Board Member Spotlight
David P. Rochester, Sr. ’68*
Business and finance expert. Helping hand to others. True Clemson ambassador.
David Rochester of Aldie, Virginia, sets the standard for impactful service and effective leadership in everything he does – as a professional, in his community, and especially for Clemson.
The Clemson, S.C., native earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Clemson University in 1968. He went on to earn a master’s in economics from North Carolina State University in 1970 and a doctorate in business and finance from the University of Georgia in 1974. He served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1982.
Today, he is chairman of Capital Resources Group Inc., the investment banking firm that he founded in 1983, and owner and operator of Cool Spring Farm, an award-winning Angus cattle and sport horse enterprise. He also is president of WorldWideWord Inc., a Christian ministry that he and his wife, Catherine, founded in 2000 to fund schools and orphanages, promote health care and provide micro business start-up loans throughout Africa, India, Nepal, the Philippines and Eastern European countries.
David, who was chief economist for the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corp. from 1977 to 1980, has frequently served as an expert witness on federal and state levels, including in court cases and before Congressional subcommittees. He has published scholarly articles in numerous professional journals and has held faculty positions at the University of Georgia, the University of Alabama, Virginia Tech and George Washington University.
Among his many community service activities and accomplishments in Virginia, he is a longtime member of the Piedmont Environmental Council and received the Clean Water Farm Award for the Potomac River Basin from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. He is founder and president of the Leesburg Church Foundation for funding Christian ministries and is a leader of the Leesburg Community Church, the Middleburg Humane Foundation and several other local organizations.
Since 1996, David has been active in multiple roles for the Baltimore/Washington, DC Clemson Club. His contributions, leadership and relationships have been instrumental in the club’s growth and success in alumni engagement throughout Maryland, the District of Columbia and northern Virginia and in fundraising initiatives to support scholarships and other University priorities.
He is noted for his willingness to assist Clemson officials and students who visit Washington and for creating global opportunities for Clemson by hosting receptions and programs in the embassies of countries such as Belgium, Germany, Canada, the Philippines, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, India and China. He and his wife also established the Rochester Passport Program to support student travel overseas to learn about servant leadership by reducing poverty through the creation of small businesses in developing countries.
David has helped to arrange business and government internships for Clemson students and regularly mentors Clemson alumni in the greater Washington area. He also meets with local high school students and parents to promote their interest in Clemson.
David and Catherine have two children: daughter Caroline Rochester Dickens and son David P. Rochester II.
* This information was taken from the Clemson Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award website.
Upcoming Events
See All24th Annual Crab Feast
24th Annual Crab Feast
August 1
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2:00 pm
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6:00 pm
Don’t miss one of our favorite summer events – back for its 24th year!
Held on the banks of the beautiful West River in Shady Side, MD, the menu for this all-you-can-eat Crab Feast also includes low country boil, hush puppies, hot dogs, beer and soda. Don’t be shy if you’ve never had crabs before – we’ll teach you to pick like a pro.
And there is more to do than just eat! Go for a swim in the pool, try to catch a few crabs yourself, take out a kayak or canoe or join a guided boat tour of the river. A huge thank you to Mark ‘91 and Cindy ‘90 Derrick P’25, P’29 for hosting.
Early Bird pricing is available until May 31st. Early Bird Member adult tickets are $44. Early Bird Member child tickets are $19. Members may purchase up to 6 tickets at the Member price, even if guests are not Club members.
After May 31st, member adult tickets are $54. Member children tickets are $25. Clemson Club Members may register for up to 6 member tickets even if the guests are not Clemson alumni or Club Members. Non-member adult tickets are $85. Non-member children are $39. Children under 3 are free.
Football Thursday Lunch - August
Football Thursday Lunch - August
August 6
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12:00 pm
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1:00 pm
Join us for a special lunchtime discussion all about Clemson Football with guest speaker Tim Bourret. Tim is a Clemson University athletics legend who served as the Sports Information Director for 40 years, from 1978 to 2018. Nicknamed “Clemson Google” for his encyclopedic knowledge, he chronicled the program’s history, including national championships in football under coaches Danny Ford and Dabo Swinney.
If you join us in person, lunch will be provided. Club members may register themselves at the member price plus one guest at the member price. $10 for Club members, $25 for non-members.
Not a Club member? Join today!
Football Thursday Lunch - September
Football Thursday Lunch - September
September 3
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12:00 pm
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1:00 pm
Join us for a special lunchtime discussion all about Clemson Football with guest speaker TBD.
If you join us in person, lunch will be provided. Club members may register themselves at the member price plus one guest at the member price. $10 for Club members, $25 for non-members.
Not a Club member? Join today!
CU@Home - Clemson Mascots
CU@Home - Clemson Mascots
September 30
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12:00 pm
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1:00 pm
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to wear the Tiger suit and represent Clemson University in front of thousands of fans? Join us for a special CU@Home virtual program on Wednesday, September 30, from 12:00–1:00 p.m., featuring former Clemson Tiger mascot Cory Luckett ‘08.
Cory will take us behind the scenes to share what it was really like to serve as one of Clemson’s most recognizable ambassadors. From game day traditions and unforgettable moments in Death Valley to the preparation, discipline, and pride that come with wearing the Tiger suit, Cory will offer a unique perspective on one of Clemson’s most iconic roles.
Whether you’ve cheered alongside the Tiger for decades or simply want to hear stories that few people ever get to experience, this promises to be a fun and engaging hour filled with Clemson spirit, memorable anecdotes, and an inside look at the traditions that make Clemson so special.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear firsthand what it means to embody the spirit of the Clemson Tiger. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, September 30, from 12:00–1:00 p.m., and join your fellow Clemson alumni and friends for another outstanding CU@Home program.
Zoom link will be sent two days prior to the event.
Football Thursday Lunch - October
Football Thursday Lunch - October
October 1
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12:00 pm
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1:00 pm
Join us for a special lunchtime discussion all about Clemson Football with guest speaker TBD.
If you join us in person, lunch will be provided. Club members may register themselves at the member price plus one guest at the member price. $10 for Club members, $25 for non-members.
Not a Club member? Join today!
