Nearly two decades ago, when the ClemsonLIFE (Learning Is For Everyone) program was launched at Clemson University within the College of Education by Dr. Joe Ryan, enrollment began with five students. As word spread about the program, which offers functional job skills and independent living for students with intellectual disabilities, demand grew quickly, and the program now serves more than 50 students annually.
It soon became evident that more financial assistance was needed to provide greater access to the program for families. That is when Debbie Lee stepped in. She and her husband, Ronnie, who is a member of the Clemson Board of Trustees and the Clemson Board of Visitors, were moved to set up a grant-in-aid for eligible students.
In 2014, the Grace Catherine Clements Endowed Grant-In-Aid was established with the support of the Board of Visitors, named in honor of Grace, the daughter of Clemson University President Jim Clements and First Lady Beth Clements. “We decided to use the IPTAY model of many contributors working toward one big goal,” Debbie stated. The total value of the grant-in-aid endowment is now $1,110,659.
Vice President of Advancement Brian O’Rourke notes the remarkable impact of the grant-in-aid. “The ClemsonLIFE program is such an asset to the University. ClemsonLIFE students positively affect everyone on campus, and support for the Grace Catherine Clements Endowed Grant-in-Aid opens the door for families who might not have been able to consider this program for their children.”
“ClemsonLIFE changes lives – and the grant-in-aid has helped us do that,” said Erica Walters, ClemsonLIFE program director. “The return on investment is exponential. Our students are having a college experience, learning life skills, social skills, and practical job skills. We are so thankful for the continued support of the Grace Catherine Clements Endowed Grant-in-Aid, which gives families this opportunity for their children.”
Brian and Sherry George, parents of Ellie George, said that before they knew about ClemsonLIFE, they thought that Ellie would never leave their home. Since completing the program in 2023, Ellie now lives and works independently, and the Georges said the generosity of donors who have supported the Grace Catherine Clements Endowed Grant-in-Aid allowed Ellie to attend the best program possible for her to become an independent citizen. “We are forever grateful,” Sherry George said. “ClemsonLIFE changed Ellie’s life.”
First Lady Beth Clements stated: “Clemson University is known for a lot of things: top-notch academic and athletic programs, for instance. How great is it that we are also known for providing the access and hope that ClemsonLIFE offers?”
To learn more about how to support the Grace Catherine Clements Endowed Grant-in-Aid, please visit: https://iamatiger.clemson.edu/giving/grace-clements-endowment
