The Clemson University ClemsonLIFE ™ program graduated 15 students during its recent commencement ceremony, which was held April 26 at NewSpring Church of Clemson.
ClemsonLIFE 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.
Among these 15 graduates were four graduates of ClemsonLIFE’s hospitality certificate program. This employment-based, two-year program combines classroom and employment experience to prepare students for employment in the hospitality industry.
The program welcomed special guests to the ceremony, including Clemson University President James P. Clements, Provost Robert H. Jones, College of Education Dean Kristin Gehsmann, Executive Director and Sue Stanzione Distinguished Professorship for ClemsonLIFE Joseph Ryan, ClemsonLIFE Program Director Erica Walters and Clemson Mayor Robert Halfacre.
Dabo Swinney, a long-time supporter of the LIFE program through Clemson Athletics and Dabo’s All In Team Foundation, delivered the ceremony’s commencement address.
Learn more about all of the ClemsonLIFE graduates, what they have planned after graduation and what they consider highlights of their time at Clemson in the LIFE program.
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Nicholas Eichman
Barnwell, South Carolina
Plans After College
I am working at The Animal Advocates Friends for Life, an animal shelter where I care for the cats and dogs.
Favorite Part of Clemson
Hanging out with all my friends.
Emily Weiss
Dallas, Texas
Plans After College
I want to go home and find a job. I want to play tennis with my dad and join a cooking club.
Favorite Part of Clemson
Eating at Red Bowl with my sorority sisters.
Lily Burrows
Cartersville, Georgia
Plans After College
I want to find a job in sports medicine and find an apartment where I can live on my own.
Favorite Part of Clemson
I love being in my sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma.
Ross Hicks
Alpharetta, Georgia
Plans After College
I am going into the Hospitality Certificate Program at ClemsonLIFE. I will be living with my friends in our own apartment.
Favorite Part of Clemson
Meeting all of my friends and being a brother in my fraternity, Fiji.
Lauren Peterson
Watkinsville, Georgia
Plans After College
Moving to Watkinsville and will be working at a hair salon and applying and hope to work at a nonprofit or preschool with kids. I also hope to get involved in disability advocacy!
Favorite Part of Clemson
All the ways I have been able to be involved on campus! I love my sorority Kappa Delta, my roommates, the ClemsonLIFE program and going to all the sporting events!
Hunter Hopkins
Saluda, South Carolina
Plans After College
I will be living with my friends in an apartment and working at Your Pie and Schilletter Dining Hall on campus.
Favorite Part of Clemson
There are so many fun things to do like going in the pool, working out, going to the football games and hanging out with friends.
Nataleigh Deal
North Augusta, South Carolina
Plans After College
Moving to North Augusta to work at the YMCA in the child care center and using all my skills I learned at ClemsonLIFE.
Favorite Part of Clemson
Going to the football tailgates! The energy in Clemson on a game day is amazing!
Taylor Freeman
Hartwell, Georgia
Plans After College
I am moving home to live with my family for next year and then hope to find my own apartment. I am hoping to work at a local preschool.
Favorite Part of Clemson
My favorite part of Clemson was my teachers and my friends.
Emily Terzich
Clemson, South Carolina
Plans After College
I am moving into a condo with my friend and will be attending the ClemsonLIFE Hospitality Certificate Program. I hope to be able to get a job in the hospitality industry.
Favorite Part of Clemson
I loved going to sporting events and being the Clemson Cheer manager.
Grace Clements
Clemson, South Carolina
Plans After College
I am going to attend the Hospitality Certificate Program and live with my friend Emily in a condo in downtown Clemson.
Favorite Part of Clemson
I love managing the softball team and cheering on all the Tiger athletes!
Grey Abramson
Columbia, South Carolina
Plans After College
I am planning on moving to Greenville to be a part of the ClemsonLIFE ACES program and work in a hotel.
Favorite Part of Clemson
I love Clemson’s campus and getting to hang out with the ClemsonLIFE volunteers and my friend, Ross.
Zavien Terry
Simpsonville, South Carolina
Plans After College
I plan to move back home to Simpsonville where I plan to work in a school cafeteria.
Favorite Part of Clemson
My favorite part of Clemson is all of the ice cream places. Handles has the best flavors but Spill the Beans has the best seating.
Patrick Devitt
New Canaan, Connecticut
Plans After College
After Graduation my plan is to move to Greenville, be a part of the ClemsonLIFE ACES program and start my life!
Favorite Part of Clemson
My favorite part of Clemson is having fun at the clinics and making memories with my teachers.
Kalim Wigfall
Charleston, South Carolina
Plans After College
I am moving to Charleston and looking forward to finding a job.
Favorite Part of Clemson
My favorite part of Clemson was workout buddies because I got to stay fit while hanging out with my friends.
Camille Flewellen
Roswell, Georgia
Plans After College
I am planning on staying in Clemson and will be working at Halal Shack!
Favorite Part of Clemson
My favorite part of Clemson was hanging out with my friends at basketball and soccer games.
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