Michael Climaco studied law by day and night, attending law school while serving as a member of the Cleveland City Council and Majority Whip, weaving his legal studies and council duties into the fabric of his professional career. Climaco made his mark as a litigator trying countless civil and criminal cases. He represented the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County on the formation of the Gateway project in 1994. Climaco represented the City of Brook Park in negotiations with the City of Cleveland for the land acquisition of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Climaco served on the CSU Board of Trustees from 1997 through 2006, serving two terms as treasurer, one term as vice-chair, and one term as chairman of the Board of Trustees. Climaco, as a key player in the community’s civic and governmental affairs, freely utilized his extensive experience and relationships for the benefit of the University. As an alumnus of Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, his efforts and contributions were recognized in 1993 and 1997 as recipient of the President’s Award from the Cleveland-Marshall Law Alumni Association, and two years later as recipient of the Alumni of the Year Award from the College of Law. As one of the University’s 1995 Distinguished Alumni, he received the George B. Davis Award for Service to the University in recognition of his leadership and instrumental role in securing funds for the University’s 17th-18th Street Project, which featured a new College of Law Library, College of Business building, College of Urban Affairs building, and parking garage. Climaco also served as a valued member of the College of Law Visiting Committee and is a Life Member of the Eighth District Judicial Conference.