Michael E. Freeman “ Miguel Gratis”

Mr. Michael E. Freeman, 45, aquatics, safety and inclusive recreation coordinator California State University’s Long Beach student recreation and wellness center, transitioned on July 1 at his home in Long Beach, CA.

As an aquatics coordinator, Mike oversaw and provided student programs at CSU Long Beach aquatics center. As the inclusive recreation coordinator, he oversaw and provided programs for students from diverse communities. He stated that, “the inclusive program highlights the talent not the disability”.

During his 14 years at CSU Long Beach, Mike planned and conducted special events and safety programming which included training student staff in emergency response, American Red Cross lifeguard certification, American Heart Association basic life support and heart saver first aid as well as CPR and AED use. He simultaneously owned and operated So Clutch! Safety LLC providing safety consultations.

Before joining CSU Long Beach in 2010, Mike was the aquatics director at Temple University’s Pearson Hall for 6 years, a part-time group fitness instructor for 8 years, an assistant men’s and women’s track and field coach for 1 year, lead lifeguard and adjunct professor for 4 years in Philadelphia, PA. Additionally, Mike worked as a part time Emergency Medical Technician for 2 years at Temple University Health System.

From 1996-2010, Mike was a consultant for the United States Army and United States Navy, training military personnel on combat water survival. He worked for 9 years as a program counselor with the National Youth Sports Foundation Inc. He was a martial arts instructor and business manager at the Center for Martial Arts, Health and Fitness.

Prior to those endeavors, Mike was a freelance television production manager at PAX TV in Bala Cynwyd and was an assistant desk editor at WPHL TV in Philadelphia. He was also an assistant men’s and women’s cross-country coach at Girard College in Philadelphia.

Mike was born in Philadelphia, PA. He earned three undergraduate degrees from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a B.A. in Broadcast, Telecommunications and Mass Media, a B.A. in Latin American Studies and a B.A. in Journalism, Public Relations and Advertising. In 2021, Mike earned his Master's degree in Recreation Administration from California State University in Long Beach, California.

Mike was a Sabeomnin, (4th Degree Instructor) Korean Martial Arts, member of the World Tang Soo Do Association, a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor. He was also certified as a Stop the Bleed instructor, American Heart Association Basic Life Support and Heart Saver instructor, American Red Cross Instructor Trainer (Lifesaving, Lay Responder, Professional Rescuer CPR/AED/O2, Wilderness First Aid) Water Safety instructor and licensed real estate salesperson with the California Department of Real Estate.

Mike is survived by his parents; Mr. Malik Freeman (Jeanette), Mr. Richard Lawrence and Mrs. Patricia Lawrence (Nee) McSeed. His siblings; Tashika White, Tiffany Freeman (Jason), Daisuke (Errin) Freeman and Richard Lawrence III.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 26, 2024 at Bethel Community Baptist Church in Upper Darby, PA at 10:30 a.m. followed by his interment at Rolling Green Memorial Park in West Chester, PA.

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