Lili Kim / Asst. News Editor 

There are only a handful of USD staff members who will go down in the Torero history books as legends. They become household names, as no USD student can say they haven’t crossed paths with these campus celebrities. One of those legends is Mickey, the “pasta guy.”

James McManus, better known on campus as “Mickey,” has been a cook at USD for over 30 years. Before joining the USD community, Mickey cooked throughout most of his life, beginning with cooking to pay for his education at SDSU. While he received his B.A. in English, cooking remained Mickey’s passion and led to his full time career. Today, he manages the pasta station in the Student Life Pavilion (SLP) every week night for dinner,  making between 60-80 pounds of pasta every night.  However, in October 2023, the pasta cook  took a leave of absence    to  get  open heart surgery. 

“Boy, that story is good,” Mickey said about his surgery. “I had an ulcerated belly button, and my girlfriend said I had to go to the doctor. When I get there, one guy starts taking pictures [of my heart], and says I have an issue… I had no idea.” 

In November, Mickey underwent surgery and was given a new valve, which came from a cow’s heart. 

“You know how cows like to take naps? I want to take a nap right now,” he said.

During his absence, the cook also dealt with knee issues and kidney stones, which lengthened his  time away from  the kitchen and making pasta. USD cook Danisa Araya, who has been Mickey’s partner for 20 years, explained the pasta chef’s recovery process. 

“After the surgery, he needed special care. I took some time off so I could help him.” Ultimately, Mickey’s love for his job and students helped him overcome his hardships. 

“At the hospital, he was like, ‘I really need to go back to work,’” Araya said. “He loves  to be around people, and for   him  to be  in  an  apartment by himself, it was hard.” 

While   Mickey   was  gone, many  students     noticed   the lack of laughs   coming   from  the pasta line. 

“I definitely noticed that he wasn’t there. He has a really unique presence,” sophomore Maeve Egger said. 

Mickey returned to campus three weeks ago, reportedly as good as new. 

“I’m all better,” he said. “Fully recovered.”

Many students celebrated his long-awaited return, and even after being away for months,  noticed that Mickey’s skills did not falter, according to junior Rebecca Tilling.   

“The   day     he   came back the     line   was   moving a lot  faster   and the  pasta     tasted    more    seasoned.” 

With a naturally exuberant personality, Mickey has befriended many students over the years by engaging in conversation and joking around, as he furiously mixes pasta, sauces  and veggies in his skillet. 

USD senior Elle Kallsen, an avid SLP pasta station lover, explained her excitement upon Mickey’s return.

“I’m so happy he’s back,” Kallsen said. “His absence was noted, because his energy is very much reflected in our culture of care.”

USD senior Jordan Eskew also shared her appreciation for the cook. 

“If  I go to the SLP, it’s only to the   pasta station,” Eskew shared. “I  would  go [to the pasta station] on    a   hard  day, and [Mickey] would always ask how I was,” she said. 

Not only does Mickey chat with students, but he ensures that their pasta   dish     is  always a “chef’s kiss.” 

As someone who has cooked for a majority of his life, Mickey expresses his love for food in every noodle. 

“Every plate I make is my favorite. I want to put love into [the food]… every plate has got to be perfect.” 

As  a  smaller  university, USD allows  students,   faculty and staff to connect on a more personal  level, even in the dining hall.

With his apron tied tight and   skillet  in hand, Mickey isn’t   just   serving  up pasta – he’s dishing  out  joy and  comfort to all of USD’s  carb-loving students. 

Mickey, an iconic SLP employee, has returned after recovering from open heart surgery.  Emma-Kate Squires/The USD Vista