Clarkson University Alumni Association
WOODSTOCK AWARD
Michael A. DiVirgilio ’93
Michael A. DiVirgilio received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Clarkson
University in 1993.
While at Clarkson, Michael served the school in many ways; he was inducted into Phalanx and served as its
President, he is a recipient of the Phalanx Commendable Leadership Award, the Resident Director of RossBrooks all-male freshman dormitory, the Resident Advisor of Brooks II and Reynolds I, he was a brother in the
Sigma Chi fraternity and served as its Treasurer, he served in student government including the office of class
Vice President, he founded Clarkson's Safe Spring Break Week and was one of the founding instructors in the
freshman Wellness program. In 2005 he returned to provide the keynote remarks for University Recognition
Day.
After a decade of engineering work with electronic companies and software start-ups, Michael redirected
himself into the world of public service with several impressive roles that culminated in a senior staff position
as longtime U.S. Congresswoman Jane Harman’s District Director. From there, he launched his own strategy
and public affairs practice where he advises individuals and organizations such as Fortune 100 firms like Simon
Property Group.
For almost a decade, Michael was also the official and un-official Southern California Alumni leader. He
organized several fun alumni events as well as the largest concentration of alumni outside of the northeast. To
maintain alumni connection and enthusiasm - in the pre-Facebook age - for such a sprawling geographic area
(equivalent to in size Pennsylvania) was impressive.
Further, in 2007, Michael ran for and won a seat on the Hermosa Beach City Council. Known for his friendly
and calm attitude as well as his and creative and analytical abilities, Michael applies his engineering training to
solve problems in his community.
As the Mayor, he led a regional visioning session that led to the City of Hermosa Beach committing to
becoming carbon neutral, making Hermosa Beach one of only a handful of communities nationwide to do so
and the first in Southern California.
Now in his second term, Michael's leadership and problem solving ability recently helped end a 15-year-old
lawsuit against the City that carried a potential judgment of twenty-five times the City’s annual
revenue. Michael worked to negotiate an innovative settlement that reduced the potential cost per household
from $105,000 to less than $3,000, required no upfront settlement monies, and includes the community in the
final decision making.
Originally from Clifton Park, New York, Michael now resides in Hermosa Beach, California with his wife
Danay and their daughter Ananda.
For his demonstrated leadership and commitment towards his profession, towards his alma mater and towards
his community, Clarkson University is proud to
award the Woodstock Award to Michael A.
DiVirgilio, Class of 1993.