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Maintaining a passion, commitment and loyalty to the California football program for a span covering six different decades, Michael “DeMo” DeMichela ‘76 is the 2026 recipient of the Vulcan Distinguished Service Award.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from then-called California State College in psychology and special education. On the football field, he was a four-year starting tight end for the Vulcans and earned all-conference honors in 1974 and 1975.
DeMichela participated in the first-ever Vulcan Alumni vs. Varsity Football Game in 1979 and then became the coordinator of the popular event in 1982. Through his diligence, this unique game was played until NCAA restrictions caused the game’s stoppage in 2006. He also kept playing in the game.
In 1998, Michael received the California Alumni Association’s prestigious Pavlak-Shutsy Special Service Award, given to alumni and friends for years of dedication and service to the university and recognizes hours of hard work and dedication in enhancing alumni involvement. He was once labeled by the school’s Office of Alumni Relations as “our hardest working volunteer.”
In the late 2000s, the football program created the DeMichela Award that is given annually to the player who best exhibits leadership, spirit and hustle during the spring practice season.
Originally from Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, and a graduate of Chartiers-Valley High School, DeMichela resides in Peters Township, and is a graphic designer and sign-installation specialist. He is also an assistant football coach with the Peters Township Middle School football program and previously was a conditioning coach at his scholastic alma mater.
updated April 22, 2026
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