience.

“Austin Prep has been a wonderful experience for our kids,” Renee shared. “It’s academically very rigorous, but the faculty is supportive of the students… and the administration and leadership are focused on mission and really educating the whole child, which is important.”

Why Giving Matters

For Michael and Renee, giving is not transactional. It is an investment in people and in the future.

“We really think about giving as an investment in the future,” Mike said. “When we give to Catholic schools or we give to Austin Prep, we think about how these organizations will influence the future.”

They believe Austin Prep’s strength lies in its clarity of purpose.

“I think what Austin Prep does is invest in kids, helps them thrive and grow because they’re really grounded in mission and committed to the Augustinian values,” Mike said.

Renee added, “It celebrates faith and strength, and it celebrates our religion. And for kids growing up in today’s world, who are going to face anxiety and other challenges, that’s the best way to give them a strong foundation and help them have successful, but also happy lives.”

Through their continued support, the Minogues affirm a simple but powerful conviction: when education is rooted in faith, compassion, and excellence, it has the power to change lives and strengthen communities for generations to come.

Become a Champion of Giving

The article above is part of our Champions of Giving series, which highlights the individuals and families whose generosity transforms student lives and strengthens the Austin Prep experience. You too can be a Champion of Giving by supporting our students through annual giving, memorial scholarships, or campaign contributions. Your gift helps students learn boldly, lead with purpose, and serve with compassion — creating a lasting impact for generations to come.