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 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!
