Board Member Spotlight
Michael Coakley ’91, P’23*
After earning a bachelor’s degree in management from Clemson in 1991, Michael joined the C.J. Coakley Company Co., Inc. and then rose through the ranks to become its co-president. Today, the family-owned business that started in 1962 is a full-service interior contractor and one of the largest drywall companies in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
As co-president, Michael manages major construction projects that include many at iconic national landmarks such as the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Pentagon, the Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. The company received a special commendation from the Department of Defense for work on rebuilding the part of the Pentagon that was damaged on 9/11.
Among his many volunteer roles for Clemson, Michael is a longtime leader of the Baltimore/Washington, DC Clemson Club, which also serves northern Virginia. He was the club’s co-president for 11 years (2000-2011) and has co-chaired its regional board of directors since 2012. He has served the Clemson Alumni Association on its alumni council and board of directors.
He is a member of the Clemson Legacy Society, which honors donors who have included Clemson in their estate plans, and the 1889 Vision Society, which honors donors for significant cumulative giving. He has made annual gifts for academics since he graduated and was an inaugural member of the President’s Leadership Circle.
Michael and his wife, Beth, have a son, Neil, who graduated from Clemson in December 2023, and two daughters, Lauren and Evelyn.
* This information was taken from the Clemson Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award website.
Upcoming Events
See AllTigertown Bound Student Send-Off - MD
Tigertown Bound Student Send-Off - MD
July 16
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6:30 pm
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8:00 pm
The Baltimore/DC Clemson Club will welcome incoming students and their families at a casual gathering in Annapolis, MD. Join us at this free event to meet new students and discuss all things Clemson! Local Alumni, current students and current parents will be in attendance to help answer questions you may have. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to the Clemson Family!
Tigertown Bound Student Send-Off - VA
Tigertown Bound Student Send-Off - VA
July 17
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6:30 pm
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8:00 pm
The Baltimore/DC Clemson Club will welcome incoming students and their families at a casual gathering in Vienna, VA. Join us at this free event to meet new students and discuss all things Clemson! Local Alumni, current students and current parents will be in attendance to help answer questions you may have. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to the Clemson Family!
Young Alumni Happy Hour - July
Young Alumni Happy Hour - July
July 24
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5:30 pm
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7:30 pm
Celebrate summer with our Clemson Young Alumni and current students. Held at Mission Navy Yard in DC, these happy hours are super casual and open to all local young alums, current students and interns. We’ve verified with Mission that students/interns 18+ will be admitted, but you must be 21 to purchase alcohol. No registration is required – just show up!
Mission Navy Yard
1221 Van St SE, Washington, DC
Crab Feast
Crab Feast
August 2
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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 23rd 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 for hosting.
Early Bird Registration is $44 for Club Member adults and $19 for children (ages 4-12). Non-member tickets are $85 for adults and $39 for children. Clemson Club Members may register for up to 4 member tickets even if the guests are not Clemson alumni or Club Members. Children under 3 are free. Early Bird pricing is available until May 9 so don’t delay!
