Clemson University's president experienced a moment of immense pride as he watched his daughter shine in a significant event.
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Clemson University's president found himself flat on his back during his daughter's graduation ceremony, thanks to an impassioned embrace from the proud grad. The heartwarming moment was captured on video and quickly went viral, with President James Clements playfully referring to it as a "sack" on Instagram.
Grace Clements was one of nine students from the ClemsonLIFE program to walk across the stage, graduating with a college education and skills for independent living, employment, and social interaction. The program, designed for students with intellectual disabilities, creates an environment that fosters self-reliance and integration into the larger college community.
ClemsonLIFE made headlines in 2024 after a video of student Charlie McGee being initiated into the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. The frat brothers were over the moon, forming a celebratory mosh pit around their new brother, showcasing the program's emphasis on social inclusion.
Grace herself was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority during her college years. Her sisterhood shared their admiration for her on social media, wishing her luck in her future endeavors and expressing their immense pride in her accomplishments.
The ClemsonLIFE program offers a range of features designed to help students achieve employment readiness, develop independent living skills, and engage socially with their fellow students. The program emphasizes real-world experiences, life skills training, and a supportive network of Independent Living Assistants.
The program promotes diversity and inclusivity on campus, instills confidence in students, and paves the way for a more integrated society. Notable community figures, including Clemson's football coach, Dabo Swinney, and university president James P. Clements, lend their support to the program's mission.
[1] "ClemsonLIFE Overview & Mission" - Clemson University (https://www.clemson.edu/lifeforce/about/overview.html)[2] "Independent Living Assistants" - Clemson University (https://www.clemson.edu/lifeforce/moreinfo/lia.html)[3] "Transitions to Independence" - Clemson University (https://www.clemson.edu/lifeforce/moreinfo/transitions.html)[4] "Student Voices: ClemsonLIFE Experience" - Clemson University (https://www.clemson.edu/lifeforce/moreinfo/studentvoices.html)
- James Clements, the university president, felt the privilege of sharing a unique lifestyle as he celebrated his home-and-garden enjoyable moments, like the emotional graduation hug from his daughter, Clements.
- As a valued member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, Grace Clements successfully embraced the ClemsonLife motto, demonstrating her own independence, gaining employable skills, and socializing with her fellow students.
- The ClemsonLife program, with supportive features such as Independent Living Assistants, real-world experiences, and life skills training, proudly upholds a mission of inclusivity, fostering diversity on campus and providing a collaborative network to help students daddown and achieve their full potential in life.
