The Clemson University Clemson LIFE program graduated eight students during its recent commencement ceremony, which was held April 29 at NewSpring Church of Clemson.
Clemson LIFE is a post-secondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities that prioritizes job skills and independent living. The recent ceremony allowed graduates to attend with faculty, staff, family and friends to celebrate the accomplishments of its new alumni.
The program welcomed special guests to the ceremony, including College of Education Interim Dean Jeff Marshall and Professor and Interim Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies C.C. Bates. Also in attendance were Joe Ryan, executive director of Clemson LIFE and Sue Stanzione Distinguished Professor of Special Education, Professor Antonis Katsiyannis and Erica Walters, program manager for Clemson LIFE.
Tajh Boyd, former Clemson Football quarter and current assistant offensive coach for the Clemson Tigers, delivered the ceremony’s commencement address.
Learn more about all of the Clemson LIFE graduates, what they have planned after graduation and what they consider highlights of their time at Clemson in the LIFE program.
Amanda Altemus
The Villages, Florida
Plans After Graduation
After Clemson I want to work at Disney and enjoy the Florida sunshine.
Favorite Thing About Clemson LIFE
I loved being a part of my sorority and meeting up with friends at Starbucks.
Josh Brown
Little River, South Carolina
Plans After Graduation
I am staying in Clemson working at Tetramers which is a Material Science company.
Favorite Thing About Clemson LIFE
I loved being the first person from my town to be in Clemson LIFE. My favorite part of Clemson is enjoying all the campus and city has to offer within walking distance.
Patrick Devitt
Charlotte, North Carolina
Plans After Graduation
I am going into the Hospitality Certificate Program and living with my friends and enjoying my new independence!
Favorite Thing About Clemson LIFE
My favorite part of Clemson has been working at Chick-Fil-A on campus and seeing all the students in and out each day. I’ve been able to meet so many people!
Ellie George
Statesville, North Carolina
Plans After Graduation
I am living in my own apartment by myself! I will be working at Chick-Fil-A and the Shepherd Hotel and building a community.
Favorite Thing About Clemson LIFE
My favorite part of Clemson was being in my sorority! I made so many friends and had so many fun experiences!
Ashley McCormick
Suwanee, Georgia
Plans After Graduation
I am working at Walk On’s next year- come say “Hi” and grab some food!
Favorite Thing About Clemson LIFE
My favorite part of Clemson has been all the special CLemson LIFE events, such as going to games in the President’s Box, having social club, dancing at Night to Shine and also going to the same college as my brother Nick!
Anne McGuire
Singapore, Asia
Plans After Graduation
I am living in Austin, Texas where I will be working and enjoying outdoors and activities like horseback riding!
Favorite Thing About Clemson LIFE
My favorite part of being at Clemson was enjoying campus! I loved going to the dining hall, hanging out with my roommates in my apartment and going to tailgates!
Kendall Montgomery
Charlotte, North Carolina
Plans After Graduation
Living with my friends in Clemson and working at the Clemson LIFE office and hope to work in retail. I love fashion!
Favorite Thing About Clemson LIFE
I love attending all the fun events at Clemson, from tailgates and games to formals and sorority events! I also love going to the local coffee shops. My favorite is All In!
Kalim Wigfall
Silver Springs, Maryland
Plans After Graduation
I am staying in Clemson, living on my own and attending the Clemson LIFE Hospitality Certificate Program.
Favorite Thing About Clemson LIFE
My favorite part of Clemson was making friends with everyone, especially all the Clemson LIFE volunteers–I loved cooking with them every week!
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