Distinguished Alumnus, CSU|Law Hall of Fame Member and Transformative Leader
It is with great sadness that we share the news that our distinguished alumnus, CSU|Law Hall of Fame member, and long-time Board of Visitors leader Michael E. Gibbons ’82 passed away last week. Mike was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather; a transformative business leader; and a steadfast champion of Cleveland State University College of Law.
A proud Clevelander raised in Parma, Mike exemplified grit, integrity, and service. While working full-time in finance, he attended Cleveland State University College of Law at night and went on to found Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL), building it into a leading independent investment bank with a national footprint in the middle market. He credited BGL’s success to the same values he lived every day—honesty, integrity, hard work, and respect—and created hundreds of jobs as the firm grew to multiple offices across the country.
Beyond business, Mike poured himself into civic and community leadership. He served for many years on our CSU|Law Board of Visitors, and his service across Greater Cleveland included the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Case Western Reserve’s Weatherhead School visiting committee, and leadership with the Values-in-Action Foundation, where he helped champion the “Kindland” movement to document and inspire millions of acts of kindness in schools and neighborhoods. He also answered the call to public service by seeking federal office, bringing his private-sector perspective and straight-talking integrity to the campaign trail.
In recognition of his professional achievements and his deep commitment to our mission, Mike was inducted into the CSU|Law Hall of Fame—an honor reserved for those who have advanced the past, present, and future of our law school.
On behalf of our entire community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Mike’s entire family. We are profoundly grateful for his leadership, generosity, and friendship to CSU|Law. May his memory be a blessing—and a charge to all of us to lead with courage, integrity, and kindness.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, September 26th at 11:30 a.m., at Saint Angela Merici Church, 20970 Lorain Road, Fairview Park, Ohio. The family will receive friends Thursday, September 25th from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Corrigan Craciun Funeral Home, 20820 Lorain Road, Fairview Park.
With sympathy and gratitude,
Carolyn and Brian