The Clemson University Clemson LIFE program graduated twice the normal amount of students during its recent commencement ceremony, which was held April 24 at NewSpring Church of Clemson.
Clemson LIFE, a post-secondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities that prioritizes job skills and independent living, suspended in-person learning at Clemson in spring 2020 due to COVID-19. The recent ceremony allowed 2020 and 2021 graduates to attend with faculty, staff, family and friends to celebrate the accomplishments of its new—and recent—alumni.
The program welcomed special guests to the ceremony, including Clemson University President Jim Clements and Clemson University First Lady Beth Clements, who presented certificates and rings, respectively, to LIFE graduates. George J. Petersen, founding dean of the College of Education, was also on hand to welcome students and their families to the event.
Darien Rencher, a Clemson student athlete who was recently awarded the 2020 Disney Spirit Award for his inspiring performance as a collegiate athlete, delivered the ceremony’s commencement address.
Below, find out more about our Clemson LIFE students who graduated during the recent commencement ceremony.
Christopher David Bartley
Fort Pierce, FL
Plans after graduation
I am staying in Clemson and will work at the TRU hotel.
Favorite thing about Clemson LIFE
Living with my friends!
Lillian Carlon Cantrell
Waxhaw, NC
Plans after graduation
I am staying in Clemson and will continue to work at Lake Side Lodge.
Favorite thing about Clemson LIFE
Going to football games and all the friends I made.
Brock Daniel Chappelear
Walhalla, SC
Plans after graduation
I will continue to work with the Walhalla County K-9 dog unit.
Favorite thing about Clemson LIFE
Making new friends and hanging out with them.
Anna Hubble Chilton
Huntsville, AL
Plans after graduation
I will be working at Charlie Fosters, but I hope to one day work in the medical field.
Favorite thing about Clemson LIFE
Spending time with Grace Myatt and being around everyone!
Sean Grove Cleverdon
Foley, AL
Plans after graduation
I plan on living in my hometown and working at Publix.
Favorite thing about Clemson LIFE
EVERYTHING! I also loved working as a manager for the Clemson Soccer team.
Dalton Ward Cron
Cottondale, AL
Plans after graduation
I am staying in Clemson and hope to get a job.
Favorite thing about Clemson LIFE
My favorite part about being a Clemson LIFE student was EVERYTHING!
Kevin Michael Davis
Ridgefield, CT
Plans after graduation
I hope to find a job in my hometown.
Favorite thing about Clemson LIFE
Being with my friends, playing football with them, and going to football games.
Martha Lucille Graham
Columbia, SC
Plans after graduation
I will be living in Columbia, SC after graduation and I have my own business called “The Upside Down Collection.”
Favorite thing about Clemson LIFE
Going to football games!
Brittany Asche’ Kennedy
Covington, GA
Plans after graduation
I plan on staying in Clemson and looking for a job.
Favorite thing about Clemson LIFE
Being a manager for the cheerleading squad and being in a sorority.
Robert Benson Lewis
Nashville, TN
Plans after graduation
I plan on staying in Clemson and working at McAllister’s Deli.
Favorite thing about Clemson LIFE
Going to sporting events.
Nicholas Ryan Looney
Hampton Falls, NH
Plans after graduation
I plan on staying in Clemson and working at Ingles.
Favorite thing about Clemson LIFE
Being with my friends and working hard.
Qiara Lee Mann
Charlotte, NC
Plans after graduation
As of now, I am living in my hometown and working at Lowe’s, but I want to move back to Clemson.
Favorite thing about Clemson LIFE
Going to football games and making friends.
Sunny Kathryn Meadows
Folly Beach, SC
Plans after graduation
I plan on staying in Clemson and working at Schilletter Dining Hall.
Favorite thing about Clemson LIFE
Being with my friends, going to coffee shops, and being in a sorority.
Samuel Gregory Mungo
Pageland, SC
Plans after graduation
I will be staying in Clemson and will work for Aramark Athletics.
Favorite thing about Clemson LIFE
Going to football games!
Ty Randall Parris
Duluth, GA
Plans after graduation
I plan on staying in Clemson and working at Clemson Recycling.
Favorite thing about Clemson LIFE
Going to football and basketball games.
Emily Reid Trumps
Beaufort, SC
Plans after graduation
I plan on staying in Clemson and looking for a job.
Favorite thing about Clemson LIFE
Meeting the football team.