This is something good in the world for your Friday. But be warned… Grab the tissues.
Many universities and colleges nationwide are celebrating their Class of 2025 with commencement ceremonies this weekend. Whether you’re graduating with a two-year degree, a four-year degree, your master’s, doctorate, or anything in between, completing any level of higher education is a huge accomplishment.
Walking across that stage is a huge feat. For some graduates, it’s an even bigger accomplishment if you’re a first-generation college graduate, paid for your education yourself, or if you have a disability of any kind.
Yesterday, Clemson University held one of its graduation ceremonies, which led to a moment that left the internet in a puddle. Clemson University has a program called ClemonsLIFE that allows those with disabilities who seek higher education to be part of a community that best suits their needs and sets them up for success.
“Clemson University offers a collegiate experience that prepares young men and women with intellectual disabilities for competitive employment and independent living through a combination of academic coursework and career exploration. The program is designed for students who desire a post-secondary experience on a college campus.”
The program website details. Through ClemsonLIFE, students can learn to live independently, grow academically, and acquire social/employment skills. The goal of ClemsonLIFE is for students to graduate as self-sufficient young adults in a public university setting.
This year, the ClemsonLIFE program has a very special graduate, Grace Clements, the daughter of the 15th University President, Jim Clements. Grace is a very involved student on campus who went through sorority recruitment. In an interview before her sophomore year, you can hear how proud her parents are of her for moving out and growing her independence.
It’s evident that Grace is her parents’ pride and joy, and every achievement she’s had in life is worth celebrating.
Yesterday, Grace completed the ClemsonLIFE program and walked across the graduation stage to shake her dad’s hand. But of course, given the close relationship and bond she shared with her parents, Grace and her dad had to celebrate big. Grace leaped into her father’s arms, bringing him down to the ground. Although I am sure that was not planned, her father is smiling from ear to ear the whole time. After the two get off the ground, her father gives her a big old bear hug and plans a kiss on her head.
His pride for his daughter is evident to everyone, and the arena roars with applause.
“ClemsonLIFE teaches independence, job skills… and apparently, how to sack a university president.”
I’m sitting here choked up watching this tender moment, so I can only imagine there were no dry eyes in the house during the ceremony.
The moment deservingly went viral. Is there a limit on how many times you can watch a video? Because it’s been on a loop for me, and the tears are flowing.
Check out some of my favorite comments left on the post before you go.
“This is why I love my school. This was a daddy/daughter moment, not her and the president. Such a sweet moment. I love how he went with it and how proud he is!”
“Just the very BEST!!! If I couldn’t love Clemson even more! Go, Grace! Go, Dad! Go, Tigers!”
“So precious! Amazing Grace loves her Daddy! Congratulations! Go Tigers.”
“This might be one of my all-time favorite moments in history!!”
“I love this. Congratulations, Amazing Grace!!”
“The energy in this video is so wonderful.”
“Best graduation, best school, and best family.”
“What an amazing feeling it must be to hand Amazing Grace her diploma. Way to go!!”
“THE BESTEST! Grace was utterly fueled with excitement to love on her Dad to celebrate the moment! So worth it and REAL!”
“I’m not crying, you’re crying.”
“I LOVE THIS!”
“Best graduation video ever! I love my university!”
The post Clemson University’s President & Daughter Go Viral With Tear-Jerking Graduation Moment first appeared on Whiskey Riff.