Clemson University
04/30/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/30/2024 08:17
Clemson LIFE holds Spring 2024 graduation, marks first recipients of hospitality certificate
April 30, 2024April 30, 2024
The Clemson University Clemson LIFE program graduated 16 students during its recent commencement ceremony, which was held April 27 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.
Kathleen Swinney delivered the ceremony's commencement address.
In addition to the 16 graduates of the program, Clemson LIFE also recognized the first recipients of its 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 College of Education Dean Kristin Gehsmann. Also in attendance were Clemson University Provost Bob Jones; Antonis Katsiyannis, alumni distinguished professor of special education in the College of Education; and Erica Walters, program director for Clemson LIFE.
Kathleen Swinney, a long-time supporter of the LIFE program through Athletics and Dabo's All In Team Foundation, 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.
Austin Funk
McDonough, Georgia
Plans after college
After College, my parents and I are off on a new adventure. We will be moving but haven't decided where yet. I am excited to see where we end up.
Favorite part of Clemson
I loved being the manager for the Clemson Baseball team. I am hoping to bring the team all the way to Omaha for the College World Series.
Lindsey Fletcher
Zionsville, Indiana
Plans after college
I am moving back home. I hope to work at either a pizza restaurant or a hair salon. I am excited to be back with my family!
Favorite part of Clemson
I have loved going to the men's basketball and soccer games. I also loved joining my sorority, Chi-Omega!
Jackson Grubbs
St. Matthews, South Carolina
Plans after college
I plan to move back home and work at Piggly Wiggly. I am excited to spend time with my family!
Favorite part of Clemson
My favorite part of Clemson has been hanging out with friends and playing sports! I have also loved spending time with my roommates and independent living assistants.
Davis Harkey
Daniel Island, South Carolina
Plans after college
I am going home to work at New Realm Brewing Company. Come visit me, the menu is awesome! I am also hoping to work at a nursing home, where I can help the elderly population.
Favorite part of Clemson
I loved going to all of the sports events and meeting all of my friends.
Lily Moore
Jefferson, Georgia
Plans after college
I plan to move back home, specically focusing on public speaking and acting!
Favorite part of Clemson
My favorite part of Clemson has been the whole college experience. I have enjoyed meeting new people, making friends and living the college life!
Davian Dean
Aiken, South Carolina
Plans after college
I am moving home and will be working with Tri-Development Center of Aiken County.
Favorite part of Clemson
My favorite part of being a ClemsonLIFE student has been attending fun sporting events!
Madi Dolby
Buford, Georgia
Plans after college
I am staying in Clemson and will be living with roommates! I am going to work at The Shepherd Hotel and Tru Orange Warehouse.
Favorite part of Clemson
My favorite part of being at Clemson has been making friends!
Alex Eveland
Guilford, Connecticut
Plans after college
I am going to be moving into a new apartment with my friends and I will be attending the Hospitality Certicate Program at ClemsonLIFE.
Favorite part of Clemson
My favorite part of being a student at ClemsonLIFE has been making lifelong friendships and being given the chance to live independently!
Chris Garcia
Cibolo, Texasa
Plans after college
I am staying in Clemson and attending the Hospitality Certicate Program at ClemsonLIFE. I will learn more about working in the hospitality industry.
Favorite part of Clemson
My favorite part is meeting new friends and going to the football games!
Nicolas Geoffrey
Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Plans after college
I am going to be living in my townhouse in Clemson and working at Walk-Ons! Come visit me for dinner!
Favorite part of Clemson
No one is a stranger at Clemson! I have gotten to meet so many incredible people! I also love karaoke downtown on the weekends!
Jessica Giddens
Enterprise, Alabama
Plans after college
I am staying in Clemson, living with friends and will be working at the front desk at The Shepherd Hotel!
Favorite part of Clemson
My favorite part of being at Clemson has been building relationships with my sisters in Kappa Delta!
Katherine Jones
Louisville, Kentucky
Plans after college
I am staying in Clemson and living on my own and attending the Hospitality Certicate Program at ClemsonLIFE!
Favorite part of Clemson
I love being a part of my sorority and all the fun coee shops downtown-my favorite is Grace Coffee, where I work!
Zachary Kroeger
Greensboro, North Carolina
Plans after college
I am staying in Clemson and living with my friends and attending the Hospitality Certificate Program at ClemsonLIFE.
Favorite part of Clemson
I have met my best friends here and have loved living downtown!
Kevin Mackey
Zionsville, Indiana
Plans after college
I am staying in Clemson, living with my best friend and working at the Shepherd Hotel!
Favorite part of Clemson
I have loved hanging out with my friends outside and going to Clemson sporting events.
Ryan Mosley
Simpsonville, South Carolina
Plans after college
I will be living in Clemson with one of my best friends and working at the awesome The Shepherd Hotel!
Favorite part of Clemson
My favorite part of being a ClemsonLIFE student has been spending time with friends!
Jon Wesley Barber
Greenville, South Carolina
Plans after college
I am going to be moving into a new apartment with my friends and I will be attending the Hospitality Certicate Program at ClemsonLIFE.
Favorite part of Clemson
My favorite part of being a student in ClemsonLIFE has been managing the women's basketball team and hanging out with friends!
Hope Banks
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Plans after college
I am staying in Clemson, living with my roommate Megan. I will be working at Walk-Ons as a hostess and James F. Martin Inn at the front desk!
Favorite part of Clemson
I love getting to hang out with my friends!
Katie Meriam
Liberty, South Carolina
Plans after college
I am going to live and work independently in Clemson!
Favorite part of Clemson
My favorite part of Clemson was getting to participate in the ClemsonLIFE talent show to show off my love
of Broadway musicals.
Jacob Stark
Peachtree Corners, Georgia
Plans after college
I am going to live in Clemson and work at Delish Sisters.
Favorite part of Clemson
I loved getting to hang out with my friends at the ClemsonLIFE tailgates, football games and going to CSF.
Tyler Trout
Toccoa, Georgia
Plans after college
I plan on staying in Clemson and living with one of my best friends! I am going to continue working in the catering kitchen at Aramark.
Favorite part of Clemson
Every day in Clemson is fantastic! I love getting to hang out with my friends and being independent.
Emily Trumps
Beaufort, South Carolina
Plans after college
I am moving back to Beaufort to live independently in an apartment with a friend. I'm looking forward to having a job in hospitality that suits me well.
Favorite part of Clemson
I loved getting to go to the sports clinics, especially football! It gave me the opportunity to try out sports that I never had the opportunity to play before because of my disability.
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