Homecoming Coordinator Charlie Rohaley: “Not just building a house, but building a community”
Charlie Rohaley is the Homecoming Coordinator for the Clemson Chapter’s 2024 build. Rohaley has been involved in Habitat for Humanity at Clemson since his first year and channeled his experiences with HFH, along with his knowledge as a construction science management student, to be at the forefront of the 30th annual Homecoming build.
This role goes further than just the two weeks leading up to Clemson’s Homecoming. His work began in the spring, contacting sponsors, accumulating materials and coordinating delivery dates so the build would run on time and smoothly. During Homecoming week, Rohaley was at the site nearly every hour that he was not in class. He was committed and determined to lead his chapter and various volunteers to accomplish Habitat for Humanity’s mission.
People constantly told Rohaley about the family aspect of Clemson University when he was coming in as a first-year student, and it wasn’t until it wasn't until the Habitat for Humanity Homecoming build that he realized what the Clemson Family was.
“I saw individuals from all over, backgrounds, ethnicities, and majors, coming together for the greater good. Not just building a house, but building a community.”
And after seeing what Habitat for Humanities does for the Clemson community, Rohaley wanted to give back in the greatest way he could. His passion for construction management and his values inspired him to take this position.
“My parents say no matter how much you have, give back and do what you can for others.”
Rohaley’s favorite part of the Homecoming build each year is “getting to see walls come up … it’s an exciting moment to see all these students coming out, 15 to 20 students, seeing them lift up a singular wall and seeing the house take shape … that is what’s so special … the dream is almost complete.”
The Clemson Habitat for Humanity chapter has molded Rohaley as a person. He is a leader better prepared for a career in construction, and he vows to always give back to his community from here on. Rohaley would not change his experiences throughout these four years “for the world.”
