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 AllFootball Watching Party vs Boston College
Football Watching Party vs Boston College
October 11
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7:30 pm
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11:00 pm
Come out to cheer on our Tigers with fellow local alumni, parents, and fans. Everyone is welcome – whether you’re a die-hard fan or just want to be part of the Clemson spirit. We’ll be watching the games all season long at the locations listed below while enjoying food and drink specials exclusively for our group as we celebrate those Tiger touchdowns.
Kickoff is at 7:30pm.
2025 Game Watch Locations
- Arlington, VA – Astro Beer Hall, 4001 Campbell Avenue
- DC – Mission Navy Yard, 1221 Van Street SE
Don’t forget to check in when you arrive each week at the parties, and we’ll make an Annual Fund donation in your name from the Club! We’re always looking for more Tigers to help host watch parties. Want to volunteer for a game or two? Contact beth@clemsonclub.org.
Football Watching Party vs SMU
Football Watching Party vs SMU
October 18
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12:00 am
Come out to cheer on our Tigers with fellow local alumni, parents, and fans. Everyone is welcome – whether you’re a die-hard fan or just want to be part of the Clemson spirit. We’ll be watching the games all season long at the locations listed below while enjoying food and drink specials exclusively for our group as we celebrate those Tiger touchdowns.
Kickoff time is TBD.
2025 Game Watch Locations
- Arlington, VA – Astro Beer Hall, 4001 Campbell Avenue
- Baltimore, MD – Little Havana, 1325 Key Highway
- DC – Mission Navy Yard, 1221 Van Street SE
- Bethesda, MD – BT’s** (pilot location), 4866 Cordell Avenue
**While Tiger fans are most welcome to watch games at BT’s each week, the Club will only be officially hosting a few games there this season. Stay tuned for which games!
Don’t forget to check in when you arrive each week at the parties, and we’ll make an Annual Fund donation in your name from the Club! We’re always looking for more Tigers to help host watch parties. Want to volunteer for a game or two? Contact beth@clemsonclub.org.
CU@Home with Nathan McNeese
CU@Home with Nathan McNeese
October 29
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12:00 pm
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1:00 pm
***NEW DATE – this event has been rescheduled from September 10.***
Join us for an engaging virtual discussion on the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence with Dr. Nathan McNeese, Associate Professor in Clemson’s School of Computing and a leading voice in human-centered AI research.
Dr. McNeese will share insights into Clemson’s latest advancements in AI, the impact of machine learning across industries, and how his team is designing technologies that work hand-in-hand with people. Whether you’re curious about AI’s role in everyday life or looking to understand the future of intelligent systems, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Football Watching Party vs Duke
Football Watching Party vs Duke
November 1
@
12:00 am
Come out to cheer on our Tigers with fellow local alumni, parents, and fans. Everyone is welcome – whether you’re a die-hard fan or just want to be part of the Clemson spirit. We’ll be watching the games all season long at the locations listed below while enjoying food and drink specials exclusively for our group as we celebrate those Tiger touchdowns.
Kickoff time is TBD.
2025 Game Watch Locations
- Arlington, VA – Astro Beer Hall, 4001 Campbell Avenue
- Baltimore, MD – Little Havana, 1325 Key Highway
- DC – Mission Navy Yard, 1221 Van Street SE
- Bethesda, MD – BT’s** (pilot location), 4866 Cordell Avenue
**While Tiger fans are most welcome to watch games at BT’s each week, the Club will only be officially hosting a few games there this season. Stay tuned for which games!
Don’t forget to check in when you arrive each week at the parties, and we’ll make an Annual Fund donation in your name from the Club! We’re always looking for more Tigers to help host watch parties. Want to volunteer for a game or two? Contact beth@clemsonclub.org.
Football Thursday Lunch - Graham Neff
Football Thursday Lunch - Graham Neff
November 6
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12:00 pm
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1:00 pm
As the season winds down, join us for a special lunchtime discussion with Clemson Athletic Director Graham Neff. This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from the leader of Clemson Athletics as he reflects on the current season, shares insights on the Tigers’ performance, and looks ahead to the final stretch of games.
Graham will join us via Zoom to provide updates, answer questions, and give an inside perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Clemson Athletics. Whether you’re eager to break down the season so far or curious about what lies ahead, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Bring your Tiger spirit and your questions for Graham Neff as we wrap up another exciting season of Clemson Athletics!
In person attendees will enjoy a catered lunch with the lively discussion. Members are $10, non-members are $25. Please register so we have enough food for everyone.
